BELMONT UNIVERSITY

MIKE CURB COLLEGE OF ENTERTAINMENT & MUSIC BUSINESS

AET 3190.30 AUDIO ENGINEERING II

Summer Semester 2007

Instructor: Billy W. Prince

Contact: princeb@mail.belmont.edu Office: CMB B-1A Phone 460-5553

Credit/Class location: 3 Hours/Center for Music Business, Massey B07

Class Times: Mon/Wed 9:30 AM – 10:50 AM

Lab time(s): Tue/Thur 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

Class Webpage: Blackboard (formerly Web CT) Access using your BIC account.

Educational Objectives of the Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music: 1) To provide a personalized career-oriented and practical educational program in Music Business administration emphasizing the four themes of leadership, innovation, private enterprise, and entrepreneurship. 2) To equip students with the ability to communicate effectively, think critically, and make enlightened judgments about their environment. 3) To emphasize quality classroom instruction within the parameters of caring, Christian principles.

Course Description: AET 3190 Audio Engineering II (3) Prerequisite: AET 3090 and permission of instructor. A continuation of AET 3090, this course is an accelerated study and use of perpetual components found in the modern recording studio complex. Topics include advanced signal flow and console operations, central patchbay functions, advanced stereo miking techniques, effective use of iso- booths and recording space, analog tape machine calibration, tape machine operations (analog and digital), computer-based digital recording and editing, transfers (analog, digital & network), synchronization, advanced signal processing, automated console operations, and the role of the audio engineer. Emphasis is placed on the development of consistent audio perception skills characteristic of the successful recording engineer. Lab hours required. ($30.00 course fee)

Honor CODE:

As members of the Belmont community, students, faculty, staff, and administrators are all responsible for ensuring that their experiences will be free of behaviors, which compromise value. In order to uphold academic integrity, the University has adopted an Honor System. Students and faculty will work together to establish the optimal conditions for honorable academic work. Following is the Student Honor Pledge that guides academic behavior:

“I will not give or receive aid during examinations; I will not give or receive false or impermissible aid in course work, in the preparation of reports, or in any other type of work that is to be used by the instructor as the basis of my grade; I will not engage in any form of academic fraud. Furthermore, I will uphold my responsibility to see to it that others abide by the spirit and letter of this Honor Pledge.”

Learning Outcomes: The student will demonstrate:

An appropriate mastery of the knowledge, techniques, skills, and modern tools of the audio engineering discipline;

An ability to apply current knowledge and adapt to emerging applications of mathematics, science, engineering, and technology;

An ability to conduct, analyze and interpret experiments, and apply experimental results to improve processes;

An ability to apply creativity in the design of systems, components, or processes appropriate to program objectives;

An ability to function effectively on teams;

An ability to identify, analyze and solve technical problems;

An ability to communicate effectively;

A recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in lifelong learning;

An ability to understand professional, ethical and social responsibilities;

A respect for diversity and a knowledge of contemporary professional, societal and global issues

A commitment to quality, timeliness, and continuous improvement

An appreciation for the arts, humanities, religion, social sciences, and natural sciences;

An awareness of the complex nature of the world around them and become engaged with that larger whole.

Performance Criteria: Students will:

Identify and differentiate the components of the NEVE (Studio A), SSL (Studio B), and Mackie (Studio C) consoles explaining their function;

Identify and contrast the internal patch bays of the NEVE (Studio A), SSL (Studio B), and Mackie (Studio C) consoles explaining their function;

Examine the purpose and function of the central patch bay system;

Perform an accurate calibration of the Studer 827 analog tape machine and explain the significance of proper bias setting;

Apply advanced stereo distant miking techniques using condenser microphones;

Demonstrate the use of Pro Tools as a multi-track tape machine by: Creating session files,

Transferring tracks/files between formats used, Recording, managing, and creating backup files,

Transferring files over the network;

Demonstrate a knowledge of SMPTE chase lock by synchronizing a digital transfer;

Demonstrate mixing back into ProTools and Nuendo, normalizing, and bounce to disk.

Demonstrate basic automation functions using Flying Faders (Neve console), and Ultimation (SSL console).

Demonstrate a knowledge of the parameters and function of a compressor, limiter, gate, and expander, internally by use of the console, and externally, by use of available outboard gear.

Demonstrate advanced dynamic processing by creating external keying, ducking, and de-essing.

Develop a basic understanding of sound localization, spatial processing, binaural hearing, Jeffress's neural model of auditory psychoacoustics, sound in an enclosed space, the precedence effect and echo suppression processing, the duplex theory, and Mill's minimum audible angle (MAA) units.

Demonstrate an advanced knowledge of the use of reverb, delay, and special effects by applying proper optimization of the effect send and return.

Describe how developments in recording technology have influenced trends in business.

Define, interpret, and apply a technical language for use within the music business industry.

Assess the quality of audio, and recording techniques developed using critical listening skills.

Create two recording projects that confirm the use of gained knowledge, require individual hands-on experience, and synthesize quality audio recording principles.

Accommodation of Disabilities: In compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act, Belmont University will provide reasonable accommodation of all medically documented disabilities.  If you have a disability and would like the university to provide reasonable accommodations of the disability during this course, please notify Tammye Tanksley, Director of Counseling & Developmental Support in the Office of the Dean of Students (460-6407) as soon as possible.

Course Requirements:

Text & Materials: 1) Current edition of the Audio Engineering 2 Workbook (New Frontier Publishing). 2) Current edition of Audio in Media (7th Ed.) by Stanley R. Alten (Wadsworth Publishing Co.). You are responsible for all information contained in the workbook and other readings as assigned. A class notebook/binder & 3-hole puncher is recommended. 3) Recording supplies: 2-inch analog master tape (furnished); A DVD Ram data storage disk for backup of RADAR recording; blank CD-R’s; and misc. 3.5 inch computer disk(s) as needed. A CD label will be required for identifying your final project.* Although not required, an external USB 2.0/firewire drive, or a USB flash drive is recommended for personal backup of your projects. The alternative to a hard drive or flash drive, is to back up on DVD-R or CD-R disks. You are responsible for backing up your projects !!!!

*If you wish, you may use a printable CD.

Attendance: As per current Undergraduate Bulletin at:

http://www.belmont.edu/catalog/undergrad2006jun/apolicy/index.html

Participation and Prepared assignments:

You are expected to: show a sincere effort of co-operation, participation, and self application during this course of study; read assigned and recommended text and handouts; and fully complete ALL class, lab, homework, and project assignments.

You are required to engineer two recording projects.

(A) Three sessions comprising (1) a 2-inch 30 ips analog Tracking Session in Studio A, Transferred to ProTools (24bit 88.2kHz) for overdubs (2) to be done in Studio C. (3) Mixed through the NEVE console to two tracks in ProTools , Normalized and bounced to disk, stereo interleaved 44.1 kHz 16 bit, And saved on the Record Drive of the Mac In Studio A, Due Monday, July 16, With All Documentation of Project #1. Immediately following the initial tracking session of your song, you must complete a stereo 2 mix and record it back to tape as a cue reference for your overdubs (tracks 23 & 24). You must also burn a CD of this mix to the Alesis Masterlink, or the HHB burner. This CD is due to be turned in, the first class following your tracking session. Then Transfer your tracks to ProTools. This MUST be done at this time

**An Additional Handout will be provided on Recording procedure for both projects.

(B) Three sessions comprising (1) Tracking on Radar in studio A and backed up on a DVD RAM disk. (2) Session to be uploaded from DVD RAM disk to hard drive in studio B. Overdubs and, (3) Mix to be done in Studio B on the SSL console, and mixed to Two tracks in NUENDO, Normalized, and exported as a stereo mix-down .wav file (stereo interleaved 16 bit 44.1 KHz), and stored on the Studio B internal Project Drive. Using Toast CD Burning software, make a CD containing project 1 and project 2 respectively. (Due Wednesday August 1^st along with all supporting documentation of Project #2) Be sure your CD label contains all required information.

Assistant Sessions: In order to gain hands-on experience, you are required to serve as assistant engineer for recording sessions in the CMB studios. Every assistant hour will receive a credit of 6.25 points. Bonus credit may be earned by completion of more than 16 assistant hours. Each hour of assisting above 16 will earn 5 bonus points up to a maximum of 120 points. Credit hours will be logged via the CMB Studio Invoice database system. You must be properly booked on the session and sign the invoice at the end of the session in order to receive credit. Each session will have 1 required assistant, and may also have 1 optional assistant. On Pjt 1, AE2 students are the required assistant on the Tracking & Mixing sessions, and also may have an optonal AE1 assistant. Pjt. 1 overdubs are required to use an AE1 assistant. On pjt 2, an AE1 Assistant is required for tracking, And AE2 for overdubs & mixing. (This is also noted on the session work order). Audio 2 students will receive first 3 calls to assist on all non-class projects.

Lab Sessions: In order to gain experience with specific tasks, you are required to participate in various lab sessions. Credit for lab participation is based on lab hours completed. Each lab session will earn 10 points. Bonus credit may be earned by completion of more than 10 labs. Lab sessions are scheduled on Tuesday and Thursday mornings 9:30 – 11 AM. The class may be split for Labs, half on Tuesday, and half on Thursday, in order to keep numbers of students for lab at a minimum, to ensure maximum hands-on practice.

Testing: There will be a Mid-Term , Final Exam and 2 quizzes. Mid-Term and Final will be comprehensive and inclusive of all class content and assigned reading material covered to that date. Quizzes will occur on week 4 and week 12. NO "MAKE-UP" TESTS.

Basis of final grade evaluation: Scale as per current Undergraduate Bulletin, (Vol. 50).

Item	Credit Percentile (%)
1. Quizzes (2)	5
2. Mid Term Exam Written 7.5
“ “ “ Practical	5
“ “ “ Document Check	2.5
3. Recording projects (2) 10% each (Grade based on technical aspects of the project, not the music or musical performance)	20
5. Labs	20
6. Assistant Sessions	15
7. Final Exam Written	15
8. Final Exam Practical	10

Audit Students:

As per the current Belmont University Bulletin (catalog), students who audit are allowed to attend classes as a "non-participant in a non-credit, non-degree seeking status." However, audit students are encouraged to participate in class discussions and labs and to attend and observe recording sessions in the Center for Music Business studios. Students who audit will not be given a report topic, recording project, or allowed to assist as second engineer on project recording sessions. In addition, since auditing is a non-credit status, participation as an audit will not meet the minimum qualifications for booking and participating in recording sessions held in the Center for Music Business Studios.

Class Schedule:

Meeting Topic

1 Jun 4	Class Introduction – Overview of Equipment in the R.E. Mulloy Student Studios – Studios A & B.
2 Jun 6	Intro to Neve Signal flow … I/O Module Homework assignment.. Lab Workbook
3 Jun 11	Neve Signal flow cont’d. Center section – Patch bay.. Console Status selector.
4 Jun 13	Condenser Microphones Patterns, Techniques, Blumlein Stereo Techniques, Decca Tree
5 Jun 18	Analog Calibration Quiz 1
6 Jun 20	Pro Tools – Session Setup, File management, Analog to Pro-Tools transfers (Tracking sessions this week)
7 Jun25	Studio C – file transfers & overdubbing.. Mixing back to Pro-Tools (Overdub sessions for Pjt #1 This Week)
8 Jun27	Mid-Term Exam / Practical
9 Jul 2	Dynamic Processing. Gates, Expanders, Compressors, Limiters. Keying, ducking, D-S-ing. Neve Dynamics VS outboard processors..
10 Jul 9	Neve Flying Fader Automation.. Setting up the mix .. The global master.. RSI, Touch Record, Lock Record, Automatch. Neve Recall
11 Jul 11	Quiz 2 RADAR Operations Various Dig. Formats, Nuendo
12 Jul 16	Project 1 due (Paperwork, Documentation, & Mix completed) SSL operations, signal flow
13 Jul 18	More SSL operations & Signal Flow. SSL Dynamics Processors.
14 Jul23	Effects Processing . Plates Reverbs and Digital effects. Tape delay
15 Jul 25	SSL Ultimation ..Mixing Techniques
16 Jul 30	Class Mix Exercise
17 Aug 1	Project 2 due Listen to Projects in Class
18 Aug 6	Review for Final Exam
19 Aug 8	Final Written & Practical exam.

Audio Engineering Lab Schedule

Tuedays or Thursdays @ 9:30 AM

	LAB	SCHEDULE	CREDIT
1	Signal Flow Lab	Tue Jun 5	10 points
	Studio A	Thur Jun 7
2	Large Session Set-up	Tue Jun 12	10 points
	Studios A	Thur Jun 14
3	Analog – Calibration	Tue Jun 19	10 points
		Thur Jun 21
4	Analog – Radar Transfers	Tue Jun 26	10 points
		Thur Jun 28
5	Advanced Dynamic Processing	Tue Jul 3	10 points
		Thur Jul 5
6
	NEVE Flying Faders	Tue Jul 10	10 points
	Studio A	Thur Jul 12

7
	SSL Signal Flow	Tue Jul 17	10 points
	Studio B Small setup	Thur Jul 19
8
	Dynamic & Effects Processing	Tue Jul 24	10 points
	Studios A / B	Thur Jul 26
9	SSL Ultimation	Tue Jul 31	10 points
	Studio B	Thur Aug 2
10	Spacial Effects Processing	Tue Aug 7	10 points
	Studios A & B	Thur Aug 9

AE 2 Project Criteria Paperwork Details

Organizing Your Project. (Strongly suggested)

Pre-Production Meeting.. Once you have found the artist and reserved a date to record, Set up a Pre-production meeting with Producers, Artist, Musicians, and Assistant Engineers. Take your project packet with you to the meeting. At this meeting, you should establish the information required for your work order in order for your project session to be confirmed. Song Title, Writer(s), Artist, Publisher, PRO, if applicable. If the song is original and not published, write “unpublished” on that line of your work order.

At this meeting, you should obtain a Lyric Sheet of the song to be recorded from the writer or artist. The session leader should also be prepared to give you a chord chart of the song’s arrangement.

Required Paperwork: Each project session will be booked in advance on the schedule in RED. A Work order MUST be submitted containing pre-production information, and other vital information about your session. This must be done at least one week in advance of your first project session in order to get confirmed status (GREEN) Your project will be graded using this criteria sheet and your syllabus as the standard. Paperwork will consist of 60% of your project, and your recording will be 40%. Procedure and organization will be exemplified in your work.

Paperwork Packet Turned in will be as follows:

1. A separately typed credit sheet listing all musicians, writers, engineer, producer, assistant engineer, staff engineer, Song title, length of song, Publisher, and PRO, info. (If none, so state)

2. Track Sheet (1 for each project – Completely fill out both sides)

3. Studio layout of tracking and overdub sessions. (Pjt 1 - A & B; Pjt 2 - A & C) (Provided in Packet.)

4. Obtain Yellow copy of each session invoice from the studio staff person at the end of each session.

5. A dynamics, and effects processing sheet for each mix – 2 provided. (Projects 1 and 2).

6. A lyric sheet of each song recorded. Containing the Writer/Pub/PRO info. (Obtain this from your artist / writer at your Pre-Production Meeting). At the vocal session, write the locate number of the recorder (min./Sec) at the beginning of each lyric line, and should also be recorded on the track sheet at the time of the tracking session by the assistant engineer.

7. A Chord chart (preferably the Nashville number system) of each song. (Should be obtainable at your Pre-Production Meeting from either the writer/artist, or the musician serving as Session Leader at the session).

8. Completely fill out the packet of AES materials provided.

9. A properly labeled CD containing two songs, Project 1 & 2 respectively.

You may use the software, printer, and PC at the desk in the CMB to make your CD label. The software is called “Click ‘N Design.” You will have to furnish your own label, or if you wish, you may use a printable CD, and use the program, “Epson Print CD”. Use your sample Project Grade Sheet as a checklist to make sure your label contains all the required information.

10. The Project Grade Sheet included in the packet given to you.

*The neatness and organization of your documentation and paperwork will comprise 60% of your project grade.** Any deviation from this procedure will result in points deducted.. **