Course # / Title:

CRN 30254, AET 1380.21 - Survey of Recording Technology

Course Credit Hours:

3 Credit Hours

Semester:

Summer ’09 Term II

Instructor:

Timmy Tappan Ed.D., M.Ed., B.S.

Instructor Contacts:

460-6290; tappant@mail.belmont.edu

Instructor Office Hours:

8:00 Weekdays by appointment

Class Location:

MCREMS B25 (Studio Level/Massey)

Meeting Time(s):

9:30am – 11:15am MTWRF; July 12, 2009 through August 10, 2009

Final Exam:

August 10 @ 9:30am

Course Webpage:

http://campus.belmont.edu/mb/AET1380/

Dr. Tappan’s Webpage

http://coba.belmont.edu/fac/tappant

 

Course Description:

AET 1380 Survey of Recording Technology (3) A study of the major areas of recording technology as related to the music industry.  The student receives an overview of analog and digital technology with attention to its innovations, history, and effect on the music industry.

 

Course Outcomes:  At the end of this course the student will be able to:

 

ú         identify and recall basic facts, concepts, important individuals, and events that have influenced music-recording technology.

ú         recognize examples of historically significant music-recordings.

ú         recall basic knowledge about and apply basic skills related to the music-recording process.

 

Performance Tasks:  During this course the student will:

 

ú         identify the fundamental properties of hearing and sound with regard to differences in the spectral, dynamic, and spatial characteristics of recordings.

ú         classify listening examples from the acoustic, electrical, and digital eras.

ú         describe how devices differed and recording mediums affect the sound quality of  music recording.

ú         observe the recording process and participate in applying basic music recording techniques.

 

Assessment Tools:

During this course, outcomes mastery will be evaluated by:

ú         written observations of studio recording sessions.  

ú         completion of a collaborative mix project.

ú         completion of a collaborative final recording project or class presentation.

ú         a comprehensive written exam based on lectures, assigned readings, and listening.

 

Testing & Assignments:

 

Activity

Credit

Purpose/Description

1.  Tests (4)

400 points

(100 points each)

40%

Based on lectures will assess the student’s knowledge base of the topic.

2.  Quizzes (4)

40 points

(10 points each)

4%

Based on lectures, PowerPoint presentations, class discussions, reading assignments, handouts, and vocabulary

3. Mix Project

100 points

10%

A collaborative group mix project demonstrates the student’s ability to use classroom studio equipment.  Grading is achieved by a mix rubric.

4. Studio Observation Report (4)

140 points

(35 points each)

14%

A three page summary of observed recording sessions @ Belmont Studios

5. Recording Project

120 points

12%

A collaborative group recording project demonstrates the student’s ability to record a song using classroom studio equipment. Accompanied by a three-page report documenting procedure, the report and mix are graded using a final project rubric.

or

 

 

5b. Class Presentation

120 points

12%

In lieu of a final recording project, students will give a PPT presentation accompanied by a five-page report of a instructor-approved subject that elates to recording technology. Paper must cite a minimum of (5) references and use MLA or APA format.

6.  Final Exam

200 points

20%

A comprehensive test of multiple-choice questions that will measure the depth of the student’s knowledge base of the course topics and short-answer questions that will assess the student’s assimilation of knowledge gained from lectures and readings.

 

Course & Classroom Policies:

Assignments:  All students are expected to prepare and contribute to class discussions. Additional class readings and website links are available on the class website link noted above.  You are expected to complete reading and study of textbook chapter assignments as noted in the daily class schedule. Observation of three recording sessions at designated intervals with detailed reports is required.   Additionally, all students will complete the lab tutorials and record a final project using classroom equipment.

 

Testing:  All test dates are noted in the class schedule. No makeup tests or quizzes will be given.  The final exam is comprehensive. No electronic devices of any kind maybe used during exams.

 

Attendance & Participation:

Attendance:  Class attendance follows university policy as stated in the current Undergraduate Bulletin.  Class participation is expected; attendance and absence will be noted.

 

http://www.belmont.edu/catalog/undergrad2008jun/apolicy/index.html

 

Materials: Audio in Media, 7th Edition, Stanley R. Alten, Thomson, Wadsworth.  (recommended if you can find used)                                            

 

The AET1380 Workbook is  available at the bookstore and is required.

 

A class notebook/binder and several blank CD-R’s for class projects will be needed.

 

PLEASE NOTE: Audio in Media, 7th Edition is the recommended purchase and is no longer available from the publisher.  You are encouraged to find a used text, or purchase the new 8th edition from the bookstore.  It is not recommended to purchase individual chapters online via ichapters.com because many 1380 students have experienced problems unlocking chapters after purchase.  The following chapters are covered in this course. 1) Ears, 2) Physics & Psychophysics, 3) Acoustics & Psychoacoustics, 4) Microphones, 5) Consoles & Control Surfaces,

6) Recording, 8) Signal Processors, 9) Loudspeakers & Monitoring, and 13) Music Production.

 

All students are expected to prepare and contribute to class discussions.  Specific class activities, lecture notes, reminders, and reviews are updated frequently using Blackboard.  Additional class readings and website links are available on the class website. http://campus.belmont.edu/mb/AET1380/

 

You are expected to complete reading and study of textbook chapter assignments as noted in the daily class schedule.  Additional material given via handouts and class PPT lecture notes (available for print via Blackboard) will require an organized binder.  A #2 pencil will be needed for quizzes and multiple-choice tests.  Observation of four recording sessions at designated intervals with detailed reports will be required.   Additionally, all students will complete a collaborative mix project, a final recording project, or a class presentation.

 

 

Grade Evaluation:  As per CEMB policy, the grade assignment scale for this course is:

 

Grade

Percent (GPA)

A

94 (4.0)

A-

90 (3.7)

B+

87 (3.3)

B

84 (3.0)

B-

80 (2.7)

C+

77 (2.3)

C

74 (2.0)

C-

70 (1.7)

Final grades below 70 % will not apply to the major.

D+

67

D

64

D-

60

F

< 60

 

Honor Code: It is the responsibility of each student to abide by the Belmont University Honor Code.  “In affirmation of the Belmont University Statement of Values, I pledge that 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.”

 

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 the Office of the Dean of Students located in Beaman Student Life Center (460-6407) as soon as possible.

 

Class Schedule:

 

 

 

Topics

Assignments Due

July/Week 1

13

M

FIRST DAY OF CLASS; Syllabus & Handouts

"What Am I Doing Here?"

 

14

T

The Science of Hearing: How the ear works

Organize groups

 

 

15

W

Acoustics-The Physics of Sound

Listening examples

 

 

16

R

Psychoacoustics-How Humans Perceive Sound

View & Discuss Historical Timeline

Listening examples

Quiz #1

 

17

F

Review Week’s Material

Discuss & explore tinfoil.com

Discuss Trade Magazine Ads

Test #1

 

 

Week 2

20

M

Microphone Design

Electro-Magnetic Transduction

 

 

21

T

Mic Response Characteristics

Connections Video

Discussion of Edison, Bell, Berliner

Studio Observation #1

 

22

W

Mic Placement Techniques

Discussion of Berliner’s role in mic development

Listening examples

 

 

23

R

Conclude Discussion On Mics

Discuss Mix Project

Lab Tutorial: Handout

Fill In Tutorial Worksheets

Listening examples

Quiz #2

 

24

F

Review Week’s Material

Catch up

Test #2

 

 

Week 3

27

M

Console Design

Studio Observation #2

 

28

T

Analog/Magnetic Recording Basics

Listening examples

Mix Project

 

29

W

Digital Recording Basics

Binary Numbers

Discuss DAWs

 

 

30

R

Conclude Discussion on Recording Basics

Quiz #3

 

31

F

Review Week’s Material

Catch up

Test #3

 

 

August/Week 4

3

M

Signal Processing: Spectral Processors

Listening Examples

Discuss Final Project

Lab Tutorial Handout

Fill In Tutorial Worksheets

Studio Observation #3

 

4

T

Signal Processing: Time Processors

Listening examples

Group Mix Project

 

5

W

Signal Processing: Dynamic Processors

Introduce Golden Ears

Listening examples

 

 

6

R

Speaker Design

Listening examples

Studio Observation #4

Quiz #4

 

7

F

Review Week’s Material

 

Test #4

Final Project/Presentation

 

 

Week 5

10

M

Video: The Making of Sgt. Peppers

 

 

11

T

FINAL EXAM

F I N A L!!!!!