AET2090: Assistant Engineer Assignment
Requirements
Students
translate details of recording sessions to industry standard documentation
within a specified time.
Assignment 1:
Recording Session Documentation
Student
Assistant Engineer will document the details of a recording session by
observing the setup and completing the following documents based upon that
setup. Student must complete the
documentation during the allotted time.
Documents
must be submitted in this order
1.
AES Media Insert: Describes the
content of a CD, DVD or Hard Drive.
Complete it as if it were to be used with a CD copy of a mix.
2.
AES/NARAS Recording
Map: In addition to the information
requested on the top of the Recording Map also include the following: Date of
Session, Assistant Engineer, Staff Engineer.
3.
Track
Sheet/Microphone List: Use the CEMB
Track Sheet to list what will be recorded to each track of the 2” analog
tape. On the backside of the Track Sheet
is a setup sheet to list sound sources, mics, mic lines, and mic preamps.
4.
Studio Layout: Show the locations of each instrument in the
studio during each phase of recording.
Include mic placement, layout of mic lines and cue lines, baffles, etc.
5.
Session Equipment
Recall Documents: Use
the AES/NARAS Tracking coversheet and the equipment recall documents to record
every control setting used during each session.
·
Place
completed Equipment Recall Documents in this order:
1.
AES/NARAS
Tracking coversheet
2.
API
Master Section
3.
API
Channel Section
4.
API
Monitor Section
Assisting 1 Session
Dates
September 12, 13, 14 (Fri-Sat-Sun); 19-20-21
(Fri-Sat-Sun); 30-minute blocks between 11a-3pm each date.
Assignment due
Tuesday, September 23rd.
Assignment 2: Mixing
Session Documentation
Student
Assistant Engineer will document the details of a mixing session by observing
the equipment settings and patches and completing the appropriate equipment
recall documents based upon those settings.
Student must complete the documentation during the allotted time.
Documents
must be submitted in this order
1.
AES Media Insert: Describes the
content of a CD, DVD or Hard Drive.
Complete it as if it were to be used with a CD copy of a mix.
2.
AES/NARAS Recording
Map: In addition to the information requested
on the top of the Recording Map also include the following: Date of Session,
Assistant Engineer, Staff Engineer.
3.
Track Sheet: Use the CEMB Track Sheet to list what has
been recorded to each track of the 2” analog tape.
4.
Session Equipment
Recall Documents: Use
the AES/NARAS Mixing coversheet and the equipment recall documents to record
every control setting used during each session.
·
Place
completed Equipment Recall Documents in this order:
1.
AES/NARAS
Mixing coversheet
2.
API
Master Section
3.
API
Channel Section
4.
API
Monitor Section
5.
API
Equalizer settings
6.
Outboard
EQ and Dynamics Processors (compressors, gates)
7.
Outboard
Time Processors (Reverb, tape delay)
Assisting 2 Session
Dates
October 31, November 1-2 (Fri-Sat-Sun); November 19-20-21
(Fri-Sat-Sun); 30-minute blocks between 11a-3pm each date.
Assignment due
Tuesday, November 11.
AET2090: Project 1 Requirements
Project 1: Lab Tape
Mixes (1-hour session)
Student
Engineer will mix a song from the AE1 Lab Tape to demonstrate basic playback
signal flow of the API Channel Section and Monitor Section.
·
Student
will use the channel section for one mix and the monitor section for the other
mix.
·
Student
may only use the onboard faders, stereo buss pans, and mutes; student may not
use equalizers or outboard equipment.
·
The
final version of each mix will be recorded into Pro Tools. The channel stereo
buss is normalled in the patch bay to Pro Tools;
student will patch the monitor stereo buss to Pro Tools to record the monitor mix.
·
Pro
Tools session name to be student’s last name, first initial,
underscore, P1 (ex: JanasM_P1). Pro Tools sessions not following this protocol
will be deleted from the drive and the student will receive an F for the
project.
·
Pro
Tools Mix: After recording each mix,
place a Fade-In at the head of the song and a Fade-Out at the tail. Do not
normalize the mixes.
·
“Bounce
to disc” as a stereo interleaved, 44.1kHz, 16-bit AIFF
file to the Audio Files folder of the Pro Tools session.
·
Print
the audio CD of the final mix using the Toast application.
Student Engineer
Responsibilities
1.
Coordinate
session
a.
Choose
assistant engineer and reserve session date with studio manager
2.
Project
Recording Session
a.
Arrive
promptly at studio and sign in
b.
Create
mixes as specified.
c.
Print
mixes to Pro Tools as specified.
d.
Review
session documentation with assistant engineer.
e.
Clean
up studio and control room, normal (“zero”) console and signal processing
equipment.
Assistant Engineer
Responsibilities
1.
Arrive
promptly at studio and sign in
2.
Select
session documentation sheets from file cabinet.
3.
Complete
the session documentation.
4.
Assist
in setup and clean up of studio room and control room.
MATERIALS REQUIRED
FOR EACH PROJECT
·
PROVIDED
BY STUDENT:
1.
Blank
CD-Rs with jewel cases (do not use CD-A discs)
2.
Manila
envelopes with clasp (or equivalent) to submit projects (it will contain your
Mix CDs & session documentation)
·
PROVIDED
BY RCA STUDIO B:
1.
Neato Labels for CD-Rs (create using the
public access computer at RCA Studio B)
2.
Specific
2” Analog Recording Tape for playback
3.
Session
documentation forms (located in the black file cabinet in the Break Room)
RECORDING SESSION
DOCUMENTATION: Documents must be submitted in this order to receive full credit.
6.
CD Label & AES
Media Insert: Use the provided Neato
CD label for the CD and complete an AES/NARAS Media Insert for the CD jewel
case.
7.
Session Invoice: The yellow copy of the session invoice.
8.
Session Journal: With a minimum one page per session, describe
the events of the session including the reasons for audio decisions made during
the course of the session.
9.
AES/NARAS Recording
Map: In addition to the information
requested on the Recording Map also include the following:
·
Recording Credits: Date of Project Mix
Session, Staff Engineer, Assistant Engineer, and anyone else who contributed to
the session.
10.
Session Equipment Recall Documents: Use the AES/NARAS
Tracking and Mixing coversheets and the equipment recall documents to detail
every control setting used during each session.
Use as many equipment recall sheets as necessary.
·
Place
Equipment Recall Documents in this order:
5.
AES/NARAS
Mixing coversheet
6.
API
Master Section
7.
API
Channel Section
8.
API
Monitor Section
AET2090: Project 2 – Small Recording Session
DESCRIPTION:
Student Engineer Team (2 engineers from the same AE1 section) will record and mix a song using 6 tracks or less.
The Student Team will record a vocalist accompanied by an acoustic instrument to the Pro Tools Digi002 digital multitrack recorder.
When the recording of the individual parts is complete, the Student Engineer Team will create a mix of the tracks using the Channel side of the API console, record the mix back to Pro Tools, and burn a CD.
ENGINEER TEAM RESPONSIBILITIES
Coordinate session
Choose assistant engineer (from any section) and reserve session date with studio manager
Submit a completed RCAB Work Order to the RCAB Studio Manager to confirm session date.
Choose song
Plan Recording Session
Plan studio layout (placement of musicians in room).
Plan mic assignments and track layout.
Acquire lyrics, create vocal and song arrangement charts and make copies for session.
Project Recording Session
Arrive promptly at studio and sign in
Check out equipment needed from staff engineer (mics, headphones, etc.)
Setup: prepare studio room as needed (rugs, baffles, stands, cables, cues)
Place mics, test signal path, check sounds, blend cues.
Record song.
Create mix as specified.
Print mix to two-track recorders as specified.
Review session documentation with assistant engineer.
Clean up studio and control room, put away equipment and instruments, normal (“zero”) console and signal processing equipment.
ASSISTANT ENGINEER RESPONSIBILITIES
Arrive promptly at studio and sign in
Select session documentation sheets from file cabinet.
Complete the session documentation.
Assist in setup and clean up of studio room and control room.
MATERIALS REQUIRED FOR PROJECT 2
PROVIDED BY STUDENT:
Blank CD-Rs with jewel cases (do not use CD-A discs)
Manila envelopes with clasp (or equivalent) to submit projects (it will contain your Mix CDs & session documentation)
PROVIDED BY RCA STUDIO B:
Neato Labels for CD-Rs (create using the public access computer at RCA Studio B)
Session documentation forms (located in the black file cabinet in the Break Room)
SONG:
Recorded song may be an original composition or a “cover” (previously released).
Use as many overdub passes as necessary to complete tracks.
INSTRUMENTS:
Acoustic instruments only – no electronic or electric instruments used on this project.
Small percussion is allowed: shakers, tambourine, djembe, brush snare, etc. NO drum sets.
Engineers and Assistant Engineers MAY NOT play or sing on their projects.
RECORDING NOTES:
Use Pro Tools Tracks 3 – 8 as instrument and vocal tracks.
Minimum Required Tracks: 2 or 3 - Lead Vocal, 1 acoustic stringed instrument or 1 stereo piano
Maximum Allowed Tracks: 6 – (optional) additional vocals, acoustic instruments, or small percussion
All instruments and vocals must be recorded using only microphones (no direct boxes).
No EQ or outboard processing equipment may be used during recording or mixing. Make changes to the sound by changing the microphone or the microphone placement.
MIXING NOTES:
Use Pro Tools Tracks 1 – 2 as a stereo MIX track. When the PRO TOOLS 2-TRACK button is pressed (located above the SOLO SAFE button) the Channel Stereo Buss is normalled to Pro Tools analog ins/outs 1&2 through EXT 2-TRK 4.
Name the Pro Tools session using the Engineers 2 last names followed by an underscore and project number, ex: GilfeatherJanas_P3. Pro Tools sessions not following this protocol will be deleted from the drive and the Student Engineer Team will receive an F for their project.
Pro Tools Mix: After recording each mix, place a Fade-In at the head of the song and a Fade-Out at the tail. Do not process or normalize the mixes.
“Bounce to disc” as a stereo interleaved, 44.1kHz, 16-bit AIFF file to the Audio Files folder of the Pro Tools session.
Print two audio CDs of the final mix using the Toast application. Mark one as the Master and the other as the Safety.
RECORDING SESSION DOCUMENTATION: Documents must be submitted in this order to receive full credit.
CD Label & AES Media Insert: Use the provided Neato CD label for the CD and complete an AES/NARAS Media Insert for the CD jewel case.
Session Invoice: The yellow copy of the session invoice.
Session Journal: With a minimum one page per session, describe the events of the session including the reasons for audio decisions made during the course of the session.
AES/NARAS Recording Map: In addition to the information requested on the Recording Map also include the following:
Recording Credits: song writer(s), song publisher(s), Performing Rights Organization (ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC), Date of Session, Assistant Engineer, Staff Engineer, musicians, vocalists, and anyone else who contributed to the session.
Track Sheet/Microphone List: Use the CEMB Track Sheet to list what is recorded on each track of the Pro Tools project. On the backside of the Track Sheet is a setup sheet to list sound sources, mics, mic lines, and mic preamps.
Cue Sheets: 1 Lyric Chart, 1 Song Chart. Each sheet to be notated with Tape Times for each section of the song and are to be used during the session to help you locate the tape to different sections as needed. Turn in the actual documents used during the session (handwritten sheets are okay if legible).
Studio Layout: Show the locations of each instrument in the studio during each phase of recording. Include mic placement, layout of mic lines and cue lines, rugs, baffles, etc. You may need to use several sheets for each session to show placement of each instrument.
Session Equipment Recall Documents: Use the AES/NARAS Tracking and Mixing coversheets and the equipment recall documents to detail every control setting used during each session. Use as many equipment recall sheets as necessary.
Place Equipment Recall Documents in this order:
API Master Section
AES/NARAS Tracking coversheet
API Channel Section (reflects use during tracks)
API Monitor Section (reflects use during tracks)
AES/NARAS Mixing coversheet
API Channel Section (reflects use during mix)
ENGINEERS TURN IN THE FOLLOWING (Use manila envelope):
Documentation listed above, in the order listed above.
2 CDs of the mix: 1 Master and 1 Safety.
ASSISTANT ENGINEERS TURN IN THE FOLLOWING:
Turn in an Assistant Engineer observation of the session (separately from the Engineers).
Project 3 Large Tracking session
DESCRIPTION:
Student Engineer Team (2 engineers from the same AE1 section) will record and mix a song using up to16 tracks.
1. The Student Team will record an ensemble to the analog multitrack recorder.
2. When the recording of the individual parts is complete, the Student Engineer Team will create a “rough” mix of the tracks using the Monitor side of the API console, record the mix to Pro Tools, and burn a CD.
ENGINEER TEAM RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Coordinate session
a. Choose assistant engineer (from any section) and reserve session date with studio manager
b. Submit a completed RCAB Work Order to the RCAB Studio Manager to confirm session date.
c. Choose song
2. Plan Recording Session
a. Plan studio layout (placement of musicians in room).
b. Plan mic assignments and track layout.
c. Acquire lyrics, create vocal and song arrangement charts and make copies for session.
3. Project Recording Session
a. Arrive promptly at studio and sign in
b. Check out equipment needed from staff engineer (mics, headphones, etc.)
c. Setup: prepare studio room as needed (rugs, baffles, stands, cables, cues)
d. Place mics, test signal path, check sounds, blend cues.
e. Record song.
f. Create mix as specified.
g. Print mix to two-track recorders as specified.
h. Review session documentation with assistant engineer.
i. Clean up studio and control room, put away equipment and instruments, normal (“zero”) console and signal processing equipment.
ASSISTANT ENGINEER RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Arrive promptly at studio and sign in
2. Select session documentation sheets from file cabinet.
3. Complete the session documentation.
4. Assist in setup and clean up of studio room and control room.
MATERIALS REQUIRED FOR PROJECT 2
PROVIDED BY STUDENT:
· Blank CD-Rs with jewel cases (do not use CD-A discs)
· Manila envelopes with clasp (or equivalent) to submit projects (it will contain your Mix CDs & session documentation)
PROVIDED BY RCA STUDIO B:
· Neato Labels for CD-Rs (create using the public access computer at RCA Studio B)
· Session documentation forms (located in the black file cabinet in the Break Room)
SONG:
· Note: You may only record a “cover” song (previously released through national distribution). No original, unreleased compositions may be used. Independent releases must be approved by the instructor prior to the session. No original, unreleased compositions may be used.
· No profane language or inappropriate song topics will be accepted. Approval at the discretion of the instructor.
RECORDING NOTES:
Minimum Required Tracks: 12
|
Drum Kit (bass drum, snare drum, toms, high hat, cymbals) |
Electric guitar |
|
Bass (electric and/or acoustic, amplifier optional) |
Stereo keyboard instrument (piano or Hammond B3 organ) |
|
Acoustic guitar |
Lead Vocal |
Maximum Allowed Tracks: 16 – (optional) any other sounds, instruments or vocals may be added to complete the song.
· The rhythm section and a “scratch” vocal must be recorded simultaneously. The rhythm section is to include a drum kit, bass, and either a guitar or a stereo keyboard instrument.
· Use as many overdub passes as necessary to record the parts.
· Student Engineer Team may use any outboard equipment available in RCA Studio B.
· Direct Boxes (DI boxes) may be used for bass and click tracks/loops only. All other instruments must be recorded using amplifiers, speakers, and microphones.
MIXING NOTES: Use Pro Tools Tracks 1 – 2 as a stereo MIX track.
· Student Engineer Team will use the Monitor Section of the console for the mix.
· Name the Pro Tools session using the Engineers 2 last names followed by an underscore and project number, ex: GilfeatherJanas_P3. Pro Tools sessions not following this protocol will be deleted from the drive and the Student Engineer Team will receive an F for their project.
· Pro Tools Mix: After recording each mix, place a Fade-In at the head of the song and a Fade-Out at the tail. Do not process or normalize the mixes.
· “Bounce to disc” as a stereo interleaved, 44.1kHz, 16-bit AIFF file to the Audio Files folder of the Pro Tools session.
· Print two audio CDs of the final mix using the Toast application. Mark one as the Master and the other as the Safety.
RECORDING SESSION DOCUMENTATION: Documents must be submitted in this order to receive full credit.
1. CD Label & AES Media Insert: Use the provided Neato CD label for the CD and complete an AES/NARAS Media Insert for the CD jewel case.
2. Session Invoice: The yellow copy of the session invoice.
3. Session Journal: With a minimum one page per session, describe the events of the session including the reasons for audio decisions made during the course of the session.
4. AES/NARAS Recording Map: In addition to the information requested on the Recording Map also include the following:
· Recording Credits: song writer(s), song publisher(s), Performing Rights Organization (ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC), Date of Session, Assistant Engineer, Staff Engineer, musicians, vocalists, and anyone else who contributed to the session.
5. Track Sheet/Microphone List: Use the CEMB Track Sheet to list what is recorded on each track of the Pro Tools project. On the backside of the Track Sheet is a setup sheet to list sound sources, mics, mic lines, and mic preamps.
6. Cue Sheets: 1 Lyric Chart, 1 Song Chart. Each sheet to be notated with Tape Times for each section of the song and are to be used during the session to help you locate the tape to different sections as needed. Turn in the actual documents used during the session (handwritten sheets are okay if legible).
7. Studio Layout: Show the locations of each instrument in the studio during each phase of recording. Include mic placement, layout of mic lines and cue lines, rugs, baffles, etc. You may need to use several sheets for each session to show placement of each instrument.
8. Session Equipment Recall Documents: Use the AES/NARAS Tracking and Mixing coversheets and the equipment recall documents to detail every control setting used during each session. Use as many equipment recall sheets as necessary.
· Place Equipment Recall Documents in this order:
1. API Master Section
2. AES/NARAS Tracking coversheet (include any outboard equipment patches)
3. API Channel Section (reflects use during tracks)
4. Processing Equipment Recall Sheets (EQ, compressors, etc)
5. API Monitor Section (reflects use during tracks)
6. Processing Equipment Recall Sheets (Reverbs, delay – if used)
7. AES/NARAS Mixing coversheet
8. API Monitor Section (reflects use during “rough” mix)
9. Processing Equipment Recall Sheets (Reverbs, delay – if used)
ENGINEERS TURN IN THE FOLLOWING (Use manila envelope):
Documentation listed above, in the order listed above.
2 CDs of the mix: 1 Master and 1 Safety.
ASSISTANT ENGINEERS TURN IN THE FOLLOWING:
Turn in an Assistant Engineer observation of the session (separately from the Engineers).