Teacher Education Southwest College Audio Engineering II- MUSC 2427-Lecture/Lab CRN 73628 - Fall 2015 Northwest Campus- Room 416 6:00 6:30 pm Tue/Thr 2.5 hour Lecture course / 40 hours per semester/ 16 weeks Instructor: Instructor's name: John Bertram Instructor Contact Information: Instructor's e-mail: john.bertram@hccs.edu HCC Audio Dept. Phone: 713-718-5602 Office Location and Hours Northwest Campus 6pm-9pm Office location and hours Please feel free to contact me concerning any problems that you are experiencing in this course. You do not need to wait until you have received a poor grade before asking for my assistance. Your performance in my class is very important to me. I am available to hear your concerns and just to discuss course topics. Feel free to contact me at any time. Course Description Advanced practice of procedures and techniques in recording and manipulating audio. Includes digital audio editing, advanced recording techniques, and advanced engineering projects. Course Prerequisite(s) MUSC 2355 Course Goal Produce professional quality recording projects containing no appreciable harmonic or amplitude distortion.
MUSC 2427 page 2 Demonstrate proper adjustment and use of standard effects processing devices such as compressors, limiters, expanders, gates, equalizers, reverberation devices, and delay processors. Describe the signal flow and operation of equipment commonly found in professional recording studios such as microphones, mixers, multitrack recorders, outboard effects processors, and patch bays. Utilize effective troubleshooting skills to diagnose malfunctions in equipment commonly found in recording studios and perform basic maintenance such as equipment calibration and cable soldering. Demonstrate competency in preparing MIDI sequences using industry standard hardware and software. Develop professionally acceptable resumes, portfolios and interview techniques needed for employment within the audio recording industry. Student Learning Outcomes The student will be able to: 1. Demonstrate editing skills. 2. Utilize advanced recording techniques. 3. Demonstrate engineering concepts to complete an advanced recording project. Learning Objectives Students will: 1.1 Define terminology associated with digital audio editing systems. 1.2 Demonstrate proficiency in basic digital editing techniques. 1.3 Identify commonly experienced problems with digital audio systems and their solutions. 2.1 Determine the proper interconnection for inline consoles and other common studio equipment. 2.2 Perform recording duties utilizing devices commonly associated with the use of inline consoles. 2.3 Prepare in-depth studio production plans used in the completion of professional recording projects 2.4 Choose appropriate combinations of microphones, preamplifiers and microphone techniques for studio recording projects. 3.1 Define terminology associated with acoustics, studio construction and the use of large format I/O style consoles 3.2 Describe common acoustic treatments designed to correct common acoustical problems in recording studios. 3.3 Discuss responsibilities and professional roles of those working in recording studios. 3.4 Summarize the steps involved in executing an advanced recording project. SCANS or Core Curriculum Statement and Other Standards WEEK ONE Introduction 16 WEEK CALENDAR
MUSC 2427 page 3 Review Physics of sound WEEK TWO Signal Flow Studio vs D.A.W WEEK THREE Psycho-acoustics in the mix WEEK FOUR Microphone selection, placement, and room acoustics WEEK FIVE Spatial aspects in the mix First Hands on test. WEEK SIX Audio processors When, Why, and How Oral presentation WEEK SEVEN Review for Midterm WEEK EIGHT MIDTERM EXAM Hands on Test WEEK NINE Building your mix WEEK TEN WEEK ELEVEN I WEEK TWELVE Second hands on test. WEEK THIRTEEN WEEK FOURTEEN WEEK FIFTEEN Review for final WEEK SIXTEEN FINAL EXAM Hands on test. Instructional Methods As an instructor, I want my students to be successful. I feel that it is my responsibility to provide you with knowledge concerning the field of media production, teaching
MUSC 2427 page 4 strategies, and organizing and monitoring the field experience that allows you to connect the information that you learn in this course to the real world of Audio. As a student wanting to learn about the field of audio, it is your responsibility to read the textbook, submit assignments on the due dates, study for the exams, participate in classroom activities, attend class, and enjoy yourself while experiencing the real world of education. As I believe that engaging the students in the learning is essential for teaching to be effective, you will spend the majority of class time involved in collaborative activities. You will be involved in discussions with your classmates and your instructor. As you will want to contribute to these discussions, you will need to come to class prepared to discuss, analyze and evaluate information from your notes and in studio experiences. Student Assignments Assignments have been developed that will enhance your learning. To better understand a topic, you will be given assignments on key information that you will need to remember for your success in your career as an audio engineer. Students will be required to successfully complete the following: There will be two hands-on tests one before the midterm hands-on exam and one before the final hands-on exam. Hands on tests You will be given a timed task consisting of Setting up a project in Pro Tools Importing specific audio content Treatment of content on specific tracks Routing of content with-in the project Midterm Exam You will be given a timed task consisting of Setting up a project in Pro Tools Importing specific audio content Treatment of content on specific tracks Routing of content with-in the project Final Exam You will be given a timed task consisting of Setting up a project in Pro Tools Importing specific audio content Treatment of content on specific tracks Routing of content with-in the project Independent Lab Students are required to complete 2.5 hours of lad studies outside of class.
MUSC 2427 page 5 Assessments Each hands-on exam will contain 10 discrete components that each student must complete. Each component will be valued at 10 points. Partial completion of a component will earn partial credit, the degree of partial credit will be dependent upon the level of completion for that component. Total points of all components completed shall be added together to determine final grade for the exam. The oral presentation shall be graded according to the following rubric. 33% is dependent upon the degree of understanding by the student of the operation of processor assigned. 33% is dependent upon attention to detail in accumulating research data as to the operation of the processor. 33% is dependent upon style and accuracy of presentation. Instructor Requirements As your Instructor, it is my responsibility to: Provide the grading scale and detailed grading formula explaining how student grades are to be derived Facilitate an effective learning environment through class activities, discussions, and lectures Description of any special projects or assignments Inform students of policies such as attendance, withdrawal, tardiness and make up Provide the course outline and class calendar which will include a description of any special projects or assignments Arrange to meet with individual students before and after class as required To be successful in this class, it is the student s responsibility to: Attend class and participate in class discussions and activities Read and comprehend the textbook Complete the required assignments and exams: Ask for help when there is a question or problem Keep copies of all paperwork, including this syllabus, handouts and all assignments HCC Grading Scale A = 100 90; 4 points per semester hour B = 89 80:.3 points per semester hour C = 79 70:.2 points per semester hour D = 69 60:.1 point per semester hour 59 and below = F..0 points per semester hour
MUSC 2427 page 6 IP (In Progress) 0 points per semester hour W(Withdrawn) 0 points per semester hour I (Incomplete) 0 points per semester hour AUD (Audit) 0 points per semester hour IP (In Progress) is given only in certain developmental courses. The student must reenroll to receive credit. COM (Completed) is given in non-credit and continuing education courses. To compute grade point average (GPA), divide the total grade points by the total number of semester hours attempted. The grades IP, COM and I do not affect GPA. Grading Criteria Your instructor will conduct quizzes, exams, and assessments that you can use to determine how successful you are at achieving the course learning outcomes (mastery of course content and skills) outlined in the syllabus. If you find you are not mastering the material and skills, you are encouraged to reflect on how you study and prepare for each class. Your instructor welcomes a dialogue on what you discover and may be able to assist you in finding resources on campus that will improve your performance. Grading Percentages The oral presentation will account for 15% of the students overall GPA. The two hands-on tests will account for 15% of the students overall GPA. The midterm hands-on tests will account for 35% of the students overall GPA. The final hands-on tests will account for 35% of the students overall GPA. Instructional Materials T.B.A HCC Policy Statements Access Student Services Policies on their Web site: http://central.hccs.edu/students/student-handbook/ Access DE Policies on their Web site: All students are responsible for reading and understanding the DE Student Handbook, which contains policies, information about conduct, and other important information. For the DE Student Handbook click on the link below or go to the DE page on the HCC website. The Distance Education Student Handbook contains policies and procedures unique to the DE student. Students should have reviewed the handbook as part of the mandatory orientation. It is the student's responsibility to be familiar with the handbook's contents. The handbook contains valuable information, answers, and resources, such as DE contacts, policies and procedures (how to drop, attendance requirements, etc.), student services (ADA, financial aid, degree planning, etc.), course information, testing
MUSC 2427 page 7 procedures, technical support, and academic calendars. Refer to the DE Student Handbook by visiting this link: http://de.hccs.edu/media/houston-community-college/distance-education/studentservices/de-student-handbook.pdf Access CE Policies on their Web site: http://www.hccs.edu/continuing-education/