Audio Recording Techniques

Fall, 2011
Course Website

Instructor:
Jon Newton
Email

Syllabus | Schedule | Classes | OMTS FAQ | Student Info

Syllabus

Course Title:	Audio Recording Techniques
Term:	Fall, 2011
Classroom:	Lincoln Hall, Room 326F
Course Number:	MTS 111
Meeting Day and Time:	Saturdays, 10 AM - 1 PM
Start Date:
Number of classes:

Course Site: http://oregonmts.com/mts/courses/fall2011/art/
--Some linked sites require a password--
Instructor: Jon Newton
email: info@oregonmts.com

Texts: There are two recommended texts for this course.

Resources: Students are welcome to use the Recording Arts and Music Production website, at this URL: http://www.ramp.pdx.edu. There are many suggestions as to helpful books and applications, as well as support tutorials and Power Point presentations. The OMTS password will also allow navigation of this site.

Course Description: Helps students develop an understanding of the science, tools, and techniques involved in the field of analog audio engineering. Topics include acoustics, microphones, mixing board set up and operation, basic signal processing.

Prerequisites and Individualization: Students are assumed to have basic math, computer, email, and Internet skills. Students may suggest modifications to assignments that support projects in which they are currently involved.

Special Considerations: Students with documented disabilities will be accommodated. Please discuss with instructor during the first week of the term.

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Schedule

--Note: Content below is preliminary and subject to change--

#	Date	Subject	Project	Resources
			Jeffrey Hass Site	---
			Garageband Project	---
			Acoustics Powerpoint 1	Huber, Ch 2 Ballora Ch 1 & 2
			Alphabet Project	Audacity Info
			Acoustics Powerpoint 2	---
			Acoustics Analysis Project	Fourier Theorem Applet
			Electronics Powerpoint	Huber, Ch 4, 10, 14 Ballora Ch 11
			Microphones Powerpoint	A Brief Guide to Microphones
			Mixer Powerpoint	Huber, Ch 11
			---	Mackie 1604 Manual (pdf)
			Recording Project	---
			---	---
			Signal Processing Powerpoint	Huber, Ch 12
			Blank Patchbay Patchbay Project	---
			Digital Audio Powerpoint	Huber, Ch 5 Ballora, Ch 9
			Pro Tools Mix Project	---
			No new material, lab open, instructor in attendance, activity stations	---
			---	---
			Patchbay Project Key	Huber, Ch 5 Ballora, Ch 9
			Local Networking Info	---

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Classes

Part 1:

•Meet & greet
•Program overview
•Course overview

Discussion

•Student expectations
•How to get assignments done
•Type of projects
•Future terms--size, content

Resources:

RAMP Website

Part 2:

•Mac orientation
•Create work folders
•Simple intro project

Career Discussion

•Business of music

Resources:

Career Development Page

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Part 1:

Acoustics

TBA

Basic Acoustics

•Student Data
•Student Handbooks
•Acoustics Powerpoint in class
•Read Huber, Ch 2 & Ballora Ch 1 & 2

Part 2:

•Questionnaire
•Online Form
• Accounts
•Sign-up for Presentations DP/Spectrafoo

More Acoustics

𠈭P Demo File

Resources:

Acoustics Powerpoint 1
Acoustics Powerpoint 2

Part 2:

More About Acoustics

Research the following subject. Write a 1-2 page paper that discusses this concept in basic terms.

1) The Doppler Effect
2) Base 10 Logarithms
3) Calculating wavelength
4) Consonance and Dissonance
5) Phase Shifting
6) Ground Loop
7) Balanced Line
8) Normalling Patchbay
9) Proximity Effect
10) rms (voltage)
11) Impedance
12) VU Meter

The research paper should define the term or terms involved in the subject matter, then gives a brief, simple to understand explanation of the concept. Refer to the texts, to the class Powerpoint presentations, and to any Internet source. A place to start might be Brad Hansen's Digital Media site linked below.

Make sure to list your sources at the end of your report, including the URL's of pertinent websites.

Resources:

Acoustics Powerpoint 1
Acoustics Powerpoint 2
Brad Hansen's Digital Media Site

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Part 1:

•Electronics Powerpoint

Resources:

Electronics 1 Powerpoint

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Part 2:

•Team presentations

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Part 1:

Resources:

Inductance, Capacitance, and Microphones

Part 2:

•Research and select a specific microphone (brand and model, e.g. Audio Technica 4040)
•Find an official spec sheet for that mic (usually available on Internet or fax)
•Interpret 3 types of significant data from the spec sheet
•Locate a review of the mic from some source, and summarize
•Hand in print-out of spec sheet, the review, and your analysis and review summary (1-2 pages)

For evaluation, please turn in by Saturday, November 18.

Resources:

Handout: Reading a Spec Sheet

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Part 1:

Resources:

Mackie 1604 Manual
Mixing Board Powerpoint

Part 2:

•Pair presentations

Assignment: Setting Up an Analog Audio System

In teams of 3-4, design on paper a setup that will allow you to do the following:

•Use a condensor microphone to record a voice
•Patch the input and output of the cassette through the patchbay
•Record to an audio cassette
•Allow monitoring over 2 headphone sets (using a headphone amp)
•Allow playback (of the cassette) over a pair of powered speakers
•Make sure your diagram includes information on connector plugs/jacks
•Use equipment as listed in Equipment List below.

We will do this in class November 22.

Resources:

Analog Audio Recording Teams
Equipment List for Analog Setup
Mackie 1604 Manual
Mixing Board Powerpoint

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Part 1:

Part 2:

TBA

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Part 1:

Part 2:

Lab

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