Date and Time of Class: Wednesday 8 – 12:30
Instructor: Eddie Ciletti	Office Hours: 12:30 – 1:30pm Wednesdays
Email: edaudio@tangible-technology.com

Course Description:

Audio Engineering II develops the material in Audio Engineering I as it applies to large format analog recording console signal flow and gain structure, spectrum and amplitude-based signal processors, microphones, multi-track recorders, and the patch bay by introducing advanced concepts, practices and technologies unique to the production of recorded music. Topics covered in Audio Engineering II include time-based effects processors, analog multi-track recorders and practical large format analog recording console operation. Practical microphone usage is explored and communication skills are developed through the recording of small projects. Fundamental aspects of the production process, such as multi-track synchronization and transfers, and time code usage will also be practiced. Add to that a ton of cable wrapping and you will walk away knowing how to record. Enjoy!

Course Learning Objectives

Course Learning Outcomes are the real world skills you will gain upon successfully completing this class.

1. Employ practical selection and placement techniques of professional microphones

2. Utilize professional audio systems to capture a musical performance

3. Apply the fundamental concepts of audio mix down

4. Effectively communicate with talent

5. Operate audio recording and reproducing systems at an intermediate level

6. Operate large format analog consoles at an intermediate level

Required Materials:

1. Computer with Internet access to eCourses

2. Notebook and pencil or pen, camera/video recorder/audio recorder acceptable for note taking as well

3. Hard Drive and (backup)

4. CDR’s or a flash drive

5. eReader

Suggested Materials:

1. Any extra handouts, online articles, or other material the instructor chooses to provide or share

Expectations:

The student is responsible for 100% of the material offered in the course. Students who miss classes are responsible for reviewing all material missed.

All coursework will be available at my-ecourses.com.

Students are expected to log onto the eCourses site and check their MMI email regularly, at the very least, once each week! It is your responsibility to know what topics we are covering, what is due, and if any changes have been made. All changes/updates and important announcements will be given on eCourses and/or through your MMI email.

Students are also expected to attend class, complete all assignments and ask for help whenever they have a question or problem.

If you follow these expectations, you will do well!

Contact Your Instructor:

You can talk to me before or after class, during office hours, or during any free time that you both have on campus. You can always send an email about any questions or concerns you have related to this class at any time. Any requests for special consideration, such as unavoidable absences, must be made prior to the start of class and by email. If you have an emergency that prevents you from attending class at the last minute, you must email me ASAP and explain your situation. If you cannot make it to class for any reason, email me! My address is: eciletti@mediainstitute.edu

Cell phones, laptops, iPads, and other distractions:

When your body is in class, your focus is expected to be on the material being presented and/or discussed. Please turn off your cell phones, iPads, etc., and close your laptop computers during class (unless you are looking up something relevant to a class activity we are doing or taking notes with the device). You may be required to take notes the old fashioned way, with a pen and paper, or on a preprinted handout. It is the Instructors decision when it is, or is not, appropriate for you to use electronic devices, but you should never expect that class time is a good time to check email, text, surfing the web, updating your Facebook status, or chat with your neighbor. If you must take an emergency phone call or something of that nature, leave the classroom and attend to your emergency in private. Students who are disruptive will be told to leave and return after class to discuss their behavior with the Instructor.

Warning: Adult Content:

Many subjects will be presented and discussed in this class, some of which will be controversial. Everyone is expected to conduct him/herself in an adult manner and be respectful of differing points of view. This is not a forum to win over converts to your politics or your religion, nor is it a place to make juvenile jokes, but you are encouraged to engage with the material and freely express your ideas. If you have any concerns about the political, religious, sexual, or otherwise controversial nature of the material we are dealing with, PLEASE discuss this with the instructor in person or over email.

Grading Criteria:

The student will complete quizzes, projects, and evaluative tests required to the satisfaction of the instructor.

Graded quizzes, projects, and tests will be evaluated on the following point system:

200 points Quizzes – 10 quizzes at 20 points each

50 points MID TERM Hands-On Test 1

50 points MID TERM Written Test

50 points FINAL Hands-On Test 2

100 points FINAL Written Test

20 points FINAL paper on critical listening of a final mix

50 points Project assignment 1

50 points Project assignment 2

100 points Mid Term Project

100 points Final Project

150 points 2 posts per week on the AE 2 Discussion Group at 10 points per week

80 points Watch 4 engineering videos on Pensado’s Place and write half page summery at 20 points each

150 points Participation – 15 sessions at 10 points each - 5 points for classroom involvement and 5 points for

the follow-up email. 5 points = A, 4 points = B, etc. 250 words minimum

75 points Students will demonstrate proper cable wrapping each class and normalize whatever

room the class is working in.

30 points Microphones used in Session Research and Listening Paper

TOTAL OF 1,265 POINTS

A minimum overall score of 60% is required to pass with a grade of D, 70% for a grade of C, 80% for a grade of B, and 90% for a grade of A

Explanation of Grades:

A - self motivated, did more than the minimum, showed constant improvement, was helpful to fellow class mates, asked for more work. Will definitely get a positive recommendation.

B - Did the required work. Showed talent and motivation.

Has potential to be an A student. Is likely to get a recommendation.

C - Inconsistent work habits. Assignments are late and show insufficient effort. Is not likely to get a recommendation

D - Poor work habits. Distracted, dreaming or sleeping in class. Assignments not turned in. No recommendation.

If you officially or unofficially withdraw from school before week nine of the semester, you will receive a WA as your final grade in all of the courses for the semester. All withdrawals after week nine of the term will receive an A, B, C, D, or F grade as determined by your course instructors

Assignment Policy:

No late assignments will be accepted.

All projects, extra credit, and assignments are due at the beginning of class on the assigned due date. No exceptions. Any missed quizzes or exams must be taken within a week of when the exam was originally given.

Accommodations:

All reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities in this course. The Instructor needs advance notice to provide accommodations, so please let the Student Advisor know if you might require assistance. Minneapolis Media Institute wishes you to find this educational experience enjoyable and worthwhile.

• Syncronization • DSP • Monitors • Listening Enviroments • The Ear • EQ and Frequency • Feathering

Course Outline: RT122

Below is the course outline for the fifteen sessions of this course. This outline is subject to change at the Instructor’s discursion. Changes may include guest speakers or special events, which will be announced as soon as possible.

Session

Date

To Be Completed

BEFORE Class

Assignments/Projects

DUE

In Class Activities

Oct-3

Friend and join AE-2 Online Discussion Group (Facebook).

Suggestion: Take setup pics in class and post.

Bonus points for posting!

· Introduction to the class and its policies

· Listening and the Ear

· Monitors and Listening Environments

· Patch Bay

· SSL Master Section and Signal Flow

· DIY Loudness Curve (for Quiz-1)

· Microphone types

· Bookmark Acoustic Guitar and Piano sample links for homework

Oct-10

READ:

Bass Management for All Formats for Quiz-1

Post on AE-2 Online Discussion Group

Redbock MIX CD

Begin Microphone Type Research Paper (starting with handout) as a continuation of the AE-1 mic book.

Listen to and write about Acoustic Guitar and Piano samples.

· SSL Master Section Review

· SSL Channel Strip

· Session Set Up – Pro Tools Session Organization

· Test Session: Acoustic Guitar and Vocal

· Studio Etiquette

· Listen to isolated session tracks.

Oct-17

Read: Pearl Drum Tuning PDF

Watch: Presonus Drum micing video in prep for Quiz-2

Write summery after watching selected engineering video on Pensado’s Place

· Intro to Drums

· Drum Tuning

· Drum Microphone Techniques

· Quiz-1: Loudness, proximity & SSL 101

Oct-24

2 posts on AE 2 Online Discussion Group

Project 1

· Drum recording Session

· Studio Etiquette

· Druming micing tips

· Check for Polarity and Phase

· Drum Editing Lesson

Oct-31

Read: THE SLIDE RULES article on Drum Polarity and Phase for Quiz 3

2 posts on AE 2 Online Discussion Group

· Beat Detective

· Drum Triggers and Sample Replacement

· Dynamics Discussion

· Compression and Limiting

· Gates and Expanders

· Quiz-2: Drum tuning and micing

Nov-7

Review, take notes and re-read all materials in prep for the Mid-Term.

2 posts on AE 2 Online Discussion Group

Write summery after watching selected engineering video on Pensado’s Place

· Headphone Mixes

· Studio Etiquette

· Direct Injection ‘DI’ for instruments

· Recording for Re-amping

· Bass: DI and Amp options

· Electric Guitar: DI and Amp options

· Quiz-3: Dynamics Processing, Drum Editing, Triggers, Sample Replacement

Nov-14

Review, take notes and re-read all materials in prep for the Mid-Term.

2 posts on AE 2 Online Discussion Group

Mid Term Project

· Mid Term Exam:

· Mid Term Practical

Nov-21

Thanksgiving Break?

Microphone Paper: Document all the mics we've used in class so far - what we've used them on. Correlate their technical and sonic qualities.

Read: SSL / Console History Article.

Study: both SSL / Signal Flow diagrams.

21 ~27 November?

Nov–28

2 posts on AE 2 Online Discussion Group

Email: Session Mics Paper

· EQ and Frequency Discussion

· SSL Training part-2

· Ready Group/Tape, Channel Float, Routing Matrix, EQ/Dynamics Section

· Using SSL Aux Sends and Returns

For Cue and Effects

· Routing, Sub Grouping and Bouncing

· SSL Comp Exercise

· Quiz-4: Session Microphones

Dec-5

prep for Quiz 6

2 posts on AE 2 Online Discussion Group

Write summery after watching selected engineering video on Pensado’s Place

· Vocal Recording

· Tracking and Comping

· Intro to Melodyne

· Quiz-5: SSL Part-2

Dec-12

prep for Quiz 7

2 posts on AE 2 Online Discussion Group

· Piano Recording

· Organ Recording

· Reverb and Delay (Effects and DSP)

· Chorus, Flangers, and Phasers

· Quiz-6: Vocal Recording, Comping and Processing

Dec-19

2 posts on AE 2 Online Discussion Group

Prep

for

Band

Session

· Band Session

· Studio Etiquette

· Quiz-7: Keyboards, FX & DSP

Dec-26

Christmas Week

No Class

Jan-2

New Year’s Week

No Class

Jan-9

prep for Quiz 8

2 posts on AE 2 Online Discussion Group

Write summery after watching selected engineering video on Pensado’s Place

HEADROOM

· Gain Stages: Digital and Analog

SONIC NUANCE: a.k.a. Character

· Transformers, Tubes, and Op Amps

· Microphone Preamplifiers

Jan-16

prep for quiz 9

2 posts on AE 2 Online Discussion Group

· Pro Tools Hardware Setup

· Digital Synchronization

· Quiz-8: Sonic Nuance and Character

Jan-23

prep for Final

2 posts on AE 2 Online Discussion Group

Critical Listening Assignment

· Cable Making

· Review for Final

· Quiz-9: PT hardware and Synchronization

Jan-30

2 posts on AE 2 Online Discussion Group

Final Project

· Hands-On Test 2

· FINAL WRITTEN EXAM