Course Syllabus
Audio Engineering III
MUSC 2447
Semester with Course Reference Number (CRN):
Instructor contact information:
Fall 2013
CRN: 66846
Jared Pollack
Phone: 713-292-6842
Email: jared.pollack@hccs.edu
Office Location and Hours: Office hours by appointment only.
Course Location/Times:
Class meets 10:00 am – 1:00 pm on Mondays & Wednesdays at
Spring Branch Campus in Room 415/416.
Course Semester Credit Hours (SCH) (lecture, lab) If applicable: Credit Hours:
Lecture Hours:
Laboratory Hours:
4.00
3.00
4.00
Total Course Contact Hours: 80
Course Length (number of weeks): 16
Course Description (from hccs.edu): Procedures and techniques in recording and mixing audio.
Topics include I/O style console operation, hard disk based digital audio editing, modular digital
multitrack recording, and engineering project completions. Principles of acoustics, sound in recording,
and sound reinforcement. Topics include acoustical properties of studios, live performance facilities,
resonance, and electronic and acoustic control. Students complete their own project during recording
sessions through out the semester. Students are required to attend additional lab hours outside of class.
Instructional Materials:
Storage Drive: USB or Firewire – should be a minimum of 8G; used to back up your work
Text (Optional): Master Handbook of Acoustics – by F. Alton Everest, Ken Pohlmann
Course Prerequisites:
•
MUSC 2427, RTVB 1240 and MUSC 2355
Academic Discipline/CTE Program Learning Outcomes:
1. Produce professional quality recording projects containing no appreciable harmonic or
amplitude distortion.
2. Demonstrate proper adjustment and use of standard effects processing devices such as
compressors, limiters, expanders, gates, equalizers, reverberation devices, and delay processors.
3. 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.
4. Utilize effective troubleshooting skills to diagnose malfunctions in equipment commonly found
in recording studios and perform basic maintenance.
5. Demonstrate competency in implementing MIDI sequences into recording projects using
industry standard hardware and software.
6. Develop professionally acceptable resumes, portfolios and interview techniques needed for
employment within the audio recording industry.
Course Student Learning Outcomes (SLO): 4 to 7
1. Demonstrate editing skills.
2. Utilize advanced recording techniques.
3. Demonstrate engineering concepts to complete an advanced recording project.
Learning Objectives (Numbering system should be linked to SLO – e.g., 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, etc.)
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 in-line
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 Competencies: If applicable
16 Week Course Calendar
8-26 – Welcome, Syllabi, Intro, Rooms, Mic cabinet, Console
8-28 – Mics, clips and stands; Communication, Cue mix, Mic & record drums to HD24
Week 2 9-2 – Labor Day Holiday
9-4 – Intro to Pro Tools (Mix & Edit windows, Navigation), Record Drums (PT), Quiz #1
Week 3 9-9 – Console zeroing, Studio connectivity, Patch bay in detail
9-11 – Patch bay (continued), Proper gain staging (using a variety of sources), Quiz #2
Week 4 9-16 – Recording and punching vocals the old-fashioned way; Vocal processing & FX
9-18 – Modern recording & punching vocals; DAW processing, Quiz #3
Week 5 9-23 – Critical listening exercise: Each student must bring a CD or digital file.
9-25 – Finish critical listening, vote on a song for class project, pre-production
Week 6 9-30 – Begin recording class project (drums & bass guitar), Quiz #4
10-2 – Continue class project (bass guitar, electric guitar, acoustic guitar)
Week 7 10-7 – Continue class project (guitars, keyboards, percussion)
10-9 – Continue class project (miscellaneous overdubs), Quiz #5
Week 8 10-14 – Midterm review
10-16 – Midterm
Week 9 10-21 – Console Aux Sends & FX Returns; M-One (FX & Routing Configurations)
10-23 – REV 500, MPX 100; Pro Tools Sends & Aux Tracks with Reverbs & Delays
Week 10 10-28 – Analog Inserts & Pro Tools Inserts (compressors, gates, outboard EQ), Quiz #5
10-30 – Record vocals for class project
Week 11 11-4 – Continue recording vocals for class project, Quiz #6
11-6 – Bussing (Grouping/Subgrouping), Bouncing Tracks [Analog / Digital]
Week 1
Week 12 11-11 – Using Reason and the Rewire Plug-in with Pro Tools; Reason Devices
11-13 – Programming & Sequencing in Reason, Quiz #7
Week 13 11-18 – Edit the class project
11-20 – Thanksgiving Holiday
Week 14 11-25 – Finish editing and begin mixing the class project
11-27 – Finish mixing the class project
Week 15 12-2 – Listen to and discuss your lab projects, which should be near completion
12-4 – Final Exam review
Week 16 12-9 – Final Exam
To view the official calendar for the HCC Fall 2013 Regular 16-week Semester, please visit:
http://www.hccs.edu/hccs/current-students/academic
Click on: Fall 2013 16 Weeks Semester- August 26- December 15, 2013
To view the official Final Exam calendar for the HCC Fall 2001 Semester, please visit:
http://www.hccs.edu/hccs/current-students/final-exam
Click on: Final Exam- Fall 2013
HCC Grading Scale
A = 100 – 90:
B = 89 – 80:
C = 79 – 70:
D = 69 – 60:
F = 59 and below:
FX (Failing due to non-attendance)
IP (In Progress)
W(Withdrawn)
I (Incomplete)
AUD (Audit)
COM (Completed)
Points per semester hour
4
3
2
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
IP (In Progress) is given only in certain developmental courses. The student must re-enroll 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.
Instructor Grading Criteria:
Participation:
Quizzes:
Written Midterm:
Written Final Exam:
Hands-On Final Exam:
15%
30%
25%
20%
10%
EGLS3 -- Evaluation for Greater Learning Student Survey System
At Houston Community College, professors believe that thoughtful student feedback is necessary to
improve teaching and learning. During a designated time, you will be asked to answer a short online
survey of research-based questions related to instruction. The anonymous results of the survey will be
made available to your professors and division chairs for continual improvement of instruction. Look
for the survey as part of the Houston Community College Student System online near the end of the
term.
HCC Policy Statement: ADA - Services to Students with Disabilities
Students who require reasonable accommodations for disabilities are encouraged to report to Dr. Becky
Hauri at 713-718-7910 to make necessary arrangements. Faculty is only authorized to provide
accommodations by the Disability Support Service Office.
HCC Policy Statement: Academic Honesty
A student who is academically dishonest is, by definition, not showing that the coursework has been
learned, and that student is claiming an advantage not available to other students. The instructor is
responsible for measuring each student's individual achievements and also for ensuring that all students
compete on a level playing field. Thus, in our system, the instructor has teaching, grading, and
enforcement roles. You are expected to be familiar with the University's Policy on Academic Honesty,
found in the catalog. What that means is: If you are charged with an offense, pleading ignorance of the
rules will not help you. Students are responsible for conducting themselves with honor and integrity in
fulfilling course requirements. Penalties and/or disciplinary proceedings may be initiated by College
System officials against a student accused of scholastic dishonesty. “Scholastic dishonesty”: includes,
but is not limited to, cheating on a test, plagiarism, and collusion.
Cheating on a test includes:
•
Copying from another students’ test paper;
•
Using materials not authorized by the person giving the test;
•
Collaborating with another student during a test without authorization;
•
Knowingly using, buying, selling, stealing, transporting, or soliciting in whole or part the
contents of a test that has not been administered;
•
Bribing another person to obtain a test that is to be administered.
Plagiarism means the appropriation of another’s work and the unacknowledged incorporation of that
work in one’s own written work offered for credit.
Collusion means the unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing written work offered
for credit. Possible punishments for academic dishonesty may include a grade of 0 or F in the particular
assignment, failure in the course, and/or recommendation for probation or dismissal from the College
System. (See the Student Handbook)
HCC Policy Statements
Class Attendance - It is important that you come to class! Attending class regularly is the best way to
succeed in this class. Research has shown that the single most important factor in student success is
attendance. Simply put, going to class greatly increases your ability to succeed. You are expected to
attend all lecture and labs regularly. You are responsible for materials covered during your absences.
Class attendance is checked daily. Although it is your responsibility to drop a course for nonattendance,
the instructor has the authority to drop you for excessive absences.
If you are not attending class, you are not learning the information. As the information that is
discussed in class is important for your career, students may be dropped from a course after
accumulating absences in excess of 12.5% hours of instruction. The six hours of class time would
include any total classes missed or for excessive tardiness or leaving class early.
You may decide NOT to come to class for whatever reason. As an adult making the decision not
to attend, you do not have to notify the instructor prior to missing a class. However, if this happens too
many times, you may suddenly find that you have “lost” the class.
Poor attendance records tend to correlate with poor grades. If you miss any class, including the
first week, you are responsible for all material missed. It is a good idea to find a friend or a buddy in
class who would be willing to share class notes or discussion or be able to hand in paper if you
unavoidably miss a class. Class attendance equals class success.
HCC Course Withdrawal Policy
If you feel that you cannot complete this course, you will need to withdraw from the course
prior to the final date of withdrawal. Before, you withdraw from your course; please take the time to
meet with the instructor to discuss why you feel it is necessary to do so. The instructor may be able to
provide you with suggestions that would enable you to complete the course. Your success is very
important. Beginning in fall 2007, the Texas Legislature passed a law limiting first time entering
freshmen to no more than SIX total course withdrawals throughout their educational career in obtaining
a certificate and/or degree.
To help students avoid having to drop/withdraw from any class, HCC has instituted an Early
Alert process by which your professor may “alert” you and HCC counselors that you might fail a class
because of excessive absences and/or poor academic performance. It is your responsibility to visit with
your professor or a counselor to learn about what, if any, HCC interventions might be available to assist
you – online tutoring, child care, financial aid, job placement, etc. – to stay in class and improve your
academic performance.
If you plan on withdrawing from your class, you MUST contact a HCC counselor or your
professor prior to withdrawing (dropping) the class for approval and this must be done PRIOR to the
withdrawal deadline to receive a “W” on your transcript. **Final withdrawal deadlines vary each
semester and/or depending on class length, please visit the online registration calendars, HCC schedule
of classes and catalog, any HCC Registration Office, or any HCC counselor to determine class
withdrawal deadlines. Remember to allow a 24-hour response time when communicating via email
and/or telephone with a professor and/or counselor. Do not submit a request to discuss withdrawal
options less than a day before the deadline. If you do not withdraw before the deadline, you will
receive the grade that you are making in the class as your final grade.
Repeat Course Fee
The State of Texas encourages students to complete college without having to repeat failed classes. To
increase student success, students who repeat the same course more than twice, are required to pay
extra tuition. The purpose of this extra tuition fee is to encourage students to pass their courses and to
graduate. Effective fall 2006, HCC will charge a higher tuition rate to students registering the third or
subsequent time for a course. If you are considering course withdrawal because you are not earning
passing grades, confer with your instructor/counselor as early as possible about your study habits,
reading and writing homework, test taking skills, attendance, course participation, and opportunities for
tutoring or other assistance that might be available.
Classroom Behavior
As your instructor and as a student in this class, it is our shared responsibility to develop and maintain a
positive learning environment for everyone. Your instructor takes this responsibility very seriously and
will inform members of the class if their behavior makes it difficult for him/her to carry out this task.
As a fellow learner, you are asked to respect the learning needs of your classmates and assist your
instructor achieve this critical goal.
Access Student Services Policies on their Web site: http://hccs.edu/student-rights
Access DE Policies on their Web site:
http://de.hccs.edu/Distance_Ed/DE_Home/faculty_resources/PDFs/DE_Syllabus.pdf
Access CE Policies on their Web site:
http://hccs.edu/CE-student-guidelines
This is the last page of the Audio Engineering III Fall 2013 Syllabus.
Please print, then sign and date below to indicate that you have read and understand the above syllabus.
Bring this signed and dated page to class to turn in for a completion grade.
Signature:________________________________
Date:____________________________