2009-2010 Undergraduate Catalog - Belmont University

Audio Engineering Technology Courses (AET)

AET 1380. Survey of Recording Technology (3). A study of the major areas of recording technology as related to the music industry. The student receives an overall view of analog and digital technology with attention to its innovations, history, and effect on the music industry.

AET 2000. Audio Engineering Internship Lab (0). Prerequisites: sophomore standing. This career development course addresses internship expectations, job strategies, and interviewing skills.

AET 2050. Basic Training: Use of the DAW (1). Prerequisite: AET 1380. An introduction to the study of digital audio through the use of Digital Audio Workstation. Study will include foundational concepts in digital theory, computer operating systems, file formats, file management and basic audio processing using both the Mac and PC platform.

AET 2090. Audio Engineering I. (3). Prerequisites: AET 1380. A detailed study of the technical characteristics and performance of each component of the recording studio. Topics include basic studio electronics and signal flow, dynamic processing, basic microphone design, studio acoustics, basic session procedures, and the role of the assistant engineer. Emphasis is placed on developing logistical as well as audio perception skills for recording engineers. Lab hours required. ($30.00 course fee)
Gen. Ed. Designation: EL (I - Internships, Clinicals, Practica).

AET 2370. Studio Production I (3). Prerequisite: AET 1380. This course is an introductory study of the role of the producer and the use of music production techniques required to create a successful song demo. Lab hours required.

AET 2560. Sound Reinforcement (3). Prerequisites: AET 1380. A study of equipment, systems concepts, design, and acoustical problems involved in concert and live performance sound reinforcement. ($30.00 course fee)
Gen. Ed. Designation: EL (I - Internships, Clinicals, Practica).

AET 3000. Audio Engineering Internship (1-6). Prerequisites: AET 2000, AET 3190, junior standing, a minimum of 2.8 Belmont cumulative G.P.A.This  formal career education assignment enables students to intern at entertainment business organizations for a selected period of time. An internship may be repeated up to six hours.

AET 3050. Critical Listening for Audio Production (1). Prerequisite: AET 1380. The study and practice of ear training as it relates to the identification, manipulation, and perception of sound. This course provides a concentrated in-depth study utilizing exercises designed to develop specific listening skills in audio production.

AET 3190. Audio Engineering II (3). Prerequisite: AET 2090. A continuation of AET 2090, this course is an advanced study of the technical characteristics and performance of each component of the recording studio. Topics include advanced studio electronics and signal flow, computer-based digital recording and editing, automated console operations, condenser microphones, spatial signal processing, and the role of the audio engineer. The development of audio perception skills for recording engineers is emphasized. Lab hours required. ($30.00 course fee)
Gen. Ed. Designation: EL (I - Internships, Clinicals, Practica).

AET 3260. Studio Maintenance and Electronics (3). Prerequisites: AET 2090, and Corequisite of PHY 2250. An analysis of preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of recording studio components including an introduction to basic electronic circuitry as related to the recording studio. (Lab hours required)

AET 3270. Studio Maintenance and Electronics II (3). Prerequisite: AET 3260. An analysis of advanced troubleshooting, repair, and modification of recording studio components and other areas of electronic circuitry as related to the recording studio. A continuation of AET 3260. (Lab hours required)

AET 3370. Studio Production II (3). Prerequisite: AET 2370 and AET 2090. This course is an advanced study of the role of the producer and the use of music production techniques required to create a master recording. Lab hours required.

AET 3420. Audio Temporal Processing (1). Prerequisites: AET 2090 or AET 2560. A study of the application of audio effects and processes based on the manipulation of time-delay parameters and spatial properties of an audio signal including (but not limited to) reverberation, echo, chorusing, flanging, phase-shifting, and pitch shifting. This course provides a concentrated in-depth study of specialized key processes involved in audio production.

AET 3430. Audio Spectral Processing (1). Prerequisites: AET 2090 or AET 2560. The study of the spectral aspects of sound using equalization and filtering to process audio signals. This course provides a concentrated in-depth study and practice of specialized key processes involved in audio production.

AET 3440. Audio Dynamics Processing (1). Prerequisites: AET 2090 or AET 2560. The study of the dynamic-related properties of sound processing. The use of compressors, limiters, and expanders to process and control audio signals. This course provides a concentrated in-depth study and practice of specialized key processes involved in audio production.

AET 3990-4990. Special Studies (1-3).

AET 4015. AET Senior Practicum Capstone Part  (3). Prerequisite: Senior Standing. This senior "capstone experience" will contain an in-depth application of audio engineering knowledge and experience including an investigation of the student's personal experiences, opportunities, ambitions, and anticipated career and life objectives in light of the "world" or "global" influence of the audio engineering industry. The course comprises a review, research, and preparation towards the development and completion of an applied project. The instructor will guide the student to develop a unique and novel application as applied to his/her interests and the practice of audio engineering. The Senior Practicum may be taken during the final two semesters, Fall or Spring, before graduation. Pass/Fail only.

AET 4110. Automated Mixing Techniques (1). Prerequisite: AET 3190. A study of computer-automated mixing techniques. This course provides a concentrated in-depth study and practice of specialized key processes involved in audio production.

AET 4120. Audio Mastering (1). Prerequisite: AET 3190. The study and practice of audio processing related to the replication and distribution of audio-based product(s) such as audio / video disk manufacturing and digital file transfers. This course provides concentrated in-depth study and practice designed to develop skills utilized in the final stage of audio preparation before mass distribution.

AET 4190. Recording Techniques (3). Prerequisites: AET 3190. An intensive study of microphone design and techniques used for recording acoustic instruments. Hands-on experience is provided in several methods of recording different instruments and vocalists to produce a variety of musical and non-musical results. Course of study includes a research project in microphone technology and applications. Lab hours required. ($30.00 course fee)

AET 4230 Auditory Perception, and Hearing Science. (3). Prerequisites: Senior status and AET majors only. This course is a study of auditory perception, psychoacoustics, and hearing science as it relates to audio engineering, sound recording, and music production.

AET 4380. The Recording Engineer (3). Prerequisites: AET 2090, and three hours from AET 2370, AET 3190, AET 4400, or AET 2560. A study of the many roles of the modern recording engineer. Topics include studio ownership and management, clients, unions, current tax laws, and the impact of electronic and acoustic innovations and patents. Research project and lab hours required.

AET 4400. Post Production Techniques (3). Prerequisites: AET 2090, AET 3190. Application of audio/studio technology in the production of video sound design, CD mastering, and post-mix / re-mix sweetening techniques used in music production. ($30.00 course fee)

AET 4480. Master Mixing Techniques (3). Prerequisites: AET 2090, and three hours from AET 2370, AET 2560, AET 3190, or AET 4400. This course explores the practical application of master mixing techniques used in modern production ($30.00 course fee). This course will substitute for AET 4190 or AET 4380.

AET 4560. Advanced Sound Reinforcement Techniques (3). Prerequisite: AET 2560. A practicum based study of concert sound reinforcement. Students will have hands-on experience with various sound reinforcement systems, live mixing, monitor equalization, and areas related to management of a live sound system in a professional concert situation. ($30.00 course fee)
Gen. Ed. Designation: EL (I - Internships, Clinicals, Practica).

AET 4580. Live Recording Techniques (3). Prerequisite: AET 3190 and permission of instructor. A practicum based study of live-concert recording techniques utilizing a remote recording truck. The course will also provide the follow-up experience of mixing and mastering the live-recorded project. ($30.00 course fee)

AET 4590. Tour Production (3). Prerequisites:  AET 4560. A practicum based study of tour-support personnel and their responsibilities including pre-production planning, technical coordination, transportation logistics, and the associated contracts and organizational paperwork. Special emphasis is placed on the role of the "Production" and "Tour" manager. Lab hours required.