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Belmont University Undergraduate Catalog 2016-17

Audio Engineering Technology Courses (AET)

AET 1380. Survey of Recording Technology (3). This course is an introductory study of music-recording technology with attention to its history, innovations, and effects on the recording process, specifically the sonic quality of recorded music.

AET 1450. Critical Listening for Audio Production (1). 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 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). 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, AET 1450, AET 2050. Co-requisite with AET 2091. A study of recording session procedures including the technical specifications and operational features of each component of the recording studio.  Topics include signal flow and processing, microphone design and application, studio acoustics and session procedures, and the roles of the engineer and assistant engineer.  Emphasis is placed on developing logistical and auditory perception skills for recording engineers.  Taken concurrently with AET 2091. Gen. Ed. Designation: EL (I - Internships, Clinicals, Practica).

AET 2091. Audio Engineering I Practicum (1).  Prerequisites: AET 1380, AET 1450, AET 2050. Co-requisite with AET 2090.  This course is the guided application of conceptual and procedural knowledge presented in AET 2090.  Practicum must be taken concurrently with AET 2090. Gen. Ed. Designation: EL (I - Internships, Clinicals, Practica).

AET 2370. Demo Production (3). Prerequisites: AET 1380, AET 1450, AET 2050. 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.

AET 2420. Audio Temporal Processing (1). Prerequisites: AET 1380, AET 1450 and AET 2050. 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 2430. Audio Spectral Processing (1). Prerequisites: AET 1380, AET 1450 and AET 2050. 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 2440. Audio Dynamics Processing (1). Prerequisites: AET 1380, AET 1450 and AET 2050. 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 2560. Sound Reinforcement (3). Prerequisites: AET 1380, AET 1450, AET 2050. Co-requisite with AET 2561. A study of equipment, systems concepts, design, and acoustical problems involved in concert and live performance sound reinforcement. 
Gen. Ed. Designation: EL (I - Internships, Clinicals, Practica).

AET 2561. Sound Reinforcement Practicum (1). PrerequisitesAET 1380, AET 1450, AET 2050 and co-requisite with AET 2560. This course is the guided application of conceptual and procedural knowledge presented in AET 2560. Practicum to be taken concurrently with AET 2560. Designation: EL (I - Internships, Clinicals, Practica).

AET 2600. Concert & Event Lighting Design (1). Prerequisites: AET 1380 and MBU 1110. This course is a practicum-based study of the conceptual development and execution of concert and live event lighting design.

AET 3000. Audio Engineering Internship (1-6). Prerequisites: AET 2000, AET 3190, AET 3191, junior standing, a minimum of 2.0 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. This is a graded (A-F grade) internship.

AET 3190. Audio Engineering II (3). Prerequisite: AET 2090 and AET 2091. Co-requisite with AET 3191. 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. Taken concurrently with AET 3191. 
Gen. Ed. Designation: EL (I - Internships, Clinicals, Practica).

AET 3191. Audio Engineering II Practicum (1). Prerequisites: AET 2090 and AET 2091. Co-requisite with AET 3190. This course is the guided application of conceptual and procedural knowledge presented in AET 3190. Practicum must be taken concurrently with AET 3190.

AET 3220. Computer Programming for Audio Engineering (3). Prerequisites: MTH 1130 and AET 2420, AET 2430 and AET 2440. An introduction to computer programming, algorithm development, and digital signal processing for audio engineering.

AET 3260. Studio Maintenance and Electronics (3). Prerequisites: AET 2090 and AET 2091, and Corequisite of PHY 2250. This course is an introduction to basic electronic circuitry as related to the function, troubleshooting, maintenance and repair of electronic components in the recording studio. (Lab hours and fee required).

AET 3370. Master Production (3). Prerequisites: AET 2370 or AET 2090 and AET 2091. 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 3560. Advanced Sound Reinforcement Techniques (3). PrerequisitesAET 2560, AET 2561 and co-requisite with AET 3561. An advanced study of sound reinforcement as applied to live sound engineering performed in multiple venues. Emphasis is placed on knowledge and application of theory, tools and techniques used to manage sound in professional concert situations  Gen. Ed. Designation: EL (I - Internships, Clinicals, Practica).

AET 3561. Advanced Sound Reinforcement Practicum (1). PrerequisitesAET 2560, AET 2561 and co-requisite with AET 3560. 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. Gen. Ed. Designation: EL (I - Internships, Clinicals, Practica).

AET 3570. Tour Production (3). PrerequisitesMBU 1110 and AET 2560. 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. 

AET 3790. Recording Workshop (3). Prerequisites: AET 3190 and AET 3191.  This course is an intensive study of microphone design and recording techniques used in the studio environment.  Course of study includes a research project in microphone technology and application.  Lab hours required.

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

AET 3895-4895. Special Topics (1-3). Special Topics or pilot courses.

AET 4015. AET Senior  Capstone (1). Prerequisites: Junior Cornerstone Seminar and ENG 3010, Third-Year Writing. This course is a culminating experience in the major, which also addresses the goals for the Senior Capstone as defined in the course description for GND 4015. These goals include reflection on the students' whole educational experiences and on their transition from the university setting to post-graduation.

AET 4110. Automated Mixing Techniques (1). Prerequisites: AET 3190 and AET 3191. 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). Prerequisites: AET 3190 and AET 3191. 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 4210. Restoration and Forensic Audio (1). Prerequisites: AET 3190 and AET 3191.  This course provides an exploration of audio analysis, enhancement, restoration, and retrieval for archival purposes and services rendered to law enforcement agencies.

AET 4220. Audio Software Development (1). Prerequisite: AET 3220. A study of the design of audio software using various programming languages. This course provides an overview of developing software as stand-alone applications, DAW plug-ins (VST/AU), and mobile apps (iOS/Android). Students will design software for audio effects processors or virtual instruments. 

AET 4230 Auditory Perception, and Hearing Science. (3). Prerequisites: AET majors only and two of the following: AET 3190 and AET 3191, AET 3560 and AET 3561, or AET 4400 and AET 4401. This course is a study of auditory perception, psychoacoustics, and hearing science as it relates to audio engineering, sound recording, and music production.

AET 4260. 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 4380.  Business & Audio (3). Prerequisites: two of the following three, AET 2370, AET 2090/2091, AET 2560/2561. A study of the various roles of the contemporary audio engineer. Topics include business and personal tax laws, facility operations, professional organizations, responsibilities in client relationships, and opportunities in developing audio-related fields.

AET 4400. Sound Design for Picture (3). Prerequisites: AET 3190 and AET 3191. Co-requisite with AET 4401. This course is an introductory study of the use of sound for picture and the application of audio and studio technology. Post-production techniques of dialogue replacement, music editing, Foley, sound effects spotting and surround mixing are used.

AET 4401. Sound Design for Picture Practicum (1). Prerequisites: AET 3190 and AET 3191. Co-requisite with AET 4400. This course is the guided application of conceptual and procedural knowledge presented in AET 4400 and is focused on the study and application of network audio in the Johnson Center. Practicum must be taken concurrently with AET 4400.

AET 4480. Master Mixing Techniques (3). Prerequisites: AET 3190 and AET 3191. This course explores the practical application of master mixing techniques used in modern production.

AET 4580. Location Recording (3). Prerequisite: AET 3790.  This course is an investigation of "on-location" recording employing practices commonly associated with capturing performances of classical, jazz, and orchestral ensembles.