Catalog Description

Advisory: Completion of MECH 10 with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 72 (54 lecture, 18 laboratory)
Description: Emphasis on audio concepts including basic and essential audio theory, development of critical listening skills, and perception of audio in the form of acoustic and electrical energy. Discussion and exercises in signal flow, recording facility configuration, sound reinforcement system set-up and working within different acoustic environments. Introductory training in equipment selection and placement as well as basic tracking techniques are offered. (CSU)

Course Student Learning Outcomes

  • CSLO #1: Discern between types of interference
  • CSLO #2: Manipulate signal
  • CSLO #3: Demonstrate the ability to determine and correctly use microphone types based on different recording scenarios

Effective Term

Spring 2011

Course Type

Credit - Degree-applicable

Contact Hours

72

Outside of Class Hours

90

Total Student Learning Hours

162

Course Objectives

Laboratory-Activity Objectives:
1. Evaluate acoustic spaces for sound properties
a. Bright/dark
b. Anomalies
2. Determine and recommend appropriate microphone (dynamic, ribbon, condenser) application
a. Dynamic (i.e., loud sources)
b. Condenser (i.e., quiet or high frequency sources)
c. Ribbon (i.e., when a "warm" quality is desired)
3. Differentiate between loudspeaker components (drivers, crossover components)
a. Select appropriate system for application (near-field, mid-field, and far-field monitoring)
Lecture-Directed Study Objectives:
1. Convert acoustic energy to electrical energy
a. Manipulate signal
b. Amplification
c. Attenuation
2. Discern between types of interference
a. Electrostatic (power cables, fluorescent lights)
b. Electromagnetic (lighting ballast, transformers)
c. Radio frequency interference
3. Evaluate recording media options for application

General Education Information

  • Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability
    • CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval)
      • Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval)
        • IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval)

          Articulation Information

          • CSU Transferable

          Methods of Evaluation

          • Essay Examinations
            • Example: In a written essay report of a live concert, the student will address the acoustic properties in the venue discerning whether the room was "bright" or "dark" in character.
          • Objective Examinations
            • Example: Sample based test will assess student's understanding and appropriate use of the microphone types studied.
          • Skill Demonstrations
            • Example: Students will help set up a small-format live sound system thus demonstrating their understanding of converting electrical energy into acoustic energy with special attention to the identification and abatement of audio interference

          Repeatable

          No

          Methods of Instruction

          • Laboratory
          • Lecture/Discussion

          Lab:

          1. Instructor guides students in assembling, demonstrating and striking a small-format sound reinforcement system.

          Lecture:

          1. Instructor guides students in dismantling, describing and reassembling pieces of audio equipment, while questioning them on the function of the various components.

          Typical Out of Class Assignments

          Reading Assignments

          1) Read an article pertinent to a sound characteristic and report your finding to the class. 2) Read chapter in the text on output transducers and discuss your interpretation of the material.

          Writing, Problem Solving or Performance

          1) The students are given a budget and asked to create a comprehensive equipment list for a project studio or small-format sound reinforcement system. Provide a rationale for your choices. 2) Write a critical review of two live concerts with special attention to the sound characteristics of the venue and sound reinforcement issues.

          Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.)

          Required Materials

          • Practical Recording Techniques
            • Author: Bartlett, Bruce et. al
            • Publisher: Focal Press
            • Publication Date: 2009
            • Text Edition: 5th
            • Classic Textbook?: No
            • OER Link:
            • OER:
          • Modern Recording Techniques
            • Author: David Miles Huber and Robert E. Runstein
            • Publisher: Sams Publishing
            • Publication Date: 2005
            • Text Edition: 6th
            • Classic Textbook?: No
            • OER Link:
            • OER:

          Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.