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RTV 011
Fundamentals of Audio Production
Assignments
Adjunct Professor: Rodrigo Villagomez 
Semester/Session: Fall 2011
Semester/Session: Fall 2011Phone: 954-5831
E-Mail: rjvillagomez@gmail.com
Office: Shima 146 (office hours by appointment & TBA schedule)
Course website: http://www.deltacollegeradio.com (Click on the RTV 011 tab)
Course Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/RTV11
Campus Information: http://www.deltacollege.edu/ Phone: (209) 954-5151 Emergency: 954-5000
Course Title: Fundamentals of Audio ProductionUnits: 3.0
Units: 3.0Department and Course Number: RTV 011
Class Meets: Monday 11:00pm - 12:00pm (Lecture)
Monday 11:00pm - 12:00pm (Lecture)Monday 12:00pm – 1:00pm (Lab) Lecture hours: 1.00
Scheduled Lab: 1.00
TBA Lab Hours: 5.00
Course Description: This course is designed to examine the theory and practice of audio techniques in radio, television, film, and multimedia, including acoustics, audio language and terms, signal flow, use of microphones, use of mixers and related production equipment, and the aesthetic aspects of sound mixing. Students will apply the learned materials to actual audio production. (CSU)
Note: This course has no prerequisite. However, it is recommended that a student be computer literate. In other words, have at least some basic computer and Internet operating skills.
Method of Instruction:
Methods of instruction may include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. Lecture (along with reading assignments, quizzes, multimedia presentations, etc.)
2. Lab Hours (in class and in studio hands-on learning opportunities, etc.)
Textbooks and/or Supplies
Text Books (Required):
Author: Alten, Stanley. AUDIO IN MEDIA, ISBN: 9780495095682Edition: 9TH 10. Price: Used: $128.25/ New: $171.00
Optional:
Author: Hausman. MODERN RADIO PRODUCTION, ISBN: 9780495570493
Edition: 8TH 10. Price: Used: $92.00 / New: $122.65
Supplies (Required):
The student will need to provide several blank CD-recordable discs for their productions (CD-R, CD-RW, etc.). Also, needed are a flash drive and/or an external hard drive.GOALS:
General Goals: Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the theories utilized in audio production.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the theories of sound propagation, recording, and reproduction.
OBJECTIVES:
Specific Objectives: Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Demonstrate knowledge of audio theory, acoustics, waveforms, and instruments by passing written test.
2. Identify the operational elements of a professional audio system by indicating to the instructor the location of items in the college lab and explaining the function of each.
3. Set up and operate audio appropriately for various production projects.
4. Demonstrate the use of digital technology to acquire, edit, process and mix audio elements together for a finished program.
5. Successfully record a live performance, demonstrating through finished master tape and written rationale, his/her knowledge of audio techniques
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
List the elements of basic acoustics, waveforms, and instruments through use of written and lab tests. Assessment: Students will need to complete written and lab tests with a cumulative grade of “C” or higher.
Obligation of the Student:
Withdrawal from the Course
Students bear the responsibility of withdrawing from a class if they choose to stop attending class. Students who fail to drop the class and stop attending will receive an "F" for the final course grade. August 26, 2011 is the last date to request refund of fees for full term class/es. September 9, 2011 is the last date to drop a full-term class without a “W” notation on the academic transcript. November 17, 2011 is the last date to drop a full term class with a “W” notation on the academic transcript. It is the individual student’s responsibility to withdraw from college.
Plagiarism
Students should be aware that there are severe consequences for violations of academic integrity such as cheating or plagiarism (turning in work that is not your own, without proper credit to the original author/creator). Students who are found to have cheated or committed plagiarism will face disciplinary action under the College's Student Conduct Code.
LABS:
In addition to the regularly scheduled class time, students are expected to complete all assigned lab activities in the Radio/TV studio (Shima 146/145) or at other equivalent on-campus facilities. Students are expected to complete lab work by the assigned due date.
Labs play an important part of this class. In many cases, lab assignments are given during class for completion prior to the next scheduled class meeting. Thus, if you miss a class it is a good idea to check in with the teacher to ensure you do not miss that week’s lab assignment/project.
The RTV labs are located in Shima 145 and Shima146. Completion of lab-oriented projects may require that you sign up in advance for use of a private audio lab or TV studio lab. Sign up sheets will often be provided, upon request (generally kept on the RTV Operations Manager’s desk).
RTV POLICY: NO FOOD OR DRINK ALLOWED IN THE CLASS AREA OR LABS
TV Studio and RTV labs may only be used to complete class assignments. Students that deliberately cause damage to studio equipment will be banned from the labs for the remainder of the semester and may be responsible for the cost of damaged equipment.
LAB HOURS:
The labs are typically open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. effective January 24, 2011. Delta College RTV Management reserves the right to change the schedule due to RTV Operations Manager illness or equipment failure. In addition, students that have booked excessive studio time may be bumped to give priority to students with project deadlines. To utilize a lab, fill out the lab’s signup sheet. As an RTV 011 student you may use any of the audio labs up to 5-hours a week (1 hour per day maximum…more based on availability and approval).
Tutor Assistance:
Typically, Monday through Friday from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. an RTV 011 tutor is available to assist you with course related assignments and projects. To utilize the assistance of a tutor, fill out the Tutor Assistance signup sheet, at least 24-hours in advance, and notify the tutor of what type of assistance that you will need. The Tutor Assistance signup sheet is usually available on the RTV Operations Manager’s desk.
Computer Lab & Internet Use Policy:
Using the computer lab to access the Internet should be limited to research and execution of class-related assignments only. Please note that all Internet use is monitored for improper use. In other words, do not assume that your Internet use is private. Examples of improper use include viewing of explicit content and downloading of illegal or copyrighted content. Failure to adhere to these rules will result in suspension from the computer lab. Each computer has a signup sheet. To utilize a computer, fill out the signup sheet. The computer lab computers are not available for general use during class time. The computer lab is supervised by the RTV Operations Manager.
NOTES
1. Many lectures will not be taken solely from the text. Regular class attendance and
careful note taking is advised.
2. Make-up quizzes and exams are discouraged.
3. Make-ups must be taken with 7 days of the class date. You are responsible for
making arrangements with the instructor.
4. Unexcused absences on test days will result in grade reductions of possibly a 1/3 of a grade.
5. Reading assignments and due dates for out-of-class projects will be given in class.
If you are absent, you are responsible for getting the information on readings and
project assignments.
TOLERANCE POLICY:
All class participants are expected to be sensitive to the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students. Specifically, this class will not tolerate discrimination relating to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, disability, age, marital status, creed, or national origin.
Course Content:
1.Introducing Audio Programming and Production
Introducing Audio Programming and Productiona.Production tasks and challenges
Production tasks and challengesb.Programming influences audio production
Programming influences audio productionc.The greater picture
The greater picture2.Understanding Sound and Audio
Understanding Sound and Audioa.Understanding sound
Understanding soundb.Understanding audio and its lexicon
Understanding audio and its lexicon3.Microphones
Microphonesa.Audio sources--playback and recording devices
Audio sources--playback and recording devicesb.Understanding magnetic recording
Understanding magnetic recordingc.Digital options
Digital optionsd.Other on-air audio sources
Other on-air audio sourcese.Audio control devices--the audio console
Audio control devices--the audio console4.Studios and Control Rooms
Studios and Control Roomsa.Defining the control room and studio
Defining the control room and studiob.On-air facilities today
On-air facilities todayc.Production facilities today
Production facilities todayd.News production facilities
News production facilitiese.The integrated radio station
The integrated radio station5.Organizing the Production - The Preproduction Process
Organizing the Production - The Preproduction Process6.Beginning Production Techniques
Beginning Production Techniquesa.Basic orientation to the production facility
Basic orientation to the production facilityb.Basic production techniques
Basic production techniques7.Advanced Production Techniques
Advanced Production Techniquesa.Defining the advanced production
Defining the advanced productionb.Directing a production
Directing a productionc.Using advanced production tools
Using advanced production toolsd.Advanced production techniques
Advanced production techniquese.Production site options
Production site options8.Using Music and Sound Effects
Using Music and Sound Effectsa.Using music creatively
Using music creativelyb.Using prerecorded music in production
Using prerecorded music in productionc.Creating original music for production
Creating original music for productiond.Using sound effects creatively
Using sound effects creatively9.Editing - What is Editing and Why Edit?
Editing - What is Editing and Why Edit?10.Understanding the Radio Station
Understanding the Radio Stationa.The radio station
The radio stationb.Why production?
Why production?c.The people behind the sound
The people behind the sound11.Formats
Formatsa.The new radio audiences
The new radio audiencesb.Music formats for local radio
Music formats for local radioc.Noncommercial formats
Noncommercial formats12.Producing Short Announcements
Producing Short Announcementsa.Introducing the short announcement
Introducing the short announcement b.Producing the commercial
Producing the commercialc.Producing an underwritten message for noncommercial radio
Producing an underwritten message for noncommercial radiod.Producing the public service announcement
Producing the public service announcementSCHEDULE (TENTATIVE):
The following schedule is subject to change. In particular, the test dates are only estimates. Actual dates for lectures and tests will depend on how quickly the material is covered in class. However, this calendar should give you a general idea of what will be covered over the semester.
Schedule of Topics & Readings
Week 1 (Aug. 15) – – Introduction – Pre-Test – Audio: Multimedia, Radio, Recording, and Sound Design
Lab Activity: Crash Course in Radio/Recording (Editing with Audacity, Audition, SoundTrack, etc.)
Assign: Ultimate Audio Project (semester long project)
READ: Chapter 24 Evaluating the Finished Product & Occupations in Audio – (pg. 501) – Audio in Media
Week 2 (Aug. 22) – – First introduction to Podcasting
Assign: Create your own Podcast (weekly project)
Aug. 26 - is the last date to request refund of fees for full term class/es.
Week 3 (Aug. 29) – Microphone & Basic Radio I (The Radio Air-Check)…and The Science of Sound and Hearing…The Science of Broadcasting
Lab Activity: Recording and editing with Audition (must be signed off by instructor or class tutor) and RTV Media Team Production Opportunities - CD Compilation Team, News Broadcast Team, Radio Broadcast Team, Sports Broadcast Team, RTV & Film Club Assign: LAB Production Project #1 –Join at least one RTV Media Production Team (fill out application) READ: Chapter 1 Sound and Hearing and Chapter 4 Microphones – Audio in Media Optional: Chapter 5 – Modern Radio Production
Due: Weekly podcast topics
Week 4 (Sept. 5 ) – HOLIDAY (No Class)
Sept. 9 - Last date to drop a full-term class without a “W” notation on the academic transcript.
Week 5 (Sept. 12) -- The Console & Basic Radio II (The Radio Video Air-Check)
Lab Activity: Sit in and observe a Delta College radio broadcast (must be signed off by Station Manager)
Assign: Take Home Quiz based on Chapters 1, 4, 5, 6, lecture notes, and lab activities
Due: Weekly podcast topics
READ: Chapter 5 Consoles and Control Surfaces – Audio in Media
Week 6 (Sept. 19) -- Digital Audio Recording & Editing (Logic, Pro Tools, Sound Track, etc.)
Lab Activity: Sit in and observe a recording session in the recording lab (must be signed off by Engineer)
Assign: LAB Production Project #1 – Recording Project with Tutor (use Audition)
Due: Take Home Quiz
READ: Chapter 6 Recording – Audio in Media Optional: Chapter 4 - Modern Radio Production
Lab Activity: Go online and watch the documentary The End of Radio (the link for this movie can be found on the RTV 011 class website) & then complete the online QUIZ (on the RTV 011 class website)
READ: Chapter 12 Studio Production: Radio – Audio in Media Optional: Chapter 6 & 9 – Modern Radio
Week 7 (Sept. 26) – Studio Production & Field Production...Announcing & Interviewing
Lab Activity: Creating commercials and public service announcements (PSA)
READ: Chapter 9 Sound and the Speaking Voice – Audio in Media
Nov. 14 – Last day to file an application for Fall 2011 graduation (AA & AS)
Week 8 (Oct. 3) – Sound Design for Video and Film
Lab Activity: Continue creating commercials and public service announcements
Assign: Lab Production Project # 2 – Create a :30-second radio spot
READ: Chapter 14 Sound Design – Audio in Media Optional: Chapter 8 - Modern Radio Production
Week 9 (Oct. 10) – Mid-Term Examination Review and Audio Equipment Operation Review
Lab Activity: Critique the :30-second spots & review Ultimate Audio Project
Due: LAB Production Project #2
READ: TBA
Week 10 (Oct. 17) – Mid-Term Examination and demonstrate proper use of Audio Equipment
Due: Update on your Ultimate Audio Project (status check)READ: TBA
READ: TBAWATCH: Before The Music Dies (Documentary on the Internet) and complete online quiz
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-856606244008931882 (Due:)
Week 11 (Oct. 24) – Mixing and Recording – The Recording Industry
Lab Activity: Participate in a Recording, Mixing & Mastering session
Assign: LAB Production Project #3 – Recording, Mixing & Mastering Project
READ: Chapter 21 (Mixing: An Overview) – Audio in Media
Week 12 (Oct. 31) – Sound Effects & Recording SFX
Lab Activity: Participate in a Sound Effects recording session
Assign: LAB Production Project #4 – Record SFX Project Due: Lab Production Project #3
READ: Chapter 15 (Sound Effects) – Audio in Media Optional: Chapter 10 - Modern Radio
Week 13 (Nov. 7) – Dialogue, ADR & Foley
Lab Activity: Participate in an ADR (looping - dubbing) session
Due: LAB Production Project #4 READ: Chapter 11 (Dialogue) – Audio in Media
READ: Chapter 11 (Dialogue) – Audio in MediaWeek 14 (Nov. 14) – Music Underscoring & Music Production
Lab Activity: Participate in Video/Movie music underscoring session
Assign: LAB Production Project #5 – Sound for Video Project
READ: Chapter 16 (Music Underscoring) – Audio in Media
Nov. 17 – Last date to drop a full term class with a “W” notation on the academic transcript.
Week 15 (Nov. 21) – Multimedia Audio Production – Interactive Audio Sound Design
Lab Activity: Adding sound (SFX, music, dialogue, etc.) to interactive multimedia (Flash)
Assign: LAB Production Project #6 – Incorporate sound into an interactive media project
Due: LAB Production Project #7 – Sound for Video Project & Ultimate Audio Project
READ: Chapter 17 (Audio for Interactive) – Audio in Media
Week 16 (Nov. 28) – Careers in Audio Media Production & Present Ultimate Audio Projects (critique)
Lab activity: Guest Speaker - a professional from either Multimedia, Radio, Recording, or Sound Design
Week 17 (Dec. 5) – RTV 011 Semester Summary & Final Examination Review
No readings scheduledDue: LAB Production Project #6
Due: LAB Production Project #6Finals Week – FINAL EXAMINATION (NO REGULAR CLASSES)
Dec. 9 – Friday 10:00am – 11:50am
Method of Evaluation and Grading Options
Student grades will be calculated using the following criteria:
Worksheets, Quizzes, Critiques, Class Participation 10 percent
Audio Production Projects20 percent
Mid-Term Examination 20 percent
RTV LAB Participation 30 percent
Final Examination20 percent
Semester Total100 percent
(90 to 100 = A; 80 to 89.9 = B; 70 to 79.9 = C; 60 to 69.9 = D; under 60 = F) Late audio projects will be penalized 1/3 of a letter grade for each day that they are late. Thus, an "A" project turned in three days late can earn a grade no higher than a "B." Copies of projects that are handed in via electronic means must also be burned onto a CD-R or CD-RW by the student and turned in at the next class session in order to be graded.
The instructor reserves the right to change the preceding information with prior notice.
Rodrigo Villagomez - Contact Information:
TV Studio - (209) 954-5831
Office - (209) 954-5581
RTV 011 Monday 11:00a.m. - 12p.m.
Homework - watch one of the following movies and complete the coresponding quiz. The quiz is due on Monday (February 28, 2011)
Recording Industry
•http://www.hulu.com/watch/62945/before-the-music-dies
http://www.hulu.com/watch/62945/before-the-music-dies •Things to look for:
Things to look for:•Current state of the music & recording industry
Current state of the music & recording industry•How is it possible to make someone a star (that lacks musical talent)
How is it possible to make someone a star (that lacks musical talent)•What is the tech. device that makes it possible to establish perfect tone/pitch?
What is the tech. device that makes it possible to establish perfect tone/pitch?Radio Industry
- The End of Radio (Documentary) To watch the movie - Click Here
- http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-7826115564865754288#
- Things to look for:
- Current state of the radio industry
- What is Internet radio?
- What is Pandora (radio)?
- What is DAB?
To watch the most recent version of Adobe Flash Player is required.
Audio Production Project
Air-Check/Audio Sample #2 DUE: 05/02/2011
Record your audition/air-check and save it in the RTV 11 Assignment # 1 folder. After recording, burn your audition/air-check onto a CD and/or send your audition/air-check recording in as an email mp3 attachment. Turn in your completed Audition/Air-Check CD to Marc (RTV Operations Manager) or Juanda (RTV Assistant Operations Manager) and/or send your email with Air-Check attachment to – wstory@deltacollege.edu
Procedure for producing your air-check:
Recording - Use Adobe Audition to create a 3 - 5 minute Air-Check.
Include the following in your Air-Check:
If you do not want to create an Audition Air-check you may create a...
AUDITION/Audio Sample
Recording - Using Adobe Audition create a 3 - 5 minute Audio Sample (music, SFX, etc.)
Include the following in your Audio Sample:
· Fade In/Out…
· Noise Reduction (Effects/Noise Reduction/Hiss Reduction)
· Create, Save & Export a Multi-track Session
· Perform a Mix-Down to a WAV or CD
What is your opinion?
RTV 011 Assignment - Due: Monday (3/14/2011)
Write a one page or less answer to the following question...
Who pays when music is stolen (illegally downloaded)?
RTV 11 - Recording Project
Bass, Midrange, & Treble Audio Sample
Assigned – March 7, 2011
Due – March 21, 2011
Duration – minimum length: 30-seconds maximum length: 3-minutes
Create an audio sample that features BASS, MIDRANGE, and TREBLE. All of these frequency ranges must appear (be heard) in your audio sample. Your audio sample can be created with voice, instruments, software - GarageBand, FruityLoops (FL), Reason, Audio Editor Pro (PC)…Also, you may edit and re-mix songs, etc. The content of this audio sample project is completely your choice. Again, just make sure this project features audio samples/examples from the bass, midrange, and treble area of the human hearing (frequency) range.
Record your Bass, Midrange, & Treble Audio Sample Project in an RTV Audio Lab or another audio studio (home studio, etc.). After recording, burn your audio sample onto a CD and/or send your audio sample in via email as an mp3 attachment. Turn in your completed Audio Sample CD to Marc (RTV Operations Manager) or Mr. Story. Send your Audio Sample mp3 attachment to – wstory@deltacollege.edu.
Human hearing covers about 10 octaves. Octaves are grouped into BASS – MIDRANGE & TREBLE (with further subdivisions).
Bass (low & Upper) – The low range of the audible frequency.
Midrange (Upper) – The part of the frequency spectrum humans are most sensitive to.
Treble – The highest two octaves audible to human hearing in the sound frequency spectrum.
Bass – (1st through 4th Octaves) Instruments that are associated with this range –lower-string instruments (Cello and Bass), Tuba, foot drums, etc.
Mid Range – (5th through 8th Octaves) Instruments that are associated with this range - voice, guitar, trumpet, piano, etc.
Treble – (9th through 10th Octaves) Instruments that are associated with this range - cymbals, triangle, the high end of the vocal range, etc.
Radio-TV Station Meeting Friday @ 12:30PM
Delta 360 Show Friday @ 2:00PM
RTV 11 – Production ASSIGNMENT # 1 (RADIO & RECORDING)
AUDITION/AIR-CHECK DUE: 02/14/2011
Record your audition/air-check and save it in the RTV 11 Assignment # 1 folder. After recording, burn your audition/air-check onto a CD and/or send your audition/air-check recording in as an email mp3 attachment. Turn in your completed Audition/Air-Check CD to Marc (RTV Operations Manager) or Juanda (RTV Assistant Operations Manager) and/or send your email with Air-Check attachment to – wstory@deltacollege.edu
Procedure for producing your air-check:
Recording - Use Adobe Audition to create a 3 - 5 minute Air-Check.
Include the following in your Air-Check:
1. Your name and Station ID…
2. Segue from one song into another…
3. Back Sell…into a spot load (PSA/Promo)
4. Out of spot (PSA)…Front Sell
5. Segue from one song into another…
6. Read News & Weather
7. Farewell/Close…
If you do not want to create an Audition Air-check you may create a...
AUDITION/Audio Sample
Recording - Using Adobe Audition create a 3 - 5 minute Audio Sample (music, SFX, etc.)
Include the following in your Audio Sample:
· Fade In/Out…
· Noise Reduction (Effects/Noise Reduction/Hiss Reduction)
· Create, Save & Export a Multi-track Session
· Perform a Mix-Down to a WAV or CD
RTV 011 Production Project #1 – Ultimate Audio Project
Assigned: January 18, 2011
Due: May 09, 2011
Goal:
The purpose of this assignment is to create a project worthy of placing in your Media Career Portfolio. In other words, you are to create the highest quality audio project that you are currently capable of creating and then place it on your Media Career Portfolio website.
What is your Media Career goal? What media job are you pursuing? Whatever it is – use this project to demonstrate you have the skills and abilities to work in that particular area of the media industry. Use this project to demonstrate you are willing to put in the time and effort to do the best possible job – in order to get the best possible job. Please use this Ultimate Audio Project to create the best possible representation of your Media Manufacturing knowledge and proficiency…The - ULTIMATE - representation of your audio media skills and abilities!
Do you want to work in the recording industry? Go ahead and record, mix & master a song. However, if you record a song - make it the ULTIMATE song. If you want to work in radio – create the ULTIMATE air-check…video air-check. If you are more into video – create the ULTIMATE music video. Make a movie and generate the ULTIMATE movie sound design…sound effects, voice over, ADR, etc.
Activity:
Use the RTV facilities (equipment and software) or other preapproved facilities (equipment, software, etc.) to record, mix down and submit the ULTIMATE audio – audio/video – audio/multimedia project. The length of your ULTIMATE project must be at least 30-seconds long and no longer than 30-minutes. Your ULTIMATE project may be turned in on either a CD or DVD. Your ULTIMATE AUDIO PROJECT must be turned in by – May 09, 2011.
Good Luck!
RTV 011 - First Assignment:
Write a brief answer to the following and turn it in on Monday (Jan. 31, 2011)
What is RADIO (Broadcasting)?
How does it work?
What is SOUND?
How does human hearing work?
Lab Project (everyone)
Signup to Sit in – Radio
Assign: February 28, 2011
Due: March 21, 2011
Schedule a time to sit in on one of the live FM 89.5 radio programs. On the day and time you are scheduled to visit the station, observe and learn some of the basic radio station operating procedures (turn on/off the mic, adjust mic levels, turn on/off other console pot controls, etc.) If you appear on the radio you will receive a bonus lab hour.
•You must complete this assignment by March 21.
•If you have any questions - ask Mr. Story, Marcus, Cynthia, Marc, or Juanda
RTV 11 Ultimate Audio Project
Due: May 09, 2011
Recording Project
Bass, Midrange, & Treble Audio Sample
Due – March 21, 2011 (extended to April 18, 2011)
Duration – minimum length: 30-seconds maximum length: 3-minutes
Audio Production Project
Air-Check/Audio Sample #2
Due: May 2, 2011
SFX Project
Assigned: April 5, 2011
Due: April 25, 2011
