CCRMA

Introduction to Music 192

Music 192 is a two-quarter course covering the basic principles involved in the process of recording sound. The first quarter, Music 192A, covers microphones and the principles of sound transduction, basic analog audio electronics, device interconnection, shielding and grounding, analog-to-digital conversion, and magnetic recording processes in both analog and digital systems. Studio equipment including microphones, amplifiers, equalizers and mixing consoles are demonstrated and employed in studio exercises. There are homework assignments, studio exercises, and written in-class midterm and final exams in 192A. The grade will be determined by homework (20%), lab exercises (20%), a midterm (20%) and the final (40%). Lecture attendance and participation will also be considered.

The textbooks for 192A are:

  • "Sound and Recording: An Introduction" by Francis Rumsey and Tim McCormick, 5th Edition, Focal Press, 2006.
  • "Professional Microphone Techniques" by David Miles Huber and Philip Williams, Mix Books, 1998.
  • Additional material is from "The Science of Sound Recording" by Jay Kadis, contained on-line on the Music 192A web page (below).
  • The text for 192B is:

  • "Principles of Digital Audio" by Ken C. Pohlmann, 4th Edition, McGraw-Hill, 2000.
  • The second quarter, Music 192B, concentrates on advanced analog and digital audio processes and in-the-studio hands-on experience working on your own recording project. Topics include advanced mixing techniques including dynamic range processing, time delay based effects and automation, digital audio systems for recording and mixing, mastering and media for product delivery. 192B involves studio exercises, a midterm and a recording project, which we will share in a final class listening session. The grade will be determined by exercises (25%), midterm (25%) and the project (50%). Both quarters include lectures and studio demonstrations.

    As Music 192 is part of the Music, Science, and Technology core curriculum, enrollment priority is given to those enrolled in the MST program, both undergraduate and graduate. Class size is limited by the availability of equipment and studio space.



    Music 192A [2008-9]:
    Foundations of Sound Recording Technology

    Prerequisites are: Music 151 (Psychophysics and Cognitive Psychology for Musicians), algebra and basic physics. (151 may be taken concurrently with 192) Class meets Wednesday 1:15 to 3:05 pm in the Knoll classroom. Lab sessions will be available at selected times during the quarter.

  • Instructor: Jay Kadis (650) 723-4971 x 314
    Office: Knoll 106, Office Hours: Tuesdays 9-11am and by arrangement
  • T.A.:Juhan Nam
  • Course syllabus[<---Contains reading assignments!]

    Introduction to Music 192A

    Notes for Week 1,2: Sound & Electronics
    Homework Assignment 1 [Due week 3]
    Supplementary reading:
    [Science of Sound Recording Ch. 1: Metrology
    Science of Sound Recording Ch. 2: Sound
    Science of Sound Recording Ch. 3: Hearing
    Science of Sound Recording Ch. 4: Electronics]

    Notes for Week 3,4: Microphones
    Studio Exercise 1
    CCRMA Studio Mics you should know!
    Supplementary reading:
    [Science of Sound Recording Ch. 5: Microphones]

    Notes for Week 5 Pt. 1: Circuits
    Notes for Week 5 Pt. 2: Interconnection
    Homework Assignment 2 [Due week 6]
    Supplementary reading:
    [Science of Sound Recording Ch. 6: Amplifiers]

    Week 6 Midterm

    Notes for Week 7: Mixing Consoles
    Studio Exercise 2

    Notes Week 8:Magnetic Recording
    Supplementary reading:
    [Science of Sound Recording Ch. 7: Analog Recording]

    Notes for Week 9: Sampling
    Additional notes for Week 9: Digital recorders
    Homework Assignment 3 [Due week 10]
    Supplementary reading:
    [Science of Sound Recording Ch. 8: Digital Recording]


    ©1999-2007 Jay Kadis
    All Rights Reserved.