1.
The
History
and
Techniques
of
Audio
Production
Revised
3/3/14
Philip
Polsinelli
F206B
Philip.polsinelli@stockton.edu
Description
This
course
covers
the
history
of
record
production
starting
with
Thomas
Edison
continuing
through
Les
Paul’s
multi
track
innovations
and
the
digital
techniques
of
today.
This
will
be
intertwined
with
the
development
of
audio
technology
and
the
role
it
has
played
in
shaping
the
outcome
of
recorded
music.
We’ll
take
in
depth
looks
at
milestone
recording
sessions
that
changed
the
course
of
music.
This
class
will
examine
the
techniques
of
cutting
edge
producers
and
engineers
like
Tom
Dowd,
Rudy
Van
Gelder,
Sam
Phillips,
Jerry
Wexler,
Quincy
Jones
and
Daniel
Lanois.
This
course
is
a
historical
study
on
the
relationship
between
technological
innovators,
entrepreneurs
and
the
creative
musical
mind
through
the
20th
Century.
We
will
also
discuss
the
equipment
and
techniques
involved
in
recording,
how
it
is
used,
and
how
it
has
evolved
through
time.
Goals
and
Objectives:
• Student
will
demonstrate
an
understanding
of
the
evolution
and
development
of
audio
production.
• Student
will
be
able
to
identify
the
characteristics
of
differing
audio
recording
styles.
• Student
will
be
able
to
list
some
landmark
recordings
that
have
pushed
the
envelope
of
recording
technology.
• Student
will
demonstrate
knowledge
of
the
roles
of
various
pieces
of
equipment
used
in
audio
production
(ie.
Mics,
analog
recorders,
compressors,
reverbs).
• Student
will
be
able
to
list
key
engineers,
musicians
and
producers
who
have
contributed
innovations
to
audio
production.
• Student
will
demonstrate
an
understanding
of
the
steps
required
to
complete
a
commercially
released
audio
recording.
• Student
will
demonstrate
an
understanding
of
the
differences
in
analog
and
digital
recording
techniques.
• Student
will
demonstrate
knowledge
of
physical
attributes
that
effect
sound.
• Student
will
demonstrate
knowledge
of
the
three
major
microphone
types
and
their
nuances.
• Student
will
demonstrate
knowledge
of
the
properties
and
set
up
of
a
functional
recording
studio.
• Student
will
demonstrate
knowledge
of
the
basic
workings
of
a
console
and
how
it
is
used
to
create
a
mix.
• Student
will
be
able
to
identify
the
characteristics
of
the
common
effects
and
processors
used
in
recording.

2.
(Tentative)
Timeline:
• Thomas
Edison
and
the
Early
Days
of
Audio
Recording
o John
Phillip
Sousa,
Caruso,
Early
Jazz
and
Blues
• The
Eleven
elements
of
an
Audio
Production
• Rooms
and
Microphones
• Les
Paul’s
Multi-­‐track
innovations
• The
Sun
and
Chess
Record’s
Sound
of
Blues,
Rockabilly,
R&B
and
Rock
&
Roll
• Phil
Spector’s
“Wall
of
Sound.”
• Tom
Dowd
and
the
Atlantic
Records
Sound
o The
Muscle
Shoals
and
Stax
Sound
of
Southern
Soul
• Rudy
Van
Gelder
–
The
Man
Behind
the
Blue
Note
• Motown’s
Recording
Assembly
Line
• The
Genius
of
George
Martin
• Experimental
Recordings
of
the
60’s
and
70’s
o Beach
Boys,
The
Beatles,
Pink
Floyd,
Hendrix,
Miles,
Queen
• The
80’s
and
the
emergence
of
the
Digital
Era
o Daniel
Lanois
–
Keeping
it
real
in
the
Digital
Age
• The
90’s
-­‐
Hip
Hop,
Sampling
and
the
“Back
to
Basics”
Sound
of
Seattle
o Rick
Rubin
o Steve
Albini
o Butch
Vig
• Today’s
Trends
o Digital
Recording
at
Home
o Going
for
that
Retro
Sound
–
The
Foo
Fighters,
The
Black
Keys,
Jack
White
Evaluation:
This
class
will
be
built
upon
reading,
actively
watching
videos,
and
a
large
amount
of
listening
and
analysis.
Each
Learning
Module
will
consist
of
reading,
discussion
and
listening
and
links
to
all
three
will
be
provided.
*Discussions
and
Class
Participation
-­‐
50
points
Online
Quizzes
(3)
-­‐
75
points
Final
Paper
and
Mix
Analysis
(1)
-­‐
75
points
Discussions
and
Class
Participation
This
class
and
the
content
of
this
class
is
dependent
upon
the
student
being
present
and
attentive
for
all
discussions.
Consistent
attendance
and
attentiveness
in
class
will
result
in
full
credit
for
all
that
fit
this
category.
Points
will
be
deducted
for
the
following:

3.
Usage
of
any
device
during
class:
phone,
laptop,
Surface,
iPad
etc
(see
policy
below)
Falling
asleep
Leaving
regularly
during
presentations
Poor
attendance
(see
policy
below)
Text
and
Materials:
• There
will
be
no
textbook
to
purchase
for
this
class
all
required
reading
will
be
web-­‐based
or
handouts.
• Computer
with
audio
capabilities
(speakers
or
headphones)
• Web
access
• Box
of
colored
pencils*
Policies
Attendance
is
Vital:
We
will
have
in-­‐depth
lectures
and
discussions
and
video
presentations
in
every
class.
A
significant
amount
of
the
material
covered
can
only
be
learned
by
being
present
for
the
discussions:
More
than
4
absences
will
result
in
the
lowering
of
1
letter
grade.
An
absence
is
an
absence.
Death
illness
or
simply
taking
the
day
off
produces
the
same
result.
The
reason
is
not
important.
Use
of
phones,
laptops
and
similar
devices
is
strictly
prohibited
NO
texting,
Tweeting
Facebooking
or
any
other
use
of
device
will
be
tolerated.
Failure
to
comply
will
result
in
an
absence
that
will
count
against
you
for
that
class.
Make
sure
your
ringer
is
turned
off
of
your
phone.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
of
any
kind
will
result
in
a
failing
grade
or
possible
expulsion
from
the
college.
Do
your
own
work
and
you
will
have
no
problems.
This
includes
copying
and
pasting
text
from
a
website and
crediting
the
site.
Check
your
email
before
class
If
for
some
reason,
class
is
canceled
I
will
send
an
email
to
all
of
you.
I
will
use
the
amil
address
that
is
associated
with
your
student
information
and
I
will
send
a
second
email
through
Blackboard.