Readings

Course Text

[Eargle] = Eargle, J. The Microphone Book. 2nd ed. Focal Press, 2004. ISBN: 9780240519616.

The following table lists the assigned readings. Further supplemental references are listed in the bibliography at the end of the lecture notes.

Course readings.

SES #	TOPICS	ASSIGNED READINGS
1	The tools of audio engineering
2	Measures and visualizations of sounds and signals	"A Short History of the Microphone." Chapter 1 in [Eargle].  pp. 1–6.
3	Psychoacoustics, hearing, and reflections	"Basic Sound Transmission and Operational Forces on Microphones." Chapter 2 in [Eargle]. pp. 7–21.
4	Workshop: amplitudes and recording hardware	"Microphone Accessories." Chapter 10 in [Eargle].  pp. 152–65.
5	No class today
6	Controlling gain and processing signals
7	Filters and filter parameters	Katz, B. "Equalization Techniques." In Mastering Audio: The Art and the Science. 2nd ed. Focal Press, 2007, pp. 103–12. ISBN: 9780240808376.
8	Interconnections, signal flow, busses, and patch bays	"The Pressure Microphone." Chapter 3 in [Eargle]. pp. 22–49.
9	Workshop: preamps and level setting	"Electrical Considerations and Electronic Interface." Chapter 8 in [Eargle]. pp. 117–41.
10	Compression and limiting	Katz, B. "How to Manipulate Dynamic Range for Fun and Profit." In Mastering Audio: The Art and the Science. 2nd ed. Focal Press, 2007, pp. 113–38. ISBN: 9780240808376.
11	Expansion, gating, and sidechaining	"The Pressure Gradient Microphone." Chapter 4 in [Eargle]. pp. 50–65.
12	Approaching a mix	"First-Order Directional Microphones." Chapter 5 in [Eargle]. pp. 66–90.
13	Microphones, directionality, and monophonic microphone techniques	Streicher, R., and W. Dooley. "The Bidirectional Microphone: A Forgotten Patriarch." Journal of the Audio Engineering Society 51, no. 4 (2003): 211–25.
14	Stereophonic microphone techniques	"Basic Stereophonic Recording Techniques." Chapter 11 in [Eargle]. pp. 166–83. Streicher, R., and W. Dooley. "Basic Stereo Microphone Perspetives—A Review." Journal of the Audio Engineering Society 33, no. 7–8 (1985): 548–56.
15	Workshop: microphone positioning and recording sessions	"Classical Stereo Recording Techniques and Practice." Chapter 13 in [Eargle]. pp. 194–216. Dooley, W. L., and R. D. Streicher. "M-S Stereo: A Powerful Technique for Working in Stereo." Journal of the Audio Engineering Society 30, no. 10 (1982): 707–18.
16	Ensemble microphone techniques	"Studio Recording Techniques." Chapter 14 in [Eargle]. pp. 217–42.
17	Workshop: recording session 1
18	Delay and reverb	Katz, M. "Aesthetics Out of Exigency: Violin Vibrato and the Phonograph." In Capturing Sound: How Technology Has Changed Music. University of California Press, 2004, pp. 94–108. ISBN: 9780520243804. [Preview with Google Books]
19	Workshop: recording session 2
20	Workshop: recording session 3
21	Analog and digital audio fundamentals and mediums	Lazzarini, V. "Introduction to Digital Audio Signals." In The Audio Programming Book. Edited by R. Boulanger and V. Lazzarini. MIT Press, 2010, pp. 431–62. ISBN: 9780262014465.
22	Workshop: recording session 4
23	Workshop: recording session 5
24	Dithering and mastering	Nielsen, S. H., and T. Lund. "Overload in Signal Conversion." AES 23rd International Conference. (2003)
25	Formats and distribution	Millard, A. "Tape Recording and Music Making." In Music and Technology in the Twentieth Century. Edited by H. Braun. The Johns Hopkins University Press, 2002, pp. 158–67. ISBN: 9780801868856.
26	Studios	Horning, S. S. "From Polka to Punk: Growth of an Independent Recording Studio, 1934-1977." In Music and Technology in the Twentieth Century. Edited by H. Braun. The Johns Hopkins University Press, 2002, pp. 136–47. ISBN: 9780801868856.