Basic Sound Equipment Course

Lesson 1 • The Decibel Scale Explained

Introduces logarithmic measurement of sound level and power. Students gain the maths skills to read meters and compare signal levels accurately.

Lesson 2 • Human Hearing and Perception

Examines how the ear processes frequency and loudness. Connects psychoacoustics to practical mixing and monitoring decisions.

Lesson 3 • Room Acoustics and Sound Behaviour

Explains reflection, absorption, diffusion, and standing waves in enclosed spaces. Prepares students to diagnose acoustic problems before touching equipment.

Lesson 1 • Analogue Signal Fundamentals

Defines mic-level, line-level, and instrument-level signals. Establishes why matching levels across devices is critical to clean audio.

Lesson 2 • Connectors, Cables, and Adapters

Identifies XLR, TRS, TS, RCA, and digital connector types and their correct applications. Prevents wiring errors that degrade signal quality.

Lesson 3 • Digital Audio Concepts

Covers sampling rate, bit depth, and analogue-to-digital conversion. Bridges the gap between analogue sources and digital processing equipment.

Lesson 1 • Microphone Transducer Types

Compares dynamic, condenser, and ribbon transducer technologies. Students understand the trade-offs in sensitivity, frequency response, and durability.

Lesson 2 • Polar Patterns and Directionality

Explains cardioid, omnidirectional, figure-8, and hypercardioid patterns. Connects pattern choice to feedback rejection and room sound control.

Lesson 3 • Microphone Placement Techniques

Covers close-miking, distant-miking, and stereo techniques for instruments and voice. Students apply placement rules to control tone and room ambience.

Lesson 1 • Dynamics Processing: Compression and Gating

Explains threshold, ratio, attack, release, and knee for compressors and gates. Students control dynamic range to achieve consistent, professional-sounding audio.

Lesson 2 • Effects Processing: Reverb and Delay

Introduces time-based effects and their send/return routing in a mix. Students use reverb and delay to create depth without cluttering the mix.

Lesson 3 • Mixing Console Architecture

Maps channel strips, buses, aux sends, and master sections on analogue and digital desks. Students navigate any console layout with confidence.

Lesson 4 • Gain Structure and Metering

Establishes correct gain staging from preamp to master fader. Students set levels that maximise headroom and minimise noise across the mix.

Lesson 1 • Power Amplifier Fundamentals

Covers amplifier classes A, B, AB, and D and their efficiency trade-offs. Students select amplifiers appropriate for touring, installed, and studio use.

Lesson 2 • Subwoofer Integration and Crossover Setup

Covers low-frequency extension, crossover point selection, and subwoofer placement. Students integrate subs seamlessly with full-range cabinets.

Lesson 3 • Amplifier-to-Speaker Matching

Applies impedance, power, and sensitivity calculations to system design. Students avoid underpowering, overpowering, and impedance mismatch errors.

Lesson 1 • Soundcheck Workflow and Show Operation

Structures the soundcheck sequence from line check to full-band balance. Students manage a show from doors-open through performance with professional efficiency.

Lesson 2 • Venue Assessment and System Planning

Teaches reading venue dimensions, audience coverage needs, and power availability. Students produce a system plan before any equipment is loaded in.

Lesson 3 • System Alignment and Tuning

Uses measurement software, real-time analysers, and delay alignment to optimise system response. Students tune a system to a target curve in a real venue.

Lesson 4 • Monitor and In-Ear Monitor Systems

Explains wedge monitor mixing, in-ear monitor (IEM) systems, and personal mixing. Students build monitor mixes that serve performers without causing feedback.

Lesson 1 • Studio Monitor Selection and Placement

Explains near-field, mid-field, and reference monitor characteristics and placement rules. Students create a reliable listening environment for accurate mixing decisions.

Lesson 2 • Digital Audio Workstation Fundamentals

Introduces DAW session structure, track types, and routing. Students create, organise, and navigate a multi-track session efficiently.

Lesson 3 • Outboard Gear and Hardware Integration

Covers hardware compressors, EQs, and effects units patched into a DAW session. Students integrate analogue outboard gear without disrupting digital workflow.

Lesson 1 • Electrical Safety for Audio Professionals

Covers grounding, ground loops, shock hazards, and safe power distribution. Students apply electrical safety practices before every setup and teardown.

Lesson 2 • Systematic Fault-Finding Methods

Applies signal-path isolation and substitution to locate audio faults efficiently. Students resolve no-signal, noise, and distortion problems under live conditions.

Lesson 3 • Hearing Conservation and Safe SPL Practices

Addresses occupational noise exposure limits, dosimetry, and hearing protection. Students implement SPL management strategies that protect performers and crew.