Sound Technician Course

Lesson 1 • Professional Audio Terminology

Introduces industry-standard vocabulary used on set, in studios, and at live venues. Accurate terminology enables clear communication with engineers, producers, and clients.

Lesson 2 • Physics of Sound Waves

Covers frequency, amplitude, wavelength, and phase as they apply to audio work. Establishes the physical basis for every mixing and signal-processing decision made later.

Lesson 3 • Audio Signal Types and Levels

Distinguishes mic-level, line-level, and instrument-level signals and their gain requirements. Provides the framework for correct gain staging throughout the signal chain.

Lesson 1 • Cables, Connectors, and Patching

Covers XLR, TRS, TS, RCA, and digital connector types along with proper cable handling and testing. Reliable connections prevent signal loss and noise in every professional setting.

Lesson 2 • DI Boxes and Signal Conversion

Addresses direct injection boxes, analog-to-digital converters, and word clock synchronisation. These devices bridge instruments, computers, and consoles without signal degradation.

Lesson 3 • Microphone Types and Polar Patterns

Examines dynamic, condenser, and ribbon microphones alongside cardioid, omnidirectional, and figure-eight patterns. Correct mic selection directly affects capture quality and feedback rejection.

Lesson 4 • Amplifiers and Loudspeaker Systems

Explains power amplifier classes, speaker impedance, and crossover networks. Proper amplifier-to-speaker matching protects equipment and delivers accurate sound reproduction.

Lesson 1 • Stereo Miking Configurations

Teaches XY, ORTF, spaced pair, and mid-side techniques for capturing width and depth. Stereo imaging choices affect how a mix translates across playback systems.

Lesson 2 • Vocal Microphone Techniques

Covers distance, angle, and pop filter use for spoken word and singing applications. Consistent vocal capture is the most common task a sound technician performs.

Lesson 3 • Guitar and Bass Amplifier Miking

Explores on-axis, off-axis, and multi-mic blending for guitar cabinets and bass rigs. Mic position relative to the speaker cone dramatically changes tonal character.

Lesson 4 • Drum Kit Miking Strategies

Presents close-miking and overhead approaches for kick, snare, toms, and cymbals. Drum miking decisions shape the entire mix and require careful phase management.

Lesson 1 • Feedback Identification and Elimination

Identifies feedback frequencies by ear and with analysis tools, then eliminates them efficiently. Fast feedback control protects equipment and maintains audience experience.

Lesson 2 • PA System Design and Setup

Covers speaker placement, delay alignment, and coverage zone planning for various venue sizes. Proper system design ensures even sound pressure levels throughout the audience area.

Lesson 3 • Monitor Mixing for Performers

Teaches wedge and in-ear monitor mixing from a dedicated monitor console or aux sends. Performers rely on accurate monitor mixes to deliver their best on stage.

Lesson 4 • Front-of-House Mixing Workflow

Develops a systematic approach to building a live mix from scratch during performance. Students balance instruments, manage dynamics, and respond to real-time changes.

Lesson 1 • Tracking Session Workflow

Guides students through pre-session setup, punch recording, comping, and take management. Efficient session workflow keeps artists comfortable and maximises recording time.

Lesson 2 • Studio Environment and Acoustics

Explains control room monitoring, live room acoustics, and isolation booth use. The recording environment shapes every captured sound before any processing is applied.

Lesson 3 • Digital Audio Workstation Setup

Covers DAW session creation, audio interface routing, and track organisation for efficient recording. A well-configured DAW session prevents errors and speeds up the workflow.

Lesson 4 • Recording Levels and Headroom

Establishes target recording levels in digital systems to maximise dynamic range without clipping. Proper headroom management is critical in 24-bit and 32-bit float workflows.

Lesson 1 • Reverb and Spatial Effects

Explains room, hall, plate, and convolution reverb types and their send-return integration. Reverb creates depth and space, placing sounds in a believable acoustic environment.

Lesson 2 • Delay, Modulation, and Pitch Effects

Addresses delay time, feedback, chorus, flanger, phaser, and pitch correction in mix contexts. Modulation effects add movement and width when used with restraint and intention.

Lesson 3 • Equalisation Principles and Practice

Teaches parametric, graphic, and shelving EQ operation for corrective and creative purposes. EQ is the most-used tool in audio and requires both technical knowledge and trained ears.

Lesson 4 • Effects Chain Order and Gain Staging

Establishes optimal processor order within a channel strip and on a master bus. Incorrect chain order causes unwanted artefacts and reduces headroom unnecessarily.

Lesson 1 • Mix Translation and Reference Listening

Tests mixes on multiple playback systems and against commercial reference tracks to ensure translation. A mix that translates well sounds intentional on every system a listener uses.

Lesson 2 • Stereo Imaging and Panning

Covers panning laws, stereo width tools, and mono compatibility testing for broadcast and streaming. A well-panned mix creates a convincing stereo image without collapsing in mono.

Lesson 3 • Frequency Spectrum Management

Teaches how to carve frequency space for each instrument so elements coexist without masking. Spectrum management is the primary skill separating amateur from professional mixes.

Lesson 4 • Depth and Dimension in a Mix

Uses volume, EQ, reverb, and delay to create front-to-back depth alongside left-right width. Three-dimensional mixes feel immersive and hold listener attention longer.

Lesson 1 • Loudness Standards and Metering

Explains integrated LUFS, true peak, and short-term loudness targets for streaming and broadcast. Meeting platform loudness standards prevents automatic gain reduction on delivery.

Lesson 2 • Delivery Formats and Metadata

Prepares masters in WAV, AIFF, MP3, and AAC formats with correct metadata for distribution platforms. Proper metadata ensures correct crediting and catalogue management across all outlets.

Lesson 3 • Dithering and Bit Depth Reduction

Covers dithering algorithms and when to apply them during bit depth conversion for final export. Correct dithering preserves low-level detail that would otherwise be lost in truncation.