Sound Production Course

Lesson 1 • Physics of Sound Waves

Covers frequency, amplitude, wavelength, and phase relationships. Establishes the acoustic vocabulary used throughout the course.

Lesson 2 • The Human Hearing System

Examines how the ear and brain interpret sound. Connects psychoacoustics to practical mixing and production decisions.

Lesson 3 • Audio Signal Flow Basics

Traces a signal from source to output through gain stages and routing. Provides the framework for understanding any studio or live setup.

Lesson 4 • Decibels and Metering

Introduces dBFS, dBu, dBSPL, and VU scales. Students learn to read meters accurately to maintain consistent levels.

Lesson 1 • Studio Monitoring and Headphones

Distinguishes near-field monitors, mid-field monitors, and reference headphones. Accurate monitoring is essential for reliable mix decisions.

Lesson 2 • Microphone Types and Characteristics

Compares dynamic, condenser, and ribbon microphones by transducer design. Enables informed mic selection for any source.

Lesson 3 • Microphone Placement Techniques

Covers close, distant, and stereo miking approaches for common sources. Directly impacts tone and spatial character of recordings.

Lesson 4 • Analog-to-Digital Conversion

Covers sample rate, bit depth, and the Nyquist theorem. Students choose appropriate conversion settings for each project type.

Lesson 1 • DAW Interface and Navigation

Introduces the arrange, mixer, and editor views common to major DAWs. Efficient navigation reduces production time and cognitive load.

Lesson 2 • Session Setup and Organization

Establishes templates, folder structures, and naming conventions. Organized sessions enable faster collaboration and revision.

Lesson 3 • MIDI Programming and Editing

Introduces MIDI note entry, velocity editing, and quantization. Students program realistic and expressive virtual instrument parts.

Lesson 4 • Automation and DAW Workflow

Covers volume, pan, and plugin parameter automation modes. Automation enables dynamic, evolving mixes within the DAW environment.

Lesson 1 • Synthesis Fundamentals

Introduces oscillators, filters, envelopes, and LFOs as the building blocks of synthesis. Understanding these modules enables control over any synthesizer.

Lesson 2 • Designing Drums, Pads, and Textures

Applies synthesis and processing to create kick drums, atmospheric pads, and evolving textures. Students build a personal sound library from scratch.

Lesson 3 • Subtractive and Additive Synthesis

Contrasts subtractive filtering of rich waveforms with additive layering of sine partials. Both methods produce distinct tonal textures for different applications.

Lesson 4 • FM, Wavetable, and Granular Synthesis

Explores frequency modulation, wavetable scanning, and granular time-stretching. These methods produce complex, evolving timbres beyond analog emulation.

Lesson 1 • Arrangement and Song Structure

Examines intro, verse, chorus, bridge, and outro construction. Arrangement decisions shape listener engagement and emotional arc.

Lesson 2 • Comping and Composite Performances

Teaches selecting and stitching the best segments from multiple takes. Composite tracks combine technical accuracy with expressive nuance.

Lesson 3 • Editing Tools and Techniques

Covers cut, trim, fade, and crossfade operations for audio regions. Precise editing removes unwanted noise and tightens performances.

Lesson 4 • Timing Correction and Quantization

Introduces audio quantization, elastic audio, and groove templates. Corrects timing inconsistencies while preserving natural feel.

Lesson 1 • Equalization Principles and Practice

Covers parametric, graphic, and shelving EQ types with surgical and broad-stroke applications. EQ shapes tone and creates space in the mix.

Lesson 2 • Panning and Stereo Imaging

Introduces pan laws, stereo width tools, and mono compatibility. Spatial placement separates elements and creates an immersive soundstage.

Lesson 3 • Reverb and Delay in the Mix

Covers send-return routing for reverb and delay effects. Time-based effects create depth and glue elements into a cohesive space.

Lesson 4 • Dynamic Processing: Compression

Explains threshold, ratio, attack, release, and knee parameters. Compression controls dynamics and adds punch and cohesion to tracks.

Lesson 1 • Vocal Production and Processing

Applies layered EQ, compression, de-essing, and effects to vocal tracks. Vocals sit clearly in the mix while retaining emotional character.

Lesson 2 • Frequency Management Across the Mix

Addresses spectral balance, low-end management, and frequency masking between tracks. Resolves clashes that prevent clarity in dense arrangements.

Lesson 3 • Mix Referencing and Critical Listening

Establishes a systematic process for comparing mixes to commercial references. Objective referencing corrects bias and improves mix decisions.

Lesson 4 • Creative Effects and Sound Design in Mixing

Introduces distortion, modulation, and granular effects as mix tools. Creative processing differentiates productions and reinforces artistic identity.

Lesson 1 • Loudness Standards and Delivery Specs

Introduces integrated LUFS targets, true peak limits, and platform-specific requirements. Compliance ensures consistent playback across streaming services.

Lesson 2 • Album Sequencing and DDP Export

Covers track ordering, spacing, fades, and DDP image creation for physical and digital release. Sequencing shapes the listener's full-album experience.

Lesson 3 • Limiting and Clipping Strategies

Compares transparent limiting, soft clipping, and hard clipping for loudness maximization. Students choose the right approach for each genre and format.

Lesson 4 • Mastering Signal Chain Design

Covers the typical mastering chain order: EQ, compression, limiting, and metering. Chain design determines the tonal and dynamic character of the master.