Sound Engineering Course

Lesson 1 • Room Acoustics and Behavior

Analyzes reflection, absorption, diffusion, and resonance inside enclosed spaces. Prepares students to evaluate and treat recording and mixing environments.

Lesson 2 • Physics of Sound Waves

Covers wave propagation, frequency, wavelength, and amplitude as measurable properties. Establishes the physical vocabulary used throughout all subsequent audio work.

Lesson 3 • Decibels and Measurement Units

Introduces the decibel scale, SPL, dBFS, and related measurement conventions. Provides the numerical framework for reading meters and setting levels.

Lesson 1 • Outboard Gear and Hardware Processing

Surveys compressors, equalizers, effects units, and power amplifiers as hardware devices. Prepares students to integrate outboard gear into hybrid studio setups.

Lesson 2 • Analog Signal Path Fundamentals

Traces audio from microphone through preamp, console, and outboard gear. Establishes gain-staging principles that prevent noise and distortion at every stage.

Lesson 3 • Studio Monitoring Systems

Covers near-field, mid-field, and reference monitors alongside headphone monitoring. Teaches calibration and listening position for accurate mix translation.

Lesson 4 • Mixing Console Architecture

Breaks down channel strips, buses, aux sends, and master sections on analog and digital consoles. Connects console topology to session workflow decisions.

Lesson 1 • Microphone Transducer Types

Compares dynamic, condenser, ribbon, and boundary microphones by operating principle. Connects transducer characteristics to appropriate source and environment selection.

Lesson 2 • Placement Techniques for Common Sources

Applies distance, angle, and axis positioning to vocals, drums, guitars, and piano. Builds a repeatable placement methodology for consistent results.

Lesson 3 • Stereo Miking Configurations

Teaches XY, ORTF, mid-side, Blumlein, and spaced-pair techniques for stereo capture. Connects configuration choice to mono compatibility and spatial width.

Lesson 4 • Microphone Specifications and Handling

Interprets frequency response curves, self-noise, SPL handling, and sensitivity ratings. Enables informed microphone selection before sessions begin.

Lesson 1 • DAW Interface and Session Setup

Navigates transport controls, track types, I/O assignment, and project settings. Establishes organized session templates that reduce setup time on every project.

Lesson 2 • Automation and Session Organization

Programs volume, pan, and plugin parameter automation across a session. Maintains organized, labeled sessions that collaborators can navigate quickly.

Lesson 3 • Recording and Monitoring in the DAW

Configures input monitoring, record-enable, punch-in, and loop recording modes. Ensures latency-free monitoring and reliable capture during tracking sessions.

Lesson 4 • MIDI Recording and Editing

Records, quantizes, and edits MIDI data for virtual instruments and hardware synths. Integrates MIDI production with audio tracks in hybrid sessions.

Lesson 1 • Creative and Additive EQ

Enhances presence, air, warmth, and character through additive EQ moves. Teaches how tonal shaping contributes to the sonic identity of a mix.

Lesson 2 • EQ in Context of a Full Mix

Applies EQ decisions relationally across multiple tracks to create spectral separation. Demonstrates how individual EQ choices affect the overall mix balance.

Lesson 3 • EQ Filter Types and Parameters

Defines high-pass, low-pass, shelf, bell, and notch filters with their key parameters. Builds the conceptual model needed to operate any EQ plugin or hardware unit.

Lesson 4 • Frequency Spectrum and Instrument Ranges

Maps sub-bass, bass, midrange, presence, and air bands to common instruments. Guides targeted EQ decisions based on spectral content of each source.

Lesson 1 • Limiting and Loudness Management

Applies brick-wall limiting to control peaks and achieve target loudness levels. Connects limiting decisions to streaming loudness normalization standards.

Lesson 2 • Compression Applications by Source

Applies compression settings to drums, bass, vocals, guitars, and mix bus. Builds a source-specific decision framework for consistent dynamic control.

Lesson 3 • Compressor Types and Characteristics

Compares VCA, FET, optical, and variable-mu compressors by sonic character. Guides selection of compressor topology to match source material and creative goals.

Lesson 4 • Gates, Expanders, and Transient Shapers

Uses noise gates to eliminate bleed and expanders to restore natural dynamics. Adds transient shaping to control attack and sustain independently of level.

Lesson 1 • Reverb and Delay as Mix Tools

Uses reverb and delay to create space, depth, and cohesion between elements. Teaches parameter control to avoid muddiness and maintain mix clarity.

Lesson 2 • Mix Revision and Translation

Evaluates mixes on multiple playback systems and refines based on critical listening. Develops the revision workflow that leads to a final, approved mix deliverable.

Lesson 3 • Mix Preparation and Gain Staging

Organizes tracks, sets consistent input levels, and establishes a clean gain structure. Prevents clipping and noise buildup before any processing is applied.

Lesson 4 • Building a Mix from the Ground Up

Sequences the mix build from rhythm section through melodic and harmonic layers. Establishes balance, panning, and depth as the structural foundation of the mix.

Lesson 1 • Mastering Signal Chain Design

Constructs a mastering chain with EQ, compression, limiting, and metering in sequence. Establishes the processing order that preserves dynamics while enhancing clarity.

Lesson 2 • Delivery Formats and Quality Control

Exports masters in WAV, MP3, AAC, and DDP formats to specification. Performs final quality control checks before submitting to distributors and clients.

Lesson 3 • Sequencing and Album Assembly

Arranges track order, sets gaps, and matches levels across an album or EP. Creates a cohesive listening experience from first track to last.

Lesson 4 • Tonal and Dynamic Mastering Decisions

Corrects tonal imbalances and optimizes dynamic range relative to genre and format. Trains the ear to make subtle, high-impact mastering adjustments.