Live Event and Broadcast Sound Engineering Course

Lesson 1 • Room Acoustics and Behavior

Analyzes how enclosed spaces color sound through reflection, absorption, and resonance. Prepares students to assess any venue before deploying a system.

Lesson 2 • Physics of Sound Waves

Covers frequency, wavelength, amplitude, and wave behavior. Establishes the physical basis for all subsequent signal-chain and mixing decisions.

Lesson 3 • Human Hearing and Perception

Examines how the ear processes sound and how psychoacoustics shapes mixing choices. Connects perceptual limits to practical gain-staging and EQ decisions.

Lesson 1 • Analog and Digital Consoles

Compares analog and digital mixing desk architectures, signal flow, and routing. Builds the conceptual framework applied in all subsequent mixing chapters.

Lesson 2 • Outboard and Rack Equipment

Surveys compressors, gates, equalizers, and effects units in the signal chain. Connects hardware processing to the mixing decisions covered in later chapters.

Lesson 3 • Preamplifiers and Line-Level Devices

Explains gain structure from mic-level through line-level and the role of preamps. Establishes proper gain staging as the foundation of a clean signal chain.

Lesson 4 • Microphone Types and Principles

Covers dynamic, condenser, and ribbon transducer designs alongside polar patterns. Provides the selection criteria needed for any live or broadcast source.

Lesson 1 • System Optimization and Tuning

Uses measurement software and signal processors to align and optimize a deployed PA. Delivers a flat, time-coherent system response before the show begins.

Lesson 2 • PA System Design and Coverage

Applies acoustic principles to design point-source, line-array, and distributed systems. Produces even coverage and adequate SPL across the listening area.

Lesson 3 • Crossovers and System Alignment

Covers passive and active crossover design, time alignment, and phase coherence. Ensures all frequency bands arrive at the listener in proper phase and time.

Lesson 4 • Loudspeaker Transducer Technology

Explains cone, compression driver, and subwoofer transducer operation. Provides the technical basis for evaluating and selecting speaker components.

Lesson 1 • Effects and Reverb in Live Mixing

Integrates reverb, delay, and modulation effects into a live mix via aux sends. Enhances depth and space without obscuring clarity or causing feedback.

Lesson 2 • Dynamics Processing for Live Sound

Uses compression, limiting, and gating to control dynamics in a live mix. Maintains consistent levels and protects the PA from transient overloads.

Lesson 3 • Equalization in Live Contexts

Applies parametric and graphic EQ to shape tone and control feedback. Connects EQ decisions to both sonic quality and system stability.

Lesson 4 • Gain Structure and Headroom Management

Establishes correct gain staging from input to output across the entire console. Prevents noise, distortion, and clipping throughout the live signal path.

Lesson 1 • Wireless Microphone Systems

Covers RF frequency coordination, antenna distribution, and wireless mic operation. Ensures reliable wireless performance in dense RF environments.

Lesson 2 • Feedback Control and Ring-Out

Covers the ring-out process, feedback suppression, and EQ techniques for monitors. Maximizes gain before feedback while preserving monitor tone quality.

Lesson 3 • Mixing Monitors for Performers

Develops the communication skills and mix-building approach for serving performers. Translates performer requests into effective monitor mix adjustments in real time.

Lesson 4 • Stage Monitor System Architecture

Explains wedge monitor signal flow, dedicated monitor consoles, and aux-fed subwoofers. Establishes the routing framework for all monitor mixing decisions.

Lesson 1 • Broadcast Console and Router Operation

Covers broadcast-specific console features, routing matrices, and mix-minus configurations. Builds the routing fluency required for live broadcast production.

Lesson 2 • Timecode, Sync, and AES Standards

Explains timecode formats, word clock synchronization, and AES digital audio standards. Prevents sync errors and ensures frame-accurate audio in broadcast workflows.

Lesson 3 • Broadcast Monitoring and Quality Control

Uses broadcast meters, loudness analyzers, and phase scopes for quality control. Catches technical faults before they reach the transmission chain.

Lesson 4 • Broadcast Signal Standards and Loudness

Introduces broadcast loudness standards, integrated LUFS targets, and true-peak limits. Ensures mixes meet distribution requirements across all broadcast platforms.

Lesson 1 • Streaming and Online Broadcast Delivery

Configures audio encoding, streaming interfaces, and platform delivery for online broadcast. Meets the technical requirements of major streaming platforms from a live venue.

Lesson 2 • Hybrid Event Signal Architecture

Designs signal routing that serves FOH, monitors, and broadcast simultaneously from one stage. Prevents conflicts between live and broadcast mix requirements.

Lesson 3 • Commentary and Presenter Audio

Sets up commentary positions, IFB systems, and presenter microphones for live broadcast. Ensures clear, reliable communication for on-air talent during live events.

Lesson 4 • Audio Networking and Digital Transport

Covers Dante, AES67, and MADI as digital audio transport protocols for large productions. Enables flexible, scalable routing across complex live broadcast infrastructures.

Lesson 1 • Advance Production and Technical Riders

Reads and fulfills technical riders, input lists, and stage plots for touring productions. Prepares all technical requirements before load-in to minimize on-site problems.

Lesson 2 • Show Operation and Real-Time Problem Solving

Manages the console and system during a live performance with professional composure. Develops rapid fault diagnosis and correction skills under show conditions.

Lesson 3 • Multi-Day and Festival Production

Adapts workflow for festival changeovers, shared systems, and multiple acts per day. Maintains consistent quality across rapid changeovers on shared infrastructure.

Lesson 4 • Post-Show Wrap and Documentation

Covers de-rig procedures, equipment logging, and production documentation after the show. Builds professional habits that support future productions and equipment accountability.