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Analog & digital audio
INTRODUCTION: Analog and digital audio - What you need to know
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Sources of sound
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: What is frequency?
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: How decibels work
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: The inverse square law
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Introduction to acoustics
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: How standing waves affect studio acoustics
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Sound insulation basics
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Sound insulation in more depth
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Acoustic treatment basics
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Acoustic treatment in more depth
FURTHER KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Introduction to audio electronics
FURTHER KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: All about digital audio that you need to know
Quiz questions
Model answers to the quiz questions
TUTORIAL: Demonstrations of audio signals and waveforms
TUTORIAL: Demonstration of sine waves - Test your hearing
TUTORIAL: Demonstration of square waves
TUTORIAL: What you need to know about noise in audio
TUTORIAL: All about phase, phase inversion and out-of-phase
TUTORIAL: Clipping
TUTORIAL: Understanding frequency response
TUTORIAL: Understanding digital audio bit depth
TUTORIAL: Demonstration of the vintage analog tape recorder sound
TUTORIAL SUMMARY
PRACTICAL PROJECT: Recording speech for dialog, commercials or audio books
PRACTICAL PROJECT NOTES: Potential problems in recording speech
PRACTICAL PROJECT NOTES: Level
PRACTICAL PROJECT NOTES: How to top and tail your recording to a professional standard
PRACTICAL PROJECT NOTES: What is the proximity effect? How you can correct it, or use it to your advantage.
PRACTICAL PROJECT NOTES: The importance of avoiding popping
PRACTICAL PROJECT NOTES: The importance of avoiding breath blasting
PRACTICAL PROJECT NOTES: What is sibilance? How much is too much?
PRACTICAL PROJECT NOTES: What is an appropriate background noise level for a professional recording?
PRACTICAL PROJECT NOTES; The importance of being able to achieve low levels of ambience and reverberation
PRACTICAL PROJECT NOTES: Further comments on other important aspects of sound quality
PRACTICAL PROJECT NOTES: Summary of the practical project and notes
Microphones
Introduction
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Microphone technology - How microphones work
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: What is the piezoelectric microphone? How does it work?
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: What is the dynamic microphone? How does it work?
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: What is the ribbon microphone? How does it work?
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: What is the capacitor microphone? How does it work?
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: What is the electret microphone? How does it work?
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: The importance of understanding the directional characteristics of microphones
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: All about the omnidirectional polar pattern
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: All about the figure-of-eight polar pattern
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: All about the cardioid and hypercardioid polar patterns
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Multipattern microphones - Microphones that can work with any polar pattern.
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Special microphone types for professional applications
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Stereo microphones - How to record in stereo with a single microphone.
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Interference tube microphones - Sometimes called shotgun or rifle mics. (0:08)
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Boundary effect microphone - A microphone that doesn't need a stand.
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Miniature microphone - For when microphones shouldn't be obtrusive.
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Microphone types for recording vocals
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Microphone techniques for speech
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Microphone accessories
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Microphone techniques for news reporting
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Microphone techniques for sports commentary
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Microphone techniques fo film and television drama
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Microphone techniques for theater
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Microphone techniques for conferences
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Microphones techniques for music
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Stereo microphone techniques
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Instrument microphone techniques
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Microphone techniques for saxophone
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Microphone techniques for piano
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Microphone techniques for drums
Quiz questions
TUTORIAL; Microphone comparison speech tests
TUTORIAL: Audio analysis of our speech tests
TUTORIAL: Microphones tested on speech
TUTORIAL: Microphone comparison singing tests
TUTORIAL: Further comparisons of microphones for vocals
TUTORIAL: Microphone modeling tests
PRACTICAL PROJECT: Microphone comparison test
PRACTICAL PROJECT: Microphone comparison test assessment criteria
PRACTICAL PROJECT NOTES: Microphone comparison test with audio demonstrations
PRACTICAL PROJECT NOTES: Further microphone comparison tests with audio demonstrations
Microphone preamplifiers
Introduction
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Introduction to microphone preamplifiers
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: 'A piece of wire with gain' - What does this mean?
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Are expensive preamplifiers worth the money?
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: What active components do microphone preamplifiers use? What difference do they make?
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: The importance of input and output impedance
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Some preamplifiers use transformers, others do not. What is the difference?
Summary of microphone preamplifiers so far
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Microphone preamplifier controls
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Phantom power
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Gain
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Pad
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Filter
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Phase invert
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: More about gain
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Other preamplifier features
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Microphone preamplifier operation
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Microphone preamplfier output stages
Quiz questions
Model answers to quiz questions
TUTORIAL: Microphone preamplifier demonstrations
TUTORIAL: Setting preamplifier gain (7:37)
TUTORIAL: Preamplifier test 1
TUTORIAL: Preamplifier test 2
TUTORIAL: Preamplifier test summary
PRACTICAL PROJECT: Stereo microphone techniques
PRACTICAL PROJECT: Stereo microphone techniques considerations
PRACTICAL PROJECT: Assessment criteria
PRACTICAL PROJECT NOTES: Stereo microphone techniques demonstrations
Summary of the practical project notes
Equalization
Introduction
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Introduction to equalization
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: How level can change with frequency
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Measuring level in decibels
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Frequency response explained
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: What is equalization for?
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: What are filters? How are they different from equalizers?
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Mixing console EQ
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Passive EQ and tone controls
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: What is graphic EQ?
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: How to use EQ effectively
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Corrective equalization
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Creative equalization
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: When to use cut and when to use boost
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Equalizing the mix
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Equalization for live sound
Quiz questions
Model answers to quiz questions
TUTORIAL: Demonstrations of EQ and filters
PRACTICAL PROJECT: EQ aural exercise
PRACTICAL PROJECT: Considerations for the EQ aural exercise
PRACTICAL PROJECT: Assessment criteria for the EQ aural exercise
PRACTICAL PROJECT NOTES: EQ aural exercise
PRACTICAL PROJECT NOTES: Professional expectations of EQ
PRACTICAL PROJECT NOTES: How to approach the EQ aural exercise
PRACTICAL PROJECT NOTES: Worked examples of the EQ aural exercise
Compression and dynamics
Introduction
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Introduction to compression
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Connecting the compressor in both the hardware and digital studio
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: The basic action of the compressor
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Compression ratio
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: What is gain reduction?
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Setting the threshold control
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Fixed-threshold compressors
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Setting the gain make-up
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Setting the release control
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Setting the attack control
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: When and how to use stereo link
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Noise and the compressor
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Breathing and pumping
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: What is the compressor's side chain? What can you do with it?
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Artistic considerations of compression
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Different compressor designs explained
Quiz questions
Model answers to quiz questions
TUTORIAL: Aural awareness of compression
TUTORIAL: Demonstrations of compression on female vocal
TUTORIAL: Demonstrations of compression on male vocal
TUTORIAL: Demonstrations of compression on bass guitar
TUTORIAL: Demonstrations of compression on acoustic guitar
TUTORIAL: Demonstrations of compression on electric guitar
TUTORIAL: Demonstrations of compression on kick drum
TUTORIAL: Demonstrations of compression on the full drum set
TUTORIAL: Demonstrations of compression on the full mix
TUTORIAL: Additional examples of compression on female and male vocals
Summary of knowledge topics and tutorials on compression
PRACTICAL PROJECT: Demonstrations of compression
PRACTICAL PROJECT: Considerations
PRACTICAL PROJECT: Assessment criteria
PRACTICAL PROJECT NOTES: Demonstrations of compression on vocals
PRACTICAL PROJECT NOTES: Demonstrations of compression on the whole drum set
PRACTICAL PROJECT NOTES: Demonstrations of compression on individual drums
PRACTICAL PROJECT NOTES: Demonstrations of compression for controlling dynamic range
PRACTICAL PROJECT NOTES: Summary
Digital audio workstation operation
Introduction
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Hardware digital audio workstations
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Control surfaces
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Software digital audio workstations
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: The relationship between inputs, tracks and outputs
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Session files
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Disk media
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Storage and archiving
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Details of DAW operation
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Virtual tracks
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Editing with the digital audio workstation
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Slipping and spotting with the digital audio workstation
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Fades and crossfades - What they are and how to use them
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Bouncing within a session - Bouncing to the finished stereo mix
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Library
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Plug-ins and latency
Quiz questions
Model answers to quiz questions
TUTORIAL: Fades and crossfades
TUTORIAL: Introduction to editing
TUTORIAL: Introduction to automation (5:48)
TUTORIAL: Retiming drums
PRACTICAL PROJECT: Sampled drum editing
PRACTICAL PROJECT: Assessment criteria
PRACTICAL PROJECT NOTES: Sampled drum editing with audio examples
Reverb & effects
Introduction
What we will cover in reverb and effects
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Insert and bus effects
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Delay and echo
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Calculation of delay times
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Delay in live sound
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Artificial reverberation
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Natural reverberation chamber
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Assisted resonance
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Plate reverb
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Spring reverb
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Digital reverberation
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Harmonic enhancement
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: The Aural Exciter
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Flanging, phasing and chorusing
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Pitch changing in history
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Pitch correction
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Auto-Tune
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Advanced pitch changing
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Other effects
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: The vocoder
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Stereo effects from a mono effects pedal
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Doppler phasing - Extreme creativity in the studio
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Adding warmth with control and consistency
Quiz questions
Model answers to quiz questions
TUTORIAL: Audio demonstrations of reverberation
TUTORIAL: Audio demonstrations of reverb plug-ins
TUTORIAL: Audio demonstrations of other studio effects
PRACTICAL PROJECT: Natural reverberation chamber
PRACTICAL PROJECT: Assessment criteria
PRACTICAL PROJECT: Considerations
PRACTICAL PROJECT NOTES: Natural reverberation chamber
PRACTICAL PROJECT NOTES: Examples of students' work with the natural reverberation chamber
MIDI, synthesis & sampling
Introduction
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Introducing synthesis
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Subtractive synthesis
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Waveforms in subtractive synthesis
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Filters in subtractive synthesis
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Voltage control in subtractive synthesis
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Modulation in subtractive synthesis
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Other features of the subtractive synthesizer
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Note on polyphony
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Sampling
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: The process of sampling
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Sampler functions
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Making programs in the sampler
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Synthesizer-like functions
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Sampler specifications
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Looping single-note samples
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: MIDI note numbers
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Triggering recording from MIDI
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Transposition in the sampler
Quiz questions
Model answers to quiz questions
TUTORIAL; Audio demonstrations of subtractive synthesis - Oscillators
TUTORIAL: Audio demonstrations of subtractive synthesis - Filter
TUTORIAL: Audio demonstrations of subtractive synthesis - Envelope generator
TUTORIAL: Audio demonstrations synthesis sound samples
PRACTICAL PROJECT: Creativity in the studio
PRACTICAL PROJECT: Demonstration of creativity in the studio
PRACTICAL PROJECT: Considerations and assessment criteria
PRACTICAL PROJECT NOTES: Audio demonstrations of creativity in the studio
PRACTICAL PROJECT NOTES: Hear 'Traillium Khox' by Ben Law
PRACTICAL PROJECT NOTES: Hear 'Untitled' by Blair Jocelyne
PRACTICAL PROJECT NOTES: Hear 'Whitewash' by Steve Gracey
PRACTICAL PROJECT NOTES: Hear other demonstrations of creativity in the studio
Recording techniques
Introduction
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Recording a band
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Recording basic tracks
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Recording the guide vocal
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Overdubbing to the basic tracks
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Live recording
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Instrument miking
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Recording drums
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Recording kick drum
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Recording snare drum
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Double miking the snare
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Recording toms
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Recording cymbals
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Drum microphone techniques
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Recording techniques for piano
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Recording techniques for acoustic guitar
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Recording techniques for electric guitar
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Recording techniques for electric guitar - Direct injection (DI)
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Classical and orchestral recording
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Film music
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: The orchestra in popular music
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: String instruments
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Woodwind instruments
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Brass instruments
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Percussion and other instruments
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: The voice in classical music
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Instrumental groupings
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: The orchestra
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: String quartet
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Solo instrument or voice and piano
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Solo instruments
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: The forms of classical music
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Classical music performance
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Classical music personnel
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Classical music recording
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC; The role of the producer in classical music recording
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Editing in classical music recording
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC; Musicians and classical music recording
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: The role of the engineer in classical music recording
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Equipment for classical music recording
Quiz questions
Model answers to quiz questions
TUTORIAL: Audio demonstrations of acoustic guitar recordings
TUTORIAL: Audio demonstrations of electric guitar recordings
TUTORIAL: Audio demonstrations of bass guitar recordings
TUTORIAL: Audio demonstrations of drum recordings
TUTORIAL; Audio demonstrations of vocal recordings
TUTORIAL: What can go wrong with vocals?
PRACTICAL PROJECT: Add a track to an existing recording
PRACTICAL PROJECT: Considerations
PRACTICAL PROJECT: Lyrics
PRACTICAL PROJECT: Assessment criteria
PRACTICAL PROJECT NOTES: Add a track to an existing recording
PRACTICAL PROJECT NOTES: Examples of students' work
PRACTICAL PROJECT NOTES: Additional examples of students' recordings
Mixing
Introduction
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: The mixing console
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Mixing console microphone and line inputs
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Mixing console channel equalizer
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Mixing console channel auxiliary sends
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Mixing console channel dynamics
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Mixing console channel small fader
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Mixing console channel solo/PFL
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Mixing console channel large fader
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Mixing console signal paths
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Mixing console center section
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Mixing console additional buttons
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Mixing console main outputs
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Mixing console stereo bus master controls
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Mixing console control room monitoring system
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Mixing console solo functions
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Mixing console cue-FX sends, studio loudspeakers and foldback sends
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Mixing console stereo echo returns
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Mixing console meters
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Mixing console group faders
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Mixing console communications facilities
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Other features of the large-scale mixing console
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Summary of the large-scale mixing console
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Meters - Measuring audio signal level
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Traditional mixing methods
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Mixing, from another point of view
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: How to get a good mix
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Stereo format for the finished mix
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Automated mixing
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Engineer's view - Paul Gomersall
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Remixer's view - Marco Sabiu of the Rapino Brothers
Quiz questions
Model answers to quiz questions
TUTORIAL: Mix example 1
TUTORIAL: Audio demonstrations of mixing (2)
TUTORIAL: Audio demonstrations of mixing (3)
PRACTICAL PROJECT: Complete multitrack mix
PRACTICAL PROJECT: Instructions for the complete multitrack mix
PRACTICAL PROJECT: Considerations
PRACTICAL PROJECT: Assessment criteria
PRACTICAL PROJECT NOTES: Audio demonstrations of students' work for the complete multitrack mix (7:48)
Mastering
Introduction
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: What is mastering?
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Pre-mastering - Making a mix ready for mastering
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Fault removal - Correcting faults in the mix
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Mastering for vinyl
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Mastering for CD and high-quality download
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Artistic aspects of mastering
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: How much mastering does acoustic music need?
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: A professional's view on mastering
Quiz questions
Model answers to quiz questions
TUTORIAL: Audio demonstrations of mastering
TUTORIAL: Audio coding - MP3, AAC, FLAC and other formats
TUTORIAL: Mastering for streaming and download (4:56)
PRACTICAL PROJECT: Mastering the track DAWG FM
PRACTICAL PROJECT: Considerations
PRACTICAL PROJECT: Assessment criteria
PRACTICAL PROJECT NOTES: Improving on the mix
PRACTICAL PROJECT NOTES: Fixing the problems
PRACTICAL PROJECT NOTES: Improving the frequency balance
PRACTICAL PROJECT NOTES: Increasing the subjective loudness
PRACTICAL PROJECT NOTES: Summary of mastering the track DAWG FM
The music and audio industry
Introduction
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Overview of working in the music and audio industry
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Ways to earn money from music and recording
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: How to become a recording artist, signed to a major record label
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: How to become a recording artist selling your own products
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Songwriting and composing
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: How to become a professional musician
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: How to become an arranger
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Operating a commercial recording studio for hire
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Operating a location recording service
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: How to become a producer
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Producer/engineer/musician
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: How to become a recording engineer
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: The modern recording engineer
KNOWLEDGE SUMMARY
Quiz questions
Model answers to the quiz questions
TUTORIAL: Test your listening skills
TUTORIAL: Test your listening skills on white noise (ear cleaning)
TUTORIAL: Test your listening skills on sine waves
TUTORIAL: Test your listening skills on music
Enhancement content
Interview with million-selling producer Steve Lyon (61:51)
KNOWLEDGE TOPIC: Connecting the compressor in both the hardware and digital studio
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