Professional Sound Recording And Audio Production Training

Objectives:
• Understand the physics of sound: frequency, amplitude, and waveform.
• Identify the components of a professional audio signal chain.
• Differentiate between analogue and digital audio systems.
• Recognise the role of acoustics in sound recording.

Topics:
• Properties of sound waves
• The decibel scale and metering
• Overview of audio signal flow
• Analogue vs. digital audio basics
• Introduction to microphone types and polar patterns
• Room acoustics and their impact on recording

Objectives:
• Select appropriate microphones for various sources.
• Apply proper microphone placement techniques.
• Set up a basic recording studio environment.
• Understand gain staging and signal-to-noise ratio.

Topics:
• Dynamic, condenser, and ribbon microphones
• Stereo microphone techniques (XY, ORTF, MS)
• Microphone placement for vocals and instruments
• Studio monitor placement and calibration
• Gain staging best practices
• Cable management and connectivity

Objectives:
• Navigate a DAW interface effectively.
• Configure audio preferences and hardware settings.
• Execute multi-track recording sessions.
• Apply basic editing functions (cut, copy, paste, fade).

Topics:
• Overview of popular DAWs (Pro Tools, Logic, Ableton)
• Creating a new session and setting sample rate/bit depth
• Recording audio tracks: arming, monitoring, punching in
• Basic editing tools and techniques
• Using markers and playlists
• Importing and exporting audio files

Objectives:
• Identify common audio processors and their applications.
• Apply equalisation to shape tonal balance.
• Use dynamics processing (compression, limiting, gating).
• Implement time-based effects (reverb, delay).

Topics:
• Equaliser types: parametric, graphic, shelving
• Compression: threshold, ratio, attack, release
• Limiting and maximising loudness
• Noise gates and expanders
• Reverb: room, hall, plate, convolution
• Delay and echo effects

Objectives:
• Balance levels and panning in a mix.
• Create a cohesive stereo image.
• Use automation for dynamic mix changes.
• Apply bus processing and subgrouping.

Topics:
• Mixing workflow and session organisation
• Level balancing and panning techniques
• Stereo imaging and width enhancement
• Volume and pan automation
• Subgroup busses and aux sends
• Master bus processing basics

Objectives:
• Use parallel processing for enhanced dynamics.
• Apply sidechain compression creatively.
• Implement multiband compression.
• Understand mid/side processing.

Topics:
• Parallel compression and New York style
• Sidechain compression for pumping effects
• Multiband compression for frequency-specific control
• Mid/side equalisation and processing
• Harmonic distortion and saturation
• Advanced reverb and delay sends

Objectives:
• Define the mastering process and its goals.
• Prepare a mix for mastering (dithering, headroom).
• Apply mastering EQ and compression.
• Use limiting to achieve competitive loudness.

Topics:
• Mastering chain: EQ, compression, limiting
• Loudness standards (LUFS, true peak)
• Stereo enhancement and width control
• Dithering and bit-depth conversion
• Reference tracks and A/B comparison
• Exporting final masters for different platforms

Objectives:
• Synchronise audio with video in a DAW.
• Edit dialogue and apply noise reduction.
• Create sound effects and Foley.
• Mix audio for film and television.

Topics:
• Timecode and synchronisation
• Dialogue editing and ADR
• Noise reduction tools (iZotope RX, etc.)
• Foley recording and editing
• Sound design for visual media
• Mixing for surround sound (5.1 basics)

Objectives:
• Compose using MIDI instruments and virtual instruments.
• Edit MIDI data (velocity, quantisation).
• Integrate MIDI with audio tracks.
• Produce a basic music arrangement.

Topics:
• MIDI basics: channels, messages, controllers
• Virtual instruments and samplers
• MIDI editing: quantise, swing, humanise
• Drum programming and beat making
• Audio-to-MIDI conversion
• Arranging a track: intro, verse, chorus, bridge

Objectives:
• Set up a PA system for live events.
• Apply feedback elimination techniques.
• Mix for live audiences.
• Understand stage monitoring and IEM systems.

Topics:
• PA system components: speakers, amplifiers, consoles
• Gain structure for live sound
• Feedback control: EQ, placement, notch filtering
• Monitor mixing and in-ear monitors
• Live mixing techniques and console automation
• Safety and rigging basics

Objectives:
• Understand copyright, royalties, and licensing.
• Develop a professional portfolio and demo reel.
• Prepare for client communication and project management.
• Explore career paths in audio production.

Topics:
• Copyright law and intellectual property
• Music licensing: sync, mechanical, performance
• Building a demo reel and online presence
• Client communication and briefs
• Project management for audio projects
• Freelancing vs. studio employment

Objectives:
• Complete a full audio production project from recording to master.
• Apply all skills learned throughout the course.
• Present and critique final projects.
• Receive feedback and certification guidance.

Topics:
• Project briefing and planning
• Recording session (live instruments or vocals)
• Editing, mixing, and mastering the project
• Group critique and peer review
• Final assessment and competency evaluation
• Certification process and next steps