Module 4 of 6: Sound Engineering

Small groups work better for you		Learn pro microphone techniques

Summary

The Sound Engineering Course teaches you the skills you need to be a professional Sound Engineer. If you want to work in a recording studio, then you'll need a thorough knowledge of the mixing desk, microphones and recording techniques for drums, bass, guitar and vocals. Plus we'll show you how to recreate high-end recording techniques via the latest software.

Content

Introduction

The process: recording, overdubbing, mixdown, mastering

Signal flow in the studio. The mixing desk and the patch bay

Mic/line inputs, monitor inputs

Group output and master output. Aux sends and returns

Connections - XLR, ¼ inch, phono, optical, bantam, multi-pin

Balanced & unbalanced connections

The Mixing Console

Multi track recording and recording levels

Analogue and digital headroom

The tracking process

Setting up a full monitor mix, using FXs

Setting up headphones mixes

The Engineers Guide to Microphones

Types of microphone and their uses (dynamic, ribbon, condenser).

Microphone positioning and recording techniques

Microphones and compression

Types of EQ (fixed, sweepable, parametric and graphic)

Recording Drums (including live recording session)

Set up and preparation. Tuning and troubleshooting

‘Miking up' - which mics to use and where

Close miking, overheads, room mics and ambience

First hand recording experience with a session drummer

Recording Bass and Guitar

Using DI boxes to record straight into the desk

How to mike up a bass cabinet

Microphone selection and placement

Recording techniques with a guitar amp

Recording acoustic guitar. Stereo miking techniques

Recording with Software

Use BFD to mimic "real" playing styles

How to give detail and expression to BFD drum tracks

Mixing in BFD and assigning to MIDI controllers

Recording guitar in Guitar Rig

Emulate cabinets, mic placement and effects

Recording Vocals

Achieving a good headphone mix

Microphone selection and placement for vocal recording

Tips and tricks for recording a good vocal

Creative use of Melodyne

Double tracking, harmonizing, altering melody and more

Preparing for Mixdown

Fixing mistakes. Correcting tuning with Melodyne

Correct timing with Ableton Live

Editing and compiling audio for the best take

Creating crossfades in Logic or Cubase

Bouncing audio files

Supervised mixdown with your tutor

Expert help and advice

Transform your recording into a final mix

Realise your professional sound ambitions and goals