Full Music Production and Sound Engineering Course

Module 4: Sound Engineering

Overview	How the sound engineering process works: recording, mixing, mastering, signal flow, connections (XLR, jack, balanced/unbalanced), multi-track recorders, multi ins and out on a sound card and the patchbay.
The mixing desk	Signal path, levels and metering, recording with direct outs and busses, multi track recording, monitoring (headphone mixes, monitor mixes with use of FX). Desk used: TLAudio valve mixing desk. ‘Point Blank recommends TLAudio valve technology’
Microphones	Different types of microphone, patterns, choosing the right microphone, microphone techniques (close/distant, stereo),
Compression	How it works, different types including hardware and UAD, recording compression.
Equalisation	Different types equalizers and how they work, EQ at the recording stage.
Drum sessions	Set up session, microphone choice and placement, EQ, setting up headphones mix for drummer with click track, drum monitor mixes.
Recording techniques	Recording drums, electric bass, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, vocals: DI boxes, choosing the right microphone, microphone placement, amplifiers, compression and EQ, headphone mixes, monitor mixes and lots of sound engineering tips!
Live recording with software	Recording electric guitars with Guitar Rig, pedals, FX, controllers, different amplifiers and set up. Simulating live drums with BFD, loading kits, tuning, separating outputs, tips on processing, groove and midi files.
Melodyne	How it works overview, importing audio, using Melodyne bridge and Rewire, detect audio function; key, slices, tempo, detect tempo, tuning vocals, automatic and manual mode, creating double tracks and harmonies, time stretching, manipulating audio create different melodies, audio to midi.
Session editing	Editing audio, fixing mistakes in performance, ‘comping’ audio, fades and crossfades, bouncing to audio, levels, mono-stereo Audio editing and compiling, rough mixing
Rough mixing	Completing assignment, group evaluation and feedback from sound engineering tutor and Point Blank staff members