Sound Technician Course

Lesson 1 • Signal Flow Fundamentals

Traces the path of audio from source to output through a console. Understanding this flow is prerequisite to all routing and mixing tasks.

Lesson 2 • Connectors, Cables, and Impedance

Identifies standard audio connectors and explains impedance matching principles. Proper cabling prevents signal degradation before the console is even touched.

Lesson 3 • Physics of Sound Waves

Covers frequency, amplitude, wavelength, and phase relationships. Establishes the acoustic vocabulary used throughout all subsequent console operation topics.

Lesson 1 • Input Channel Strip Controls

Details every control on a single input channel from top to bottom. Mastery of one strip transfers directly to operating all channels on the console.

Lesson 2 • Bus Routing and Assignment

Explains how channels are assigned to mix buses, subgroups, and auxiliary sends. Correct routing is the foundation of all mix architecture decisions.

Lesson 3 • Console Sections and Zones

Identifies input, output, master, and monitoring sections of a console. Spatial familiarity reduces errors during live or studio operation.

Lesson 4 • Metering and Level Monitoring

Explains VU, PPM, and digital peak meters and their correct interpretation. Accurate metering prevents clipping and ensures consistent output levels.

Lesson 1 • Phantom Power and DI Boxes

Covers phantom power requirements, DI box types, and correct application. Learners safely power condenser microphones and interface high-impedance instruments.

Lesson 2 • Gain Structure Across the Mix Bus

Extends gain staging principles from individual channels to subgroups and the master bus. Consistent staging preserves headroom throughout the entire mix.

Lesson 3 • Microphone Preamplifier Fundamentals

Explains preamp function, gain range, and noise floor impact. Proper preamp setting is the single most critical step in clean signal acquisition.

Lesson 1 • Frequency Spectrum and Instrument Ranges

Maps the audible spectrum to instrument fundamental and harmonic ranges. This knowledge guides targeted EQ decisions without guesswork.

Lesson 2 • EQ Types and Filter Shapes

Compares parametric, graphic, shelving, and high/low-pass filter types. Knowing each filter's behaviour determines which tool to reach for in any situation.

Lesson 3 • EQ in Context of the Full Mix

Evaluates EQ decisions relative to all other mix elements rather than in solo. Learners learn that EQ choices are interdependent across all channels.

Lesson 4 • Corrective EQ Techniques

Addresses problematic frequencies such as resonances, muddiness, and harshness. Learners use narrow boosts to identify problems and cuts to remove them.

Lesson 1 • Dynamics Processing for Common Sources

Applies compression and gating settings to vocals, drums, bass, and guitars. Learners develop starting-point settings adaptable to real-world source material.

Lesson 2 • Compression Principles and Parameters

Defines threshold, ratio, attack, release, and knee for compressor operation. Understanding each parameter allows precise dynamic control on any source.

Lesson 3 • Gates and Expanders

Covers noise gate threshold, range, attack, hold, and release parameters. Learners reduce bleed and background noise in live and studio environments.

Lesson 4 • Limiting and Peak Control

Distinguishes limiters from compressors and explains brick-wall limiting. Learners protect downstream equipment and prevent digital clipping at the output.

Lesson 1 • In-Ear Monitor System Integration

Covers IEM transmitter connection, stereo aux routing, and mix personalisation. Learners configure IEM systems as an alternative to wedge monitors.

Lesson 2 • Auxiliary Send Architecture

Explains pre-fader and post-fader aux send operation and their distinct applications. Choosing the correct send type determines whether monitor mixes are fader-independent.

Lesson 3 • Effects Send and Return Routing

Routes signals to reverb, delay, and modulation processors via aux sends and returns. Learners integrate outboard and internal effects without disrupting the main mix.

Lesson 4 • Headphone and Control Room Monitoring

Configures control room outputs, headphone amplifiers, and cue mixes for engineers. Learners switch between monitoring sources without affecting the main output.

Lesson 1 • System Setup and Line Check

Covers PA system connection, console patching, and systematic line checking. A thorough line check prevents show-stopping faults before the audience arrives.

Lesson 2 • Mixing a Live Performance

Applies real-time fader moves, EQ adjustments, and effects management during a show. Learners develop the situational awareness needed to react to live performance changes.

Lesson 3 • Soundcheck Workflow

Structures the soundcheck process from individual instruments to full-band balance. Learners develop a repeatable workflow that maximises limited soundcheck time.

Lesson 4 • Show Wrap and System Teardown

Covers safe power-down sequence, scene saving, and equipment storage procedures. Proper teardown protects equipment and prepares the system for the next event.

Lesson 1 • Analog and Digital Console Differences

Compares workflow, latency, recall, and sound character between analog and digital consoles. Learners adapt their technique to whichever console type a studio employs.

Lesson 2 • Tracking and Overdub Workflow

Manages console routing during live tracking and single-instrument overdub sessions. Learners maintain correct monitor and record paths simultaneously without signal conflicts.

Lesson 3 • Studio Session Preparation

Covers session file setup, console patching, and communication with the recording engineer. Thorough preparation prevents technical interruptions during creative recording sessions.

Lesson 4 • Mixdown Console Configuration

Reconfigures the console from tracking mode to stereo and stem mixdown mode. Learners route multitrack returns through channel strips for full mix processing.