Audio Production Foundations

Module 00

The Audio Stack

DAW, Audio Interface, Monitors — What, When, Why. The three pillars of every studio.

Module 01

Physics of Sound

Waves, Frequency, Amplitude, Phase, Harmonics. The physics that makes music possible.

Module 02

Digital Audio & MIDI

Sample Rate, Bit Depth, -6dB Headroom, MIDI Controllers, Velocity, CC Messages.

Module 03

Sound Synthesis

Oscillators, LFOs, Envelopes (ADSR), Filters, Modulation. Building sounds from scratch.

Module 04

Signature Sounds

TR-808, TB-303, Minimoog, DX7. The sounds that defined genres. How to recreate them.

Module 05

Microphones & Recording

Dynamic vs Condenser, Polar Patterns, Placement, Distance, Proximity Effect.

Module 06

Signal Flow

Mic/Line/Instrument Level, Impedance (Hi-Z), Gain Staging, Preamps.

Module 07

Recording Techniques

Room Acoustics, Isolation, Bleed Control, Multi-tracking, Overdubs.

Module 08

Vocal Production

Proximity Effect, Muffle Points (Throat/Nasal), Problem Frequencies, Breath Control.

Module 09

EQ & Frequency Spectrum

Frequency Bands, Surgical vs Musical EQ, Spectrum Analyzers, Resonance Hunting.

Module 10

Dynamics Processing

Compression, Limiting, Gating, Expansion, Sidechain, Parallel Compression.

Module 11

Time-Based Effects

Reverb (Short/Medium/Long), Delay, Modulation. Classic presets: Slapback, Chorus, Flanger.

Module 12

Mixing Fundamentals

Levels, Panning, Depth, Frequency Balance, Submixes, Bus Processing, Doubling.

Module 13

Phase & Stereo

Phase Cancellation, Mono Compatibility, Stereo Width, Mid/Side Processing.

Module 14

Drum Mixing

Kick/Snare Relationship, Overhead Phase, Parallel Compression, Sample Augmentation.

Module 15

Arrangement & Structure

Layering, Register Coverage, Genre Conventions, Timbre Selection, Build/Release.

Module 16

Audio Formats & Delivery

WAV, MP3, FLAC, AAC. Streaming Standards, LUFS, True Peak, Loudness Normalization.

Module 17

DAW Comparison

Logic, Ableton, FL Studio, Pro Tools, Soundtrap. Strengths, Workflows, Best For.

Module 18

AI in Audio

What AI Can/Can't Do. Stem Separation, Auto-Mastering, Composition Tools, Ethics.

Module 19

Mastering Fundamentals

LUFS & Loudness, True Peak, Mastering EQ, Limiting, Final Delivery, Platform Standards.

Module 21

Bass & Low-End Management

Sub Bass vs Bass, Kick/Bass Relationship, Low-End EQ, Sidechain Techniques, Mono Below 100Hz.

Module 24

Automation & Movement

Volume Automation, Filter Sweeps, Dynamic Processing, Sidechain, AI/Smart Processors, Envelope Followers.

Module 25

Reference Mixing & Critical Listening

Reference Tracks, A/B Comparison, Level Matching, Training Your Ears, Analysis Techniques.

Module 22

Sampling & Sound Design

Sample Sources, Chopping Techniques, Layering, Time-Stretching, Hardware Samplers, Legal Considerations.

Module 26

Field Recording & Foley

Portable Recorders, Location Sound, Ambience Capture, Foley Techniques, Sound Libraries, Processing.

Module 23

Music Theory for Producers

Scales, Keys, Chord Progressions, Rhythm, Tension/Resolution, Practical Application in DAWs.

Module 28

Songwriting & Composition

Melody & Hooks, Song Structure, Lyric Writing, Finishing Songs, Tension & Release.

Module 20

Performance & Input Methods

MIDI vs Audio, DJing Fundamentals, MIDI Controllers, Guitar Pedals, Loop Pedals, Synth vs Controller vs Workstation.

Module 27

Live Sound Basics

PA Systems, Signal Flow, Feedback Prevention, Stage Plots, Soundcheck Process, Monitor Mixing.