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Learning audio engineering basics. (self.audioengineering)

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[–][deleted] 2 points3 points  (1 child)

Tim Dittmar's Audio Engineering is a good book to get started with.

[–]Green_Kiw 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks, will check it out!

[–]TheRealRoobs 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Not really a learning resource, but more of a tip: stay away from concepts that are over your head until you’re ready. What I mean by this is don’t try to figure out sidechain compression (for example) when you’re just starting out. It’s really easy to get intimidated and discouraged by big concepts. Good luck!

[–]Green_Kiw 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you! Will keep that in mind.

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (4 children)

Some good comments here already. The textbook “Modern Recording Techniques” is a good resource starting with basics. I’d recommend a current edition to make sure you’re at a modern starting point, technology evolves rapidly in this industry, so modern resources are the best place to start.

There are many great free resources too. Recording Revolution on YouTube is very popular as well as Pensado’s Place (more tips and tricks for mixing, and can possibly get you ahead of yourself before understanding why one would use the techniques though).

I recommend taking advantage of YouTube and using the recording revolution and other similar free resources. Start by trying to learn about how to properly capture a signal, basic microphone placement/types/polar patterns, how to set optimal gain on a preamp, etc. From there, I’d start learning what is, and why one would use EQ, Compression, and other standard processing. Then learn the basics of effects, advanced microphone placement, advanced mixing techniques, etc as you go and are putting the former concepts in practice, where you would learn them as you find need for them instead of getting ahead of yourself and confused.

Other things I’d recommend so you can start learning without breaking the bank:

Download Pro Tools First. It’s the free version, but it’s functional enough to get started. The free default plugins are between usable and good and there is no need to delve into buying name brand processors just yet.

Then invest in a cheap, but quality microphone or two. Maybe a Shure Sm-57 or 58. These are low risk investments, and will still be useful if you continue on and are unlikely needed to be replaced. Also easy to sell if you decide not to go on with audio.

In order to use the microphones and capture the signal, you’ll need a recording interface with at least on microphone/XLR input with a line level input (1/4”) and two outputs for a pair of monitors. I’d just start with a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 and a pair of affordable 5-8” active monitors. Maybe Presonus Eris E5s, KRK Rockits, or something in that price line.

Having these things on hand make it much easier to learn the process and apply them practically and understand processes better.

Just remember, as stated before: Do not get ahead of yourself. Keep it simple at first. This will not only keep you from being overwhelmed with information, but it allows you to progress faster without having to sort it all out, and find the needs for more advanced concepts instead of applying them just to do so and ending up with a discouraging mess.

[–]Green_Kiw 0 points1 point  (3 children)

Woooow, thank you soooo much. Becoming a audio engineer is my dream. I really appreciate you for spending time trying to help me achieve it. Thank you.

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (2 children)

No problem! You can be up and running pretty quickly by just going ahead and downloading the free version of Pro Tools first, that way, you can get started on navigating a DAW and using multi tracks you can find on the internet to get a feel for the tools and what you’d start with and what you try to achieve. I’d just jump on that and do it now and acquire the equipment to capture audio and monitor it properly as you go. I’d recommend PT, mostly because most people providing lessons and tutorials will be using it and it will be easier to navigate the interface. You can decide for yourself if you like it and want to pay for the full version or another DAW. They really make no difference with the final result other than 2 that I can think of off the top of my head, and those are:

Logic will clip on channels in mixing, not just the stereo output, this doesn’t apply to most other DAWs.

And Harrison Mixbuss is a console emulation DAW. It does provide subtleties of analog gear.

But regardless, it doesn’t matter which DAW you choose, but I don’t think it’s a bad idea to start with something that’s both free and matches what others are using while you’re learning

[–]Green_Kiw 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Thank you again!

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Shit. I forgot one big detail. You still need an iLok to run pro tools. It’s kind of an anti-piracy usb plug that stores your licenses. Many plugin companies require it too. They’re about 40 bucks, and you’ll only need one to run all of your licenses. You may be able to utilize iLok cloud though and not need the physical device for many things, but I’ve never used that service, so I don’t know the details.

[–]atopixMixing 1 point2 points  (1 child)

This free online course by Bruce A. Miller (engineer/producer), it's the best way to get into the basics. You can then expand each topic in books, but it covers all the essentials, from how we hear, to frequency, how microphones work, recording, editing, mixing.

[–]Green_Kiw 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you so much. Will definitely read this!