Audio Basics

In this video, you’ll quickly learn the to wrap a cable using the over under method. The over-under method is an industry standard cable wrapping technique used by many professionals. I’ll quickly show you how to properly coil a cable using the over under method.

How do you set up a PA sound system for a live event? This video will help you to hook up your sound system for a band, a concert, a wedding, or a DJ gig. By the end, you’ll have a great-sounding PA system.

This video will introduce you to the most common connectors in professional and consumer audio. You’ll see each audio connector, how each audio connector works, and the common uses of each audio connector!

What’s the difference between balanced and unbalanced audio? Does balanced audio sound better? Which cables do you need? XLR, TRS, TS, RCA? In this video, you’ll learn how balanced audio works and hear a demonstration of balanced vs unbalanced audio quality!

Do you need a DI box? A DI box (or direct box) is one of the most essential tools in audio production. In this video you’ll learn what a DI box does and when you need one. I’ve included some audio demonstrations so you can compare the sound quality when recording with and without a DI box.

What do the knobs and faders on an audio mixer do? It’s actually simpler than you might think. This video will teach you how to use any audio mixer by breaking the channel strip into parts. You’ll learn about preamp gain, HPFs, Line/Instrument switches, EQs, compressors, aux sends, pan knobs, and faders!

All those knobs can be intimidating, but I’m going to walk you through all the things the console does beyond the faders and muting things. Really, the sound board just turns things up and turns things down. If you can grasp that, and figure out how that applies to all of the audio console tools, you’ll begin to learn more and more about how the audio console functions.

What is the difference between microphone level, line level, instrument level, and speaker level? In this video, you’ll learn the basic types of audio levels in audio production, live sound, and music recording.

What is gain staging? How do you set up proper gain staging so that you can make professional mixes? How about gain staging for live mixing? In this video, you’ll learn some essential tips for proper gain structure that every great audio engineer understands.

How do dynamic microphones work? What are the best ways to use them? In this video, you’ll learn about the physics behind dynamic microphones and the reason they are the most popular type of microphone.

Which one do you need? A dynamic microphone or a condenser microphone? In this video, you’ll find out.

What is a microphone polar pattern and why is it important? In this video, you’ll learn the difference between cardioid, supercardioid, bidirectional (figure-8), wide cardioid, and omni polar patterns. By the end, you’ll understand the strengths and weaknesses of each of them so you can choose the best polar pattern for your needs!

How do shotgun microphones work and what are they used for? In this video, you’ll learn the pros and cons of shotgun microphones as well as some best practices on how to use a shotgun microphone.

What causes microphone feedback? How can you eliminate mic feedback to prevent the squealing, howling, or screeching sound of feedback from ruining your live performance? In this video, I’ll teach you how to set up your PA system and ring out stage monitor wedges to prevent microphone feedback before the show begins.

Why do instruments sound different? The same note played on a piano, guitar, and ukulele will sound radically different. In this video, you’ll see why.

What is frequency response? The frequency response of a microphone, speaker, or any piece of audio equipment describes its ability to pass audio frequencies from its input to its output.

This video walks you through the controls on a parametric equalizer and how to use them. You’ll also learn about the shapes and filters that parametric EQs commonly offer, such as HPF, LPF, band pass filters, high shelf, low shelf, and notch filters.

What does “muddy” mean? What does “tinny” sound like? There are so many words we use to describe audio quality. In this video, I’ll discuss the common words used and how they limit us as audio engineers and musicians.

In this video, you’ll learn an ear training technique that will instantly improve your mixes. If you practice consistently, you’ll notice a massive improvement in the sound of your mixes in just a few weeks. Get started now with the free guide below!

How do you practice mixing music with EQ? How can you train your ears to identify frequencies and improve your mixing skills? In this video, I’ll show you some mixing examples and a technique that will dramatically change the way you mix and master your music.