BECOMING  A PRO AT AUDIO - INEXPENSIVELY

BY BOB DENNIS

62 illustrated lessons on the basics of audio, three in-depth tutorials on equalization and mixing, audio and video clip demonstrations of basics and of mixing techniques, periodic interactive quizzes to make sure you understand, basic texts and references, interactive CD supplied as well as 2 years of Internet access, online final examination and certification that you know your stuff.  Recording Institute of Detroit announces that its Pro Audio Specialist theory training package can now be purchased separately for the down-to-earth price of $99. (all updated files will be available through the Web).  Purchase here.

Pro Audio Specialist

A person completing the theory study program knows the basics about audio and recording.  Every musician that records or performs should know this stuff.  Everyone working in the office of a studio, record company or production house should know this stuff.  People trying to record music in their basement should know this stuff.  These are the basics and they will improve your performance at any of these endeavors.

Further Study

Customers purchasing this introductory training package get premium web access to REQ archived articles and tips.  They also get discounts on more extensive interactive training packages or campus training.  Customers get a $50 discount coupon off the purchase of our advanced training package through Alexander Magazine.  Persons receiving the online Pro Audio Specialist certification can receive a $150 discount off any Recording Institute Of Detroit campus program.

What Is Covered?

PAS SECTION 1

In nine lessons we cover the basics of sound and capturing it for recording as an audio signal.  Selecting the proper mic and placing it are covered along with the basics of using wireless microphones and direct pickups.

PAS SECTION 2

In six lessons we cover the basics of using the console. Getting a good signal, routing and sound checks for recording and using the console for mixdown are covered.

PAS SECTIONS  3/4

In eight lessons we cover the basics of using signal processing.  Using compression and gating, using equalization, equalization approaches and recommended processing frequencies are covered.

PAS SECTION 5

In seven lessons we cover the subjects of delay and reverberation. The use of console send and returns, the imagery of reverberation and the use of dramatic delay effects are covered.

PAS SECTIONS 6/7

In nine lessons we cover the subjects of equipment setup and sound reinforcement at performances.  Interconnection and grounding, amplification, speakers, and control of feedback are discussed.

PAS SECTION 8

In five lessons we cover the basics of analog tape recording.  Saturation, distortion, noise and noise-reduction systems are covered.

PAS SECTION 9

In six lessons we cover the basics of digital recording.  Digital recorders and the digital recording process are covered.

PAS SECTION 10

In six lessons we cover the basics of MIDI.  Sequencers, programming, virtual tracking, as well as synchronization are covered.

PAS SECTION 11*

In five lessons we cover the basics of hard disc recording.  Interface hardware, computer requirements, types of systems, signal processing and editing are covered.

PAS AUDIO DEMOS

Demo #1 - Microphone Characteristics
Demo #2 - Microphone Patterns
Demo #3 - Frequency Ranges
Demo #4 - Proximity Effect
Demo #5 - Input Overload & Noise
Demo #6 - Decibel Level Changes
Demo #7 - Equalization

PAS VIDEO CLIPS

Clip #1 - Fundamental & Harmonic Frequencies
Clip #2 - Close & Distant Micing*

EQ & MIX TUTORIALS

Tutorial #1 - Equalization Approaches, Limitations and Mental Focus.
Tutorial #2 - Reverberation Imagery, Types of Programs and Blending Programs.
Tutorial #3 - Equalization by musical octave.

EQ & MIX GUIDE

"Getting The Most Out Of Your Mix" guide gives customizing library settings for different instruments. Equalization, dynamics and effects library settings are given.  

EQ & MIX AUDIO DEMOS

Demo #1 - Equalization Library Settings Audio Demo
Demo #2 - Effects Library Settings Audio Demo
Extra Demo - Hearing Audio Frequencies

Basic Recording Manual

A complete eight chapter textbook on audio recording.

Recording Glossary

Comprehensive reference to assist your understanding of audio terminology and jargon.  Links from lessons and articles to key technical terms used in the text.

Section Links*

Links to REQ tips and articles on the subject matter of the section.

Final Examination

When you are ready to take the final examination, you e-mail the online study instructor, who will assign you a password for the online examination.  As soon as you answer the last exam question, our server will calculate your exam score and let you know which exam questions were missed.

Certification**

Our online instructor will electronically send you certificate within 10 days of the examination.

Start Your Study

You can be on your way to full basic understanding of audio by placing your order today.

** Theory Completion Certificate

Online study and a resulting theory certification certificate does not mean that you have completed or graduated from a Recording Institute of Detroit licensed program.  What it means is that you have "placed out" of the theory portion of a program and can begin your campus studies with a later starting date than most campus students; i.e. you are able to by-pass certain classes in the program.  Because of this placement by the school, campus time and tuition charges are reduced for the campus programs.

With a theory completion certificate only, we do not feel that you are adequately trained for an entry level job in the field.  We realize, however, that many untrained or partially trained individuals can obtain employment and learn on-the-job.  Only a full campus program completion certificate means that we feel that you have been adequately trained for entry-level positions in the field.

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Copyright © 2002, by Robert Dennis, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Published in Recording Engineer's Quarterly and Alexander magazines with permission

USE OF THIS ARTICLE SUBJECT TO USER AGREEMENT