So, You Want To Be An Audio Engineer: A Complete Beginners Guide.: So, You Want to Be An Audio Engineer, #1

By Kevin Parker

"So, You Want To Be An Audio Engineer" is the definitive introduction to the fascinating field of
audio engineering. This book will arm you with the knowledge and abilities to start your audio
engineering adventure, whether you're a music enthusiast, an aspiring producer, or just someone
who wants to comprehend the magic behind alluring sounds.
You'll be given a clear introduction to the essential ideas and principles of audio engineering
in this approachable and thorough manual. This book covers everything, from learning the
fundamentals of sound and acoustics to investigating the equipment and methods used in
recording, mixing, and mastering audio.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kevin Parker
• Release date: Jun 16, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223826156

Book preview

About the Author:

Greetings to all,

My name is Kevin Thomas Parker, B.K.A. (Bionic). I'm an A.S.C.A.P. registered music producer, songwriter, and audio engineer with over 15 years of experience. I graduated from The Recording Connection of California, but I did not start off that way! I began my journey in audio back in 2008 when I started making beats and instruments on a laptop. This led to a desire to learn everything I could about music production. I found plenty, but I noticed that most of the knowledge I found was not in a curriculum format. In other words, there was no clear order to learn things or a clearly defined list of things to learn. Needless to say, going in on my own was a challenge I took on. I researched terms, watched YouTube videos, read magazine articles, and read blogs like Mad to try and gain knowledge, and I only became so-so at a few things but knew I was missing something. A MENTOR!

That thought led me to seek out formal instruction from an art school, graduate from said school, and gain an internship at a professional  recording studio. I would then be offered a position as a recording engineer and work as such for a few years while mentoring under a talented mixing engineer, and finally, years and years after doing only recording and mixing, I was fortunate to be taught a great deal of mastering techniques from an experienced mastering engineer. I am now the Co-Owner of Digital Media  Publishing Company & Recording Studios Located in Florida, U.S.A.

Okay, enough about me. Let's talk about why I felt the need to create this book. So, as previously mentioned, I struggled to find a mentor in my younger days and ultimately paid thousands of dollars to attend an academy to gain some direction in my quest for knowledge. In those days,  I had no one around me who knew more than me. I had wonderful & talented friends who loved creating music, but no one to guide me to become better. I ultimately want to give someone what I did not have earlier in my journey. Not everyone has thousands of dollars to go to Arts school. Not everyone lives near an art school. I hope that by offering this affordable educational document, someone will benefit from the wealth of knowledge I have compiled, thus allowing them to save money on the education part of the journey. I mean come on ... WE ALL KNOW WE NEED ALL OUR MONEY FOR GEAR! JK

BLESSINGS TO YOU

Kevin Thomas Parker  B.K.A. (Bionic)

This book is designed to be used with the video lessons on the YouTube Channel  ( SoundAdviceStudios ). Hosted by the author.

Digital Audio Engineering Fundamentals.

Table Of Contents:

Chapter 1: Introduction to Digital Audio Engineering

What is Digital Audio Engineering?

History of Digital Audio Engineering

Advantages of Digital Audio Engineering

Chapter 2: Sound and Audio Fundamentals

Understanding Sound Waves and Frequencies

Basic Acoustics and Acoustic Treatment

Introduction to Microphones and their Types

Chapter 3: Digital Audio Recording

The Analog to Digital Conversion Process

Sampling Rate and Bit Depth

Understanding Digital Audio Formats

Chapter 4: Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs)

Introduction to DAWs

Overview of Popular DAWs in the Industry

Understanding DAW Workflow

Chapter 5: Audio Plugins

What are Audio Plugins?

Types of Audio Plugins

How to Use Audio Plugins in DAWs

Chapter 6: Mixing

Introduction to Mixing

Understanding Signal Flow in Mixing

Basic Mixing Techniques

Chapter 7: Equalization (EQ)

Understanding Equalization

Types of EQ and Their Uses

Techniques for Using EQ in Mixing

Chapter 8: Compression

Understanding Compression

Types of Compressors and Their Uses

Techniques for Using Compression in Mixing

Chapter 9: Effects Processing

Introduction to Effects Processing

Types of Effects and Their Uses

Techniques for Using Effects in Mixing

Chapter 10: Mastering

Introduction to Mastering

Understanding the Mastering Process

Techniques for Mastering Your Mix

Conclusion:

Glossary of Term

What is Audio Engineering?

Audio Engineering Explained: Audio engineering is a vital aspect of music production that involves the technical manipulation of sound waves to create a high-quality final product. Audio engineers use various techniques, tools, and technologies to record, mix, and master sound. The goal is to produce clear, balanced, and professional audio.  The role of an audio engineer can vary depending on the project. They may be responsible for recording live performances, mixing tracks, or mastering final albums. They may work in a recording studio, concert hall, or live performance venue. Audio engineers may also work in film and television, creating sound effects or designing soundscapes for a particular scene. Video games are another viable option.

One of the primary roles of an audio engineer is to ensure that all sound sources are captured accurately. This involves selecting the right microphones and other equipment to record the sound and setting up the equipment to capture the best possible sound. The engineer must also be able to troubleshoot any technical issues that may arise during the recording process, such as distortion or interference.  Once the sound has been recorded, the audio engineer will begin mixing the tracks. This involves adjusting each track's levels, panning, and equalization to create a balanced sound. The audio engineer will also use reverb or compression to enhance the sound.

The final stage of audio engineering is mastering, which involves preparing the audio for distribution. This involves ensuring that the overall volume is consistent across all tracks and that the sound is optimized for the specific medium, such as CD or digital download.  To become an audio engineer, one must have a solid understanding of music theory, recording technology, and signal processing. They must also have excellent communication skills, as they often work closely with musicians and other production team members.

In recent years, the rise of home recording technology has made audio engineering more accessible to the general public. However, while creating high-quality recordings at home is possible, professional audio engineers still play a critical role in the music industry. They bring years of experience, specialized equipment, and technical expertise to the table, ensuring that the final product sounds polished and professional. In conclusion, audio engineering is a crucial aspect of music production that involves the technical manipulation of sound waves to create a high-quality final product. Audio engineers use various techniques, tools, and technologies to record, mix, and master sound. They work closely with musicians and other production team members to ensure that the final product sounds polished and professional. While home recording technology has made audio engineering more accessible to the general public, professional audio engineers still play a vital role in the music industry.

Chapter 1 

Introduction to Digital Audio Engineering:

Audio engineering is a technical field involving technology and creativity to record, mix, and reproduce sound. Audio engineers work with sound recording equipment, mixing consoles, digital audio workstations, and various software applications to produce high-quality audio for various purposes, including music production, film and television, radio, podcasts, and live events.

This chapter will discuss the basics of audio engineering, including the different types of equipment used, the various stages of audio production, and the skills required to become a successful audio engineer.

Types of Audio Equipment:To begin, it's important to understand the different types of equipment used in audio engineering. These include:

Microphones - Microphones are devices that convert sound waves into electrical signals. There are many different types of microphones, including dynamic, condenser, and ribbon microphones, each with its own unique characteristics.

Mixing Consoles - Mixing consoles are used to balance and adjust the levels of different audio signals. They come in various sizes and types, ranging from small analog consoles to large digital mixing desks used in recording studios and live sound reinforcement.

Digital Audio Workstations - Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) are software applications for recording, editing, and mixing audio. They can be used on computers and tablets, ranging from basic to professional-level applications.

Studio Monitors - Studio monitors are speakers designed specifically for audio production. They provide a flat frequency response, allowing audio engineers to accurately hear and mix audio without artificial enhancements.

Signal Processors - Signal processors include equalizers, compressors, and reverbs. They are used to adjust the tone and dynamics of audio signals and add effects to create a desired sound.

The Stages of Audio Production: Audio production involves several stages: pre-production, recording, editing, mixing, and mastering.

Pre-production - In this stage, audio engineers work with artists and producers to plan and prepare for the recording process. This may involve selecting the right equipment, determining microphone placement, and setting up the studio environment.

Recording - Audio engineers capture audio signals using microphones and recorders during the recording stage. This may involve multiple takes and adjustments to ensure the highest quality sound.

Editing - After recording, audio engineers use software applications to edit and refine the audio tracks. This may involve removing unwanted noise, adjusting levels, and adding effects.

Mixing - During the mixing stage, audio engineers use mixing consoles and software to balance the different audio tracks and create a cohesive sound. This involves adjusting levels, panning, and applying effects to each track to create a polished final product.

Mastering - In the final stage, audio engineers use specialized software to prepare the audio for distribution. This involves adjusting the overall levels and applying compression, equalization, and other effects to create a final, polished product.

Skills Required for Audio Engineering:Becoming a successful audio engineer requires combining technical skills and creative talent. Here are some