Managing Gain & Distortion
-
2:36 Managing Gain & Distortion
Knowing the terms Unity Gain, Digital Zero, Negative Infinity dB, and what they mean in your production will give you the power to record and mix the best sounding tracks possible.
-
1:42 Demystifying Zero
Zero can mean different things on different gear. Knowing the specifics of gain staging will help you manage a sometimes confusing array of terms and settings on all kinds of pro and consumer audio gear.
-
3:09 Being the Master of Your Signal Chain
A complex signal chain presents a dizzying array of opportunities to manage gain. Using key concepts and settings practiced by successful engineers will put you on the fast track for making the best sounding recordings possible.
-
2:34 What Is Distortion?
While certain types of distortion should be avoided, other types provide valuable sonic tools that can make or break a production. Knowing the difference between “good” and “bad” distortion differentiates the novice from the pro engineer.
-
1:18 Time to Evaluate
A recap of some of the important concepts taught in the Managing Gain & Distortion course.
Product Overview
Recording engineers and music producers encounter many ways to adjust gain along the recording and mixing signal path. Knowing the best practices for setting levels in your DAW, processors, and other gain stages will allow you to avoid distortion and noise in your productions.
Why Users Choose Us
There are many things our users love about Groove3, but a couple always stand out at the top when asked why people choose us as their learning resource.
Quality Content
We meticulously craft professional quality tutorials that are thoughtful, informative and done with attention to detail. We stand behind our products with a 100% satisfaction guarantee and are trusted by 1000s of users every day.
Save Time & Money
Our library brings over 1700 hours of quality instruction to you fingertips and we release new content every week. Don't waste your valuable time scouring the web for information you may never find or is cumbersome to use and potentially can't be trusted.
Reviews
Submitted 3 years ago
very basic
I wouldn't buy this tutorial separately. I only watched it because I have the all-inclusive package. It's very basic. Basically on your analog preamps, you want the signal to peak at 0dbVU. It also tells you the difference between dbVU and dBFS. Cool little review.
I am a: Hobbyist
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 3 years ago
Good basic overview
This is short, but concise and critical information on a subject often misunderstood or overlooked by the novice audio producer. It would be great to build and expand on this base! I would rte it as very useful, mandatory info for the novice producer.
I am a: Producer, Musician, Hobbyist
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 3 years ago
Excellent!
Basic understanding of gain structure is so important. My opinion is that improper gain structure is the number one reason that amateur/hobbyist don't consistently get great recordings and mixes.
I am a: Mastering Facility, Audio Engineer
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 3 years ago
Too short, too little information, too bad...
These tutorials from 'the blackbird academy' are way too short, and doesn't provide more than an overview of something. An utter waste of time, in my opinion.
I am a: Musician, Hobbyist
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 3 years ago
Good and informative
Thanks for providing this info on gain staging and distortion
I am a: Semi-Pro
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Reviews
Submitted 3 years ago
very basic
I wouldn't buy this tutorial separately. I only watched it because I have the all-inclusive package. It's very basic. Basically on your analog preamps, you want the signal to peak at 0dbVU. It also tells you the difference between dbVU and dBFS. Cool little review.
I am a: Hobbyist
Submitted 3 years ago
Good basic overview
This is short, but concise and critical information on a subject often misunderstood or overlooked by the novice audio producer. It would be great to build and expand on this base! I would rte it as very useful, mandatory info for the novice producer.
I am a: Producer, Musician, Hobbyist
Submitted 3 years ago
Excellent!
Basic understanding of gain structure is so important. My opinion is that improper gain structure is the number one reason that amateur/hobbyist don't consistently get great recordings and mixes.
I am a: Mastering Facility, Audio Engineer
Submitted 3 years ago
Too short, too little information, too bad...
These tutorials from 'the blackbird academy' are way too short, and doesn't provide more than an overview of something. An utter waste of time, in my opinion.
I am a: Musician, Hobbyist
Submitted 3 years ago
Good and informative
Thanks for providing this info on gain staging and distortion
I am a: Semi-Pro
Kevin Becka has been a recording engineer for over twenty-five years, working with the top names in music including Kenny G., Quincy Jones, Michael Bolton, George Benson, George Lynch, and more. An experienced educator, Kevin is currently the co-director and instructor at the Blackbird Academy in Nashville. He has also taught advanced recording at Belmont University, taught surround recording and lectured at the Danish Rhythmic Music Conservatory in Copenhagen, Denmark, and was director of education and instructor at the Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences for ten years. Kevin is also an audio journalist who has worked as the editor of Pro Audio Review and Audio Media USA magazines. Since 2003, Kevin has been the technical editor of the industry-leading Mix magazine where he writes features, product reviews, and a monthly column. Kevin is a voting member of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS), the Country Music Association (CMA), and is a member of the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP).
Products by Kevin
-
tutorial videoAnalog & Digital Processing
EQs, compressors, pitch shifters, transient shapers, reverbs, and delays are just a few of the powerful tools an engineer may use while recording and mixing. Knowing how to use these powerful analog and digital processors is key to achieving great results when recording and mixing.
-
tutorial videoCables & Connectors
Cables and connectors provide the pathways for audio signals to flow throughout the studio. Great connections can have a positive impact on not only the sound but also a creative difference in the recording process by maintaining the quality of the source and inspiring the performer.
-
tutorial videoDAWs & Converters
The digital audio workstation, or DAW, is an essential building block of the modern studio. Knowing the components, features, and tools found in this “studio in a box” is essential knowledge for all audio engineers, both old and new.
-
tutorial videoElectrical Levels in Audio Production
To achieve great results when recording, processing, and mixing audio, it’s important to know the levels at which various pieces of musical and studio gear operate. This course digs deeper into the operational qualities of studio gear in the signal chain.
-
tutorial videoManaging Gain & Distortion
Recording engineers and music producers encounter many ways to adjust gain along the recording and mixing signal path. Knowing the best practices for setting levels in your DAW, processors, and other gain stages will allow you to avoid distortion and noise in your productions.
You might be also interested in
Studio guru Adam Pollard brings you a collection of insightful music studio video tutorials! Get helpful insight and information on how and why to choose certain DAWs, plug-ins, and virtual instruments, including studio workflows and solutions. This series is designed for new music studio producers and engineers who want the opinion of an experienced studio producer.
Everything in the studio starts and ends with audio—both analog and digital—yet many musicians know a lot more about the principles of music than the principles behind audio.
This book focuses on microphones as the essential link between the recording process and vocals, guitars, pianos, drums, and other acoustic sounds. Choosing the right mic can make or break a song. Authors Phil O’Keefe and Craig Anderton cover how to choose and apply mics with real-world examples and explanations.
The All-Access Pass gives you just that, instant online access to every single video tutorial currently on the site and any ones that get added during your membership.
Adam Pollard aka Multiplier presents an in-depth video series for those just getting into making music and the endless options for studio gear. Save endless hours of research trying to find answers to the most basic questions, when setting up your first studio and all the gear that goes with it!
DAW Terminology Explained™ is your definition based resource for quickly finding the meaning of common digital audio workstation and pro audio terms, features and functions! This growing collection of terminology definitions are short and sweet, and are designed for the beginner, to make sure you understand the basics and foundations of modern recording technology.
Adam Pollard aka Multiplier delivers an in-depth video series all about getting the most out of your computer and DAW, when recording and producing music! Shot in Ableton Live on Mac OS and applicable to any OS and DAW, see how to squeeze every drop of power out of your rig and avoid time wasting snafus.
Synthesizer Terminology Explained™ is your definition based resource for quickly finding the meaning of common synth terms, features and functions! This growing collection of terminology definitions are short and sweet, and are designed for the beginner, to make sure you understand the basics and foundations of synthesizer technology.
Studio guru Eli Krantzberg presents an in-depth video tutorial series on Gating! Learn what Gating is and how to apply it to your tracks for a clearer mix, or to add special effects and processing to your sounds.
Along with a computer, an audio interface provides the all-important hardware foundation for computer-based recording. This book helps musicians choose, apply, and obtain maximum performance from all types of audio interfaces.
Production guru Tyler Coffin takes you on a journey into the world of Electronic Music! Designed for the EM newcomer, this series gets your feet wet with many of today’s popular electronic music genres, including sound design tips, production insights, as well as history to base your EM foundations on.
This series is designed for those who are new to using microphone pre-amps and want to know about all the common features and controls found on mic pres, as well as how to set them up. It also touches on how the components and circuit design varies between units, and gives some sonic examples between an inexpensive “all-in-one” mic pre / audio interface and more expensive stand alone mic pres.
Groove3 presents a FREE video tutorial, covering what's needed and involved to produce modern music using today's computer software and hardware. If you'e absolutely new to making music, this video gives you the important basic info and concepts, and gets you pointed in the right direction!