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.
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Reviews
Submitted 1 year 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 2 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 2 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 2 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 2 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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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