Managing Gain & Distortion
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 4 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 4 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 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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