Understanding Recording Signal Flow
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1:01 Understanding Recording Signal Flow
An introduction to “Understanding Recording Signal Flow,” which lays out the framework for the entire Foundation Series.
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1:02 The Source
While you can fix timing and add effects and EQ later in the process to improve a sound, it’s always best to get it right at the source before you push RECORD.
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1:48 The Microphone
Microphones vary in type and features and are used to record anything that makes a sound in the physical world including acoustic instruments, percussion, vocals, and more.
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0:52 The Direct Box (DI)
The DI acts as a bridge to the next step in the signal flow. It changes the unbalanced, high impedance output of an instrument to a balanced, low impedance signal preferred by professional studio gear.
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1:18 The Microphone Preamp
Before you can record a signal from a microphone or DI, it must first be sent through a Microphone Preamp, which is used to boost the gain to a proper recording level called “line level”.
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1:35 Analog Processing Before Recording
Certain analog processors and some kinds of plug-ins can be used during recording; it’s important to know how to use these tools to achieve the best results.
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1:08 A to D & D to A Converters
Before a signal can be digitally recorded, it has to be converted from analog to a digital format, then back again so we can hear it in the physical world.
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0:51 Digital Audio Workstation Software
The digital audio workstation, or DAW, is the basis for all modern recording. Inside the DAW, you can mix, edit, and process the recorded signals in many different ways.
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1:01 Processing After Recording
Optionally, audio from the DAW can be processed after it has been recorded and is a typical workflow when mixing.
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1:06 Monitor Control
Monitor control, whether it’s on a console or a freestanding unit, gives you the ability to control speaker loudness, source selection, and a monitor selection if you have more than one pair of speakers.
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0:51 Speakers & Headphones
The last stop in the signal chain, before you hear the results of your work, is with the speakers or headphones.
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0:47 Signal Flow Recap
This video provides a recap of recording signal flow.
Product Overview
A great sound starts with a quality signal chain. In this first installment of the Foundation Series, you will learn the basics of audio starting with the source, and then moving step by step down the line to the finished product.
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Reviews
Submitted 1 month ago
Hit the nail on the head ...
A good starting point for anyone unfamiliar with the basics of recording ...
I am a: Professional, Musician, Producer, Audio Engineer, Pro Tools, Reaper
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 9 months ago
Dissapointing
Basic information at best. Very disappointed With this video as it offered no real assistance on signal flow. It continually promises to go into more depth in future videos but does not deliver. This is purely an introduction to a further series of videos.
I am a: Semi-Pro, Musician, Producer, Audio Engineer, Logic Pro, Pro Tools
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 9 months ago
Very beginner
This is more for somone doing a book report on recording. I hope they get more in-depth.
Response from Customer Service:
Our Foundation Series tutorials are the most basic approach to learning to record and are meant for the rank beginner. This is only part of our mixing tutorials.
Check out our mixing category for more advanced mixing sessions and lessons with engineers such as Dave Pensado and Kenny Gioia.
This is just the beginning!
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 1 year ago
Short and bite sized lesson on signal flow
Good for beginners who want to know how signal flow works.
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 1 year ago
Good and fast overview of some basics.
Good and fast overview of some basics.
I am a: Beginner, Hobbyist, Musician, FL Studio, Nuendo, Reaper
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 1 year ago
Basic But Important information
Awesome tutorial thank your
I am a: Beginner
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 2 years ago
Very Helpful
Concise, respectful of your time and helpful
I am a: Beginner, Musician, Producer
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 3 years ago
Great
Very clear and helpful videos
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 3 years ago
Right to the point :)
I liked this lesson because the topics had gotten right to the point. Now, I've previously read a couple of books from Berklee College of Music' which provided much more detail....but the videos were good. :)
I am a: Beginner, Hobbyist, Student
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Reviews
Submitted 1 month ago
Hit the nail on the head ...
A good starting point for anyone unfamiliar with the basics of recording ...
I am a: Professional, Musician, Producer, Audio Engineer, Pro Tools, Reaper
Submitted 9 months ago
Dissapointing
Basic information at best. Very disappointed With this video as it offered no real assistance on signal flow. It continually promises to go into more depth in future videos but does not deliver. This is purely an introduction to a further series of videos.
I am a: Semi-Pro, Musician, Producer, Audio Engineer, Logic Pro, Pro Tools
Submitted 9 months ago
Very beginner
This is more for somone doing a book report on recording. I hope they get more in-depth.
Response from Customer Service:
Our Foundation Series tutorials are the most basic approach to learning to record and are meant for the rank beginner. This is only part of our mixing tutorials.
Check out our mixing category for more advanced mixing sessions and lessons with engineers such as Dave Pensado and Kenny Gioia.
This is just the beginning!
Submitted 1 year ago
Short and bite sized lesson on signal flow
Good for beginners who want to know how signal flow works.
Submitted 1 year ago
Good and fast overview of some basics.
Good and fast overview of some basics.
I am a: Beginner, Hobbyist, Musician, FL Studio, Nuendo, Reaper
Submitted 1 year ago
Basic But Important information
Awesome tutorial thank your
I am a: Beginner
Submitted 2 years ago
Very Helpful
Concise, respectful of your time and helpful
I am a: Beginner, Musician, Producer
Submitted 3 years ago
Great
Very clear and helpful videos
Submitted 3 years ago
Right to the point :)
I liked this lesson because the topics had gotten right to the point. Now, I've previously read a couple of books from Berklee College of Music' which provided much more detail....but the videos were good. :)
I am a: Beginner, Hobbyist, Student
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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