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Matt Hayes

Professional sound does not require a million dollar studio.  With a bit of knowledge, and investing correctly in yourself, you too can create a professional sound.  You just need to know how. 

In this course I will show you what you need to do in order to create a recording space that competes with the highest quality recording studios.  Using a combination of high-quality equipment, good acoustics, and a working knowledge of your recording software is the key.  And with modern technology, "high-quality" does not need to be expensive. 

Read more

Professional sound does not require a million dollar studio.  With a bit of knowledge, and investing correctly in yourself, you too can create a professional sound.  You just need to know how. 

In this course I will show you what you need to do in order to create a recording space that competes with the highest quality recording studios.  Using a combination of high-quality equipment, good acoustics, and a working knowledge of your recording software is the key.  And with modern technology, "high-quality" does not need to be expensive. 

Let's get right down to what's important, and focus on the details that actually make a big difference in your sound:

Your gear: You need good quality equipment.  It doesn't need to be the most expensive equipment, but low quality gear will degrade your sound quality.

Acoustics: The room that you're recording in might be the problem, and that could be why your recordings don't sound great.  It could also be why your mixes don't sound good on other playback systems.

Recording: You need a quality workflow while recording, or else you might be wasting your time and effort.

Effects: Finally, you need to know how to process your recordings into a finished product. 

I will show you how to combine all of these concepts into a cohesive final product that you can be proud of.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Understand proper use of the equipment in your studio
  • Create a good acoustic space for recording
  • Apply techniques when tracking to create clean recordings
  • Produce good sounding mixes of your songs using basic effects

Syllabus

Introduction
Identify all the gear needed for a home studio and how to set it up
What gear do you need?
Types of Microphones
Read more
Microphone Features
Mic Demo
Microphone Suggestions
Audio Interface Intro
My Interface
Which Interface For You
Find the Right Interface
Headphones
Speakers
Miscellaneous Equipment
MIDI Controller

Just a few questions to assess what we covered in this section

Create a good acoustic environment for recording
Why Treat the Recording Space?
Introduction to Acoustics
Identifying Room Noise
Blocking External Noise
Other Soundproofing Techniques
Microphone Isolation
Acoustic Treatments for Recording
Acoustic Treatments for Mixing
Supplemental Resources
Capture clean quality recordings
Setup the Recording Space
File Management
Creating the DAW Session
Setting the Input
Using Effects While Recording
Microphone Technique
Editing
Backups

Here are a few questions to assess what we covered in this section.

Use effects to enhance recordings and export a mixdown
Introduction to Mixing
Equalization
Compression
Routing for Reverb and Delay
Reverb
Delay
Pitch Correction
Bouncing & Archiving

Here are a few questions to assess what you learned in this section.

Final Skills
Bad Advice to Ignore
Conclusion

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Explores microphone techniques, which are essential for capturing high-quality recordings in various studio environments
Teaches how to use equalization and compression, which are fundamental tools for shaping the sound and dynamics of audio tracks
Covers acoustic treatments for both recording and mixing spaces, which are crucial for achieving accurate and professional sound
Discusses file management and backups, which are essential practices for maintaining organized and secure recording projects
Requires learners to acquire audio interfaces, microphones, headphones, speakers, and a MIDI controller, which may pose a barrier to some
Includes a section on 'Bad Advice to Ignore,' which can help learners avoid common pitfalls and misconceptions in audio production

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Getting the Most From Your Home Studio with these activities:
Review Basic Acoustics Principles
Reviewing basic acoustics principles will help you better understand the importance of acoustic treatment in your home studio and how to address common issues.
Browse courses on Acoustics
Show steps
  • Read articles or watch videos explaining sound waves and their behavior.
  • Review the concepts of frequency, amplitude, and reverberation.
  • Take a short quiz to test your understanding of acoustics fundamentals.
Read 'The Home Recording Handbook' by Paul White
Reading this book will provide a solid foundation in home recording techniques, complementing the course's introductory material.
Show steps
  • Read the book, focusing on chapters related to recording techniques and equipment setup.
  • Take notes on key concepts and techniques.
  • Experiment with the techniques in your own recordings.
Document Your Studio Setup
Creating a detailed document of your studio setup, including equipment list, acoustic treatment, and wiring diagram, will help you optimize your workflow and troubleshoot issues.
Show steps
  • Create a list of all your equipment, including model numbers and serial numbers.
  • Draw a diagram of your studio layout, showing the placement of equipment and acoustic treatment.
  • Document your audio routing and connections.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Read 'Mixing Secrets for the Small Studio' by Mike Senior
Reading this book will provide in-depth knowledge of mixing techniques specifically tailored for home studios, complementing the course's mixing section.
Show steps
  • Read the book, focusing on chapters related to EQ, compression, and effects.
  • Take notes on key concepts and techniques.
  • Experiment with the techniques in your own mixes.
EQ and Compression Practice
Practicing EQ and compression techniques on various audio tracks will reinforce your understanding of these essential mixing tools.
Show steps
  • Download free multitrack recordings of songs.
  • Apply EQ and compression to individual tracks, experimenting with different settings.
  • Compare your results to the original recordings.
Record and Mix a Song
Recording and mixing a song from start to finish will allow you to apply all the concepts learned in the course and identify areas for improvement.
Show steps
  • Record all the instruments and vocals for a song.
  • Edit the tracks and apply EQ, compression, and effects.
  • Mix the song and create a final master.
Explore Advanced Mixing Tutorials
Following advanced mixing tutorials on platforms like YouTube or Groove3 will expose you to new techniques and perspectives on audio production.
Show steps
  • Search for tutorials on specific mixing techniques, such as parallel compression or multiband EQ.
  • Follow along with the tutorials, applying the techniques to your own mixes.
  • Take notes on key concepts and techniques.

Career center

Learners who complete Getting the Most From Your Home Studio will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Podcast Producer
Podcast Producers are responsible for the technical aspects of audio production, including recording, editing, and mixing. The course's focus on home studio setup, microphone use, and mixing provides helpful information for a Podcast Producer. This role involves ensuring high-quality audio for podcasts, and the course's focus on achieving a professional sound in a home studio is directly applicable. The course's guidance on acoustics, file management, and effects processing may be very useful to aspiring Podcast Producers. This course is also beneficial as it covers essential skills for ensuring that a podcast sounds clean and professional.
Music Producer
A Music Producer is deeply involved in recording, mixing, and mastering audio. This course provides helpful information about the techniques used in the production of music. The course covers setting up a home studio which is a common practice for the Music Producer. A deep understanding of microphones, audio interfaces, and acoustic treatment as well as recording and mixing practices are all covered so those who are interested in becoming a Music Producer may find value in this course. The practical approach to home studio setup and mixing shown in this course will be helpful. An understanding of studio recording, good acoustics, and effects processing are also helpful for a Music Producer.
Content Creator
Content Creators who produce music or spoken word content, will need to know how to produce a high level of quality in their content. This course covers crucial information for a Content Creator, including proper gear, acoustics, recording techniques, and the use of effects. This course may help a Content Creator to elevate their audio quality and this course will be useful for any Content Creator looking to improve that aspect of their work. A Content Creator will find that this course teaches how to properly use a home studio to achieve a professional sound.
Remote Instructor
A Remote Instructor who creates video lessons or podcasts will need to know how to record quality audio. This course will help a Remote Instructor to improve their audio quality with clear instruction on proper use of recording equipment. This course will teach how to treat the recording environment and how to mix recordings. The course's focus on good acoustics will also be helpful to a remote instructor. Furthermore, this course’s instruction on file management may be quite helpful. This course may be useful for a Remote Instructor.
YouTuber
A Youtuber who creates video content will need to know how to record quality audio. This course will help a Youtuber learn how to use their recording equipment, how to treat their recording space and how to mix their audio. The course's focus on creating a good acoustic environment and using effects to enhance recordings will be useful to a Youtuber. The sections on setting up a recording space and file management will also be very helpful. This course may be useful for an aspiring Youtuber.
Audio Engineer
An Audio Engineer requires a comprehensive understanding of recording equipment, acoustics, and mixing techniques, all of which are addressed in this course. The course's focus on creating a professional sound using a home studio is directly applicable to the work of an Audio Engineer. This role involves capturing, manipulating, and mixing sound to achieve a desired outcome, whether it is a recording for music, film, or broadcast. The sections on microphone types, audio interfaces, and acoustic treatment all help build a strong base of knowledge for success in the role. The course explicitly teaches how to produce good sounding mixes, which is a central aspect of an Audio Engineer's work. This course may be useful for an aspiring Audio Engineer.
Audio Editor
Audio Editors refine raw recordings, ensuring a polished and professional final product. The practical aspects of this course, such as file management, editing workflow, and mixing, are directly applicable to the daily responsibilities of an Audio Editor. This role revolves around manipulating recorded audio, and this course will help build skills in this area. The course's instruction on using effects, like equalization and compression, as well as working with reverb and delay, may help an Audio Editor enhance their skills. This course may provide useful skills and knowledge for an aspiring Audio Editor. This course may be useful for an aspiring Audio Editor.
Sound Designer
Sound Designer work often involves creating custom sounds via recording and processing. The course's focus on setting up a professional-quality home studio is relevant to this type of work. This course teaches about recording techniques, the use of microphones, and how to manipulate sounds using effects. A Sound Designer must have a keen understanding of acoustics, and the course goes into the details needed to create good recordings and mixes. Those working as a Sound Designer might find value in the practical knowledge of this course. The course's focus on mixing and effects processing is useful for a Sound Designer. This course may be useful for an aspiring Sound Designer.
Game Audio Designer
Game Audio Designers craft the soundscapes for video games, and thus need a solid understanding of recording and audio manipulation. This course will be helpful for those who want to understand how to use effects and process audio to achieve a high quality sound. The course's information on setting up a home studio, recording techniques, and mixing are all beneficial to this role. A Game Audio Designer may find the course's emphasis on microphones, interfaces, and studio acoustics to be useful. This course may be useful for an aspiring Game Audio Designer.
Voiceover Artist
A Voiceover Artist needs an understanding of recording techniques and audio quality because they often record themselves. This course will help a Voiceover Artist learn how to set up a home studio, and it will introduce information about recording, microphone usage, and basic audio editing. The course's focus on creating a good acoustic environment and using recording techniques to achieve a clean sound will also help the Voiceover Artist produce professional-quality recordings. This course teaches how to use effects to enhance recordings, which may be of value to a Voiceover Artist. This course may be useful for an aspiring Voiceover Artist.
Composer
A Composer often needs to record and mix their own work, and this course provides a foundation in the recording process. The course's lessons in creating a home studio, using microphones, and applying effects are all relevant to a Composer's work. The course focuses on understanding recording equipment and how to mix recordings. These areas are helpful to a Composer. A Composer will find the information about microphones and recording to be helpful when they need to record their compositions. This course may provide useful skills and knowledge for an aspiring Composer.
Studio Manager
A Studio Manager needs a good understanding of studio equipment, acoustics, and workflow. This course provides helpful insights into the practical elements of setting up and managing a recording space. The course's discussion of recording gear, acoustic treatments, and mixing principles will provide information helpful to a Studio Manager as well. A Studio manager who is also responsible for maintaining the equipment will find the segments on gear, microphones, and interfaces to be relevant. This course may be useful for an aspiring Studio Manager.
Live Sound Engineer
While a Live Sound Engineer often works in venues, understanding the fundamentals of sound, mixing, and equipment is crucial. This course helps build a foundation in acoustics, microphone techniques, and the use of effects, which are necessary for managing live audio. The course's treatment of microphone types and recording workflow provide a crucial base for this role, even if it does not focus on live venues. Though the setting is different, the technical principles learned in this course will be useful to a Live Sound Engineer. Therefore, this course may be useful for a Live Sound Engineer.
Educator
An Educator teaching audio or music production may find this course useful for creating a suitable recording space at home. The course’s emphasis on practical recording techniques, microphones, and mixing can help them create materials for their students. The course provides a solid base in setting up a home studio. Those educators who wish to record their own material may find this information to be helpful. Therefore, this course may be useful for an Educator teaching in this field.
Social Media Manager
A Social Media Manager creating content with audio needs a basic understanding of audio recording, and this course offers that. While technical, this course's focus on setting up a home studio and achieving good audio may help a Social Media Manager. The course will also teach about recording techniques. The Social Media Manager may find particular value in the sections on microphone technique and editing. Therefore, this course may be useful for a Social Media Manager who is trying to create quality audio content.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Getting the Most From Your Home Studio.
Practical guide to achieving professional-sounding mixes in a home studio environment. It covers a wide range of topics, including EQ, compression, reverb, and delay, with a focus on techniques that are effective in smaller spaces. It valuable resource for understanding how to overcome the challenges of mixing in a less-than-ideal acoustic environment. This book provides additional depth to the mixing section of the course.
Provides a comprehensive overview of home recording techniques, covering everything from choosing the right equipment to mixing and mastering. It great resource for beginners who are just starting out with home recording. It provides a solid foundation for understanding the fundamentals of audio production. This book is more valuable as additional reading than as a current reference.

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