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Foundation course in audio technology

4.6 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star
Based on 36 ratings
see reviews
Rob Mills

Developed by Soundfusion in consultation with accomplished industry professionals, this course is designed to give the learner an understanding of the professional audio environment with sufficient skills to begin to play a useful technical role, in live sound, recording or radio studios. It also serves as a thorough orientation in this field, allowing the learner to make more informed career choices and identify gaps in their knowledge and skills for further study.

Soundfusion is a leading audio systems integrator with many years of experience and knowhow in building studios and equipment.

Read more

Developed by Soundfusion in consultation with accomplished industry professionals, this course is designed to give the learner an understanding of the professional audio environment with sufficient skills to begin to play a useful technical role, in live sound, recording or radio studios. It also serves as a thorough orientation in this field, allowing the learner to make more informed career choices and identify gaps in their knowledge and skills for further study.

Soundfusion is a leading audio systems integrator with many years of experience and knowhow in building studios and equipment.

The course has numerous quizzes and exercises to reinforce learning and makes frequent use of examples to illustrate concepts such as gain, frequency, distortion, dynamics and more.

Overall learning outcomes are:

  • Understand the working principles and purpose of basic audio system components.

  • Operate basic audio equipment.

  • Connect simple audio systems together.

  • Perform simple trouble shooting tasks – isolate faulty component at equipment level in a system and give basic diagnosis of problem.

  • Communicate effectively with peers, users and technical experts verbally and in writing using correct terminology.

  • Apply listening skills to identify common faults (eg distortion, phase, freq. resp. errors, overdriving) and understand quality references (know what good sound sounds like)

  • Be aware of the limits of their knowledge and expertise.

  • Be curious and enquiring, committed to independent self development and keeping abreast of developments in their field of work.

Content is broken down into the following areas:

  1. The nature of sound: vibration and waves, sound and spaces (acoustics basics), listening skills

  2. Electricity and signals: voltage, current and power, AC & DC, Frequency. Analogue & digital transmission.

  3. Audio system components: microphones, mixers and processing, amplifiers, loudspeakers

  4. Application: recording

  5. Application: radio

  6. Application: live sound

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • A broad understanding of the fundamentals of sound, audio technology and its application
  • Understand working principles and purpose of basic audio system components
  • Connect simple audio systems together
  • Perform trouble shooting
  • Apply listening skills to identify common faults
  • Operate equipment; eliminating guesswork and getting the best out of what you have
  • Understand the specific technologies and equipment types applied to: radio, live sound and recording

Syllabus

Know what to expect from the course
Pleased to meet you! Lets get started.
Getting to know you. (optional)
Understand and appreciate the basic principles of sound: how it is created, transmitted, interacts with spaces and objects and how we hear
Read more

Check your understanding

The way sound behaves in spaces and around objects:

  • reflection

  • absorbtion

  • diffusion

  • rooms and reverberation

Check some basic principles of acoustics

Demonstrate your understanding of the basics of electricity.

  • Know the levels and frequency range of audio signals in the signal chain.

  • Interpret dB scale correctly, understanding its use.

  • Understand and apply the meaning of dynamic range

This section covers transmission of audio signals in cables, between equipment.

  • Balanced and unbalanced signals.

  • Interference

  • Digital audio basics - sample rate & resolution

You will:

  • understand the difference between balanced and unbalanced signals and know when to use which.

  • Have a reference for cable quality.

  • You will be able to make sense of the basics of digital audio, understanding key concepts and be able to assess appropriate quality for purpose.

This lecture gives an overview of digital sampling and resolution.

A quick run through different types of equipment typically found in audio systems:

  • Transducers - Microphones and loudspeakers

  • Processing - amplifiers, mixers, specialist units

  • Recording and playback

  • Electronic instruments

You will be given a broad overview of the whole field of equipment populating the audio signal chain with some detail on specific devices.

Three microphones are demonstrated showing:

  1. Difference between condenser and dynamic microphones

  2. Cardioid, Omnidirectional and figure eight polar patterns

  3. Cardioid proximity effect

You will be able to make better choices of microphone and polar pattern settings for different applications.

NOTE: this requires careful listening as levels vary a lot. Headphones are recommended. No equalisation or level adjustment has been made deliberately to show the pure response of each microphone.

This is a quick tour of the main functions of a mixer:

  • Gain

  • Equalisation

  • Routing

  • Effects

The functions are explained with visual reference to and simple analogue mixer and the block diagram.

Run through the main features of the mixer

Various types of equalisation are demonstrated

Discern effects of EQ

Test your understanding of some concepts.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Developed in consultation with industry professionals, which ensures relevance to current practices in live sound, recording, and radio studios
Provides a thorough orientation to the professional audio environment, which allows learners to make informed career choices and identify areas for further study
Includes numerous quizzes and exercises, which reinforces learning and helps learners retain key concepts related to gain, frequency, distortion, and dynamics
Teaches troubleshooting skills to isolate faulty components at the equipment level, which is a valuable skill for maintaining audio systems
Requires careful listening to discern the effects of different microphones and equalizations, which may require headphones for optimal learning
Covers the application of audio technology in radio, recording studios, and live sound environments, which provides a broad understanding of the field

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Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
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Reviews summary

Foundation course in audio technology overview

According to learners, this course offers a solid foundation in audio technology, covering the basics of sound, electricity, and core equipment like microphones and mixers. Many students found the practical demonstrations particularly helpful for understanding concepts. While described as a foundation, some reviews suggest it might be better suited for those with a very basic technical understanding, and it lacks in-depth coverage required for advanced professional work. Overall, it provides a good overview and introduction to the field, suitable for beginners.
Visual examples aid understanding.
"The demos showing different microphone patterns were very clear and illustrative."
"Seeing the mixer functions explained visually made a big difference for me."
"I liked the examples illustrating concepts like gain and frequency - they really helped solidify my understanding."
Explores microphones, mixers, and more.
"I appreciated learning about the different types of microphones and their uses."
"The sections on mixers and EQ were particularly helpful."
"Getting an overview of live sound, recording, and radio applications was useful."
Provides a good intro to audio tech basics.
"This course gave me a really solid grounding in audio basics."
"Great starting point if you know nothing about audio technology."
"I finally understand voltage, current, and ohms in an audio context from this."
"A great introduction to the foundational concepts."
Might be fast-paced for absolute beginners.
"Some parts felt a bit fast, maybe assuming some basic electronics or physics background?"
"I struggled a little with the physics concepts initially, though the audio parts were fine."
"Better if you have a tiny bit of technical background, even though it states 'foundation'."
Good intro, but not for experts.
"While good for beginners, I wish it went deeper into specific processing techniques or advanced setup."
"It's a foundation course, so don't expect expert-level knowledge here; it moves quickly."
"Covers a lot of ground, but quickly moves on from each topic without much deep dive."

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 Foundation course in audio technology with these activities:
Review Basic Electricity Concepts
Reinforce your understanding of fundamental electrical concepts, which are crucial for grasping audio signal flow and equipment operation.
Browse courses on Voltage
Show steps
  • Review definitions of voltage, current, and resistance.
  • Practice Ohm's Law calculations.
  • Distinguish between AC and DC circuits.
Read 'Sound System Engineering' by Don and Carolyn Davis
Supplement your understanding of audio systems with a comprehensive guide to sound system engineering principles and practices.
View Sound System Engineering on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read chapters related to acoustics and signal processing.
  • Study the sections on microphone and loudspeaker selection.
  • Review case studies of sound system design.
EQ Parameter Identification
Sharpen your listening skills by practicing identifying different equalization parameters and their effects on audio signals.
Show steps
  • Use an EQ plugin to adjust frequency, gain, and Q.
  • Listen to the changes in the audio signal.
  • Try to identify the parameters without looking at the plugin.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Follow a Microphone Technique Tutorial
Improve your microphone skills by following a tutorial that demonstrates different microphone techniques for various instruments or vocals.
Show steps
  • Find a tutorial on microphone techniques for a specific instrument.
  • Watch the tutorial and take notes on the techniques demonstrated.
  • Practice the techniques with your own microphone and instrument.
Create a Simple Audio System Diagram
Solidify your understanding of audio system components by creating a visual diagram of a basic setup.
Show steps
  • Choose a simple audio system setup (e.g., microphone to mixer to speakers).
  • Draw a diagram showing the connections between components.
  • Label each component and connection type.
Explore 'The Mixing Engineer's Handbook' by Bobby Owsinski
Deepen your understanding of audio mixing techniques and workflows by studying the practices of experienced engineers.
View The Mastering Engineer's Handbook 5th Edition on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read chapters on EQ, compression, and effects.
  • Analyze the mixing examples provided in the book.
  • Experiment with the techniques in your own mixes.
Troubleshoot a Simulated Audio System
Apply your troubleshooting skills by diagnosing and resolving issues in a simulated audio system setup.
Show steps
  • Create a simulated audio system with intentional faults.
  • Systematically test each component to identify the source of the problem.
  • Implement a solution to fix the issue.

Career center

Learners who complete Foundation course in audio technology will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Audio Technician
An audio technician is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining audio equipment for various events and productions. This course helps build the foundation for an audio technician career by providing a broad understanding of audio system components, their operation, and troubleshooting. Given the course's focus on practical skills such as connecting audio systems and identifying common faults, this course is a strong starting point for aspiring audio technicians. The course also covers key concepts like gain, frequency, dynamics, and distortion, which are essential for anyone entering the audio technology field. It also highlights the various applications of audio systems including recording, radio, and live sound. This course may be particularly useful for understanding the purpose and application of various audio system components.
See salaries and explore the career path for Audio Technician
Sound Engineer
A sound engineer manipulates audio to create the desired sound quality for recordings, live performances, and broadcasts. This course provides a useful introduction to the core concepts of sound engineering such as audio system components, signal flow, and troubleshooting techniques. The course content related to gain, frequency, distortion, and dynamics helps build an understanding of audio signal processing, which is fundamental to a sound engineer. In addition to technical skills, this course also teaches the importance of listening skills to identify faults and evaluate sound quality. A budding sound engineer will find the sections on the application of recording, radio and live sound to be invaluable.
See salaries and explore the career path for Sound Engineer
Live Sound Engineer
A live sound engineer manages the sound for live events, ensuring clear and balanced audio for both the performers and the audience. This course helps develop core competencies for a live sound engineer covering fundamental audio principles, basic equipment operation, and troubleshooting skills. Considering the course covers the specific nuances of setting up and operating audio systems in live performance settings, it is very useful for a live sound engineer. The course's emphasis on connecting audio systems and identifying common faults, coupled with its overview of microphones, mixers, and loudspeakers, enables one to perform the role effectively. Those keen on becoming a live sound engineer benefit from the course's content on signal flow and signal processing.
See salaries and explore the career path for Live Sound Engineer
Studio Engineer
A studio engineer works in recording studios, handling the technical aspects of audio recording and mixing. The course is helpful for any aspiring studio engineer because it introduces the purpose of basic audio system components, as well as working principles. The course material is highly useful for anyone looking to understand recording, signal flow, microphone selection, and mixing techniques, which are necessary in studio environments. The content on signal processing and troubleshooting is also very relevant. A studio engineer should have a grounding in connecting systems and components, which is provided by the course.
See salaries and explore the career path for Studio Engineer
Broadcast Technician
A broadcast technician operates and maintains the technical equipment for radio and television broadcasts. This course is a helpful introduction to the world of broadcasting, because it provides an understanding of the audio equipment and systems used in broadcast environments, including recording and radio studios. The course emphasizes practical skills like connecting simple audio systems and troubleshooting, which are critical for daily operations. This course teaches a broadcast technician to communicate technically within the field, to understand the fundamentals of sound as well as the signal chain from microphone to loudspeaker. The course content on identifying common faults may be useful in a fast paced broadcast environment.
See salaries and explore the career path for Broadcast Technician
Audio Editor
An audio editor manipulates sound recordings to improve quality and create the final product for various media. This course may be useful for an audio editor by providing a foundational understanding of audio signals, equipment, and signal flow. A course that covers gain, frequency, distortion, and dynamics gives a useful base of knowledge for audio editing and processing. While editing requires advanced software skills, this course helps build a knowledge of basic sound theory and engineering. The emphasis on listening skills, which can help an editor, to identify flaws and assess overall sound quality is also quite relevant.
See salaries and explore the career path for Audio Editor
Sound Designer
A sound designer creates and manipulates audio for various media, including film, video games, and theatre. This course may be useful foundational education for a sound designer by introducing audio system components and working principles. Though sound design requires advanced artistic and creative skills, understanding the core concepts taught in this course, such as audio signal flow, microphones, and signal processing, is helpful. The course emphasis on listening skills also enables an aspiring sound designer to listen critically, which is essential in sound design work. The course introduces various applications including recording, which will also be useful if creating original sound.
See salaries and explore the career path for Sound Designer
Acoustic Consultant
An acoustic consultant assesses and provides solutions for sound-related problems in various environments. This course may be useful for someone exploring a career as an acoustic consultant. While this role typically requires advanced studies in physics and acoustics, the course provides a basic understanding of sound principles, behavior, and how it interacts with spaces. This course introduces the basics of acoustics, including reflection, absorption, and diffusion, which provides a foundation for more advanced studies. The course also helps build experience in identifying common audio problems, which is relevant in acoustic design.
See salaries and explore the career path for Acoustic Consultant
Audio Visual Specialist
An audio visual specialist handles audio and visual equipment for events and installations. This course may be useful for an audio visual specialist because it introduces basic audio system components and their operation. While an audio visual specialist deals with both video and audio, the course's focus on audio signal flow, troubleshooting, and system setup is directly relevant. The course emphasizes practical skills, such as connecting audio systems and resolving equipment issues, which are important for this role. The knowledge of equipment types, and the course's focus on practical skills would be useful to an audio visual specialist.
See salaries and explore the career path for Audio Visual Specialist
Radio Production Assistant
A radio production assistant helps with the technical and logistical aspects of radio broadcasts. This course, which provides a foundation in audio technology, may be useful for someone who wishes to become a radio production assistant. The course covers fundamental topics such as the operation of audio equipment and basic system connections in recording and radio studios. The course provides hands on instruction in troubleshooting audio issues, as well as an understanding of signal flow. The course also highlights the importance of correct terminology, which is useful in a technical environment.
See salaries and explore the career path for Radio Production Assistant
Stagehand
A stagehand provides support to theatrical and live events by setting up and operating various equipment, including audio systems. This course is helpful for a stagehand who wants to understand the audio aspects of live events because it covers the basics of audio systems, their components, and how to connect them. The course's practical focus on troubleshooting simple audio problems and operating basic equipment makes it a useful foundational course. The stagehand will appreciate better understanding audio signal flow, an area of particular concern when working live events. The course also introduces the application of live sound systems and equipment.
See salaries and explore the career path for Stagehand
Music Producer
A music producer is responsible for the overall sound and creative direction of a music recording. This course may be useful in the development of a music producer's skills. The course does not cover the creative aspects of music production, but provides a foundation in audio basics. A music producer needs a command of recording techniques, microphone selection, signal flow, and the operation of various audio equipment, all of which is discussed in this course. The course also helps build foundational listening skills to identify sound flaws and evaluate overall sound quality. A music producer will appreciate the instruction related to recording, the signal chain, and the use of mixers.
See salaries and explore the career path for Music Producer
DJ
A DJ selects and plays music for various audiences, often manipulating the sound in real time using a mixer and other audio equipment. This course may improve a DJ's skills in the technical aspects of sound. The course covers the basics of audio system components, signal flow, and troubleshooting which are helpful when connecting and operating audio gear. The course can improve technical knowledge, especially about signal routing and the function of a mixer. A DJ may find the course helpful in understanding how to use the equipment to achieve the desired effect. The course makes frequent use of examples to illustrate concepts such as gain and frequency, which a DJ may find useful.
See salaries and explore the career path for DJ
Event Coordinator
An event coordinator plans and manages various aspects of events including logistics, setup, and equipment management. While not a primary focus, this audio course may be helpful for an event coordinator who often manages sound systems and audio technicians. The course can help the event coordinator become more effective at communicating with audio personnel as they have a better understanding of audio setups and troubleshooting. The course's practical components, emphasizing simple system connections and understanding basic audio equipment, would be useful to an event coordinator. This course will also allow an event coordinator to better understand the scope of equipment required for a specific event.
See salaries and explore the career path for Event Coordinator
Technical Writer
A technical writer creates documentation for technical products and services. This course may be helpful to a tech writer, specifically those who focus on audio technology, by providing a practical and theoretical understanding of core principles. While technical writing does not require hands-on experience in audio engineering, the course provides a good base for more informed and technically accurate documentation. The course is useful for learning about electrical signals, audio equipment, and system operation and can help a technical writer better understand the terminology involved in this field of work. The course also places emphasis on clear communication, both verbally and in writing, which is a critical skill for a technical writer.
See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

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 Foundation course in audio technology.
Cover image
Sound System Engineering
Save
Comprehensive guide to sound system design and implementation. It covers acoustics, equipment selection, and system optimization. It valuable reference for understanding the practical aspects of audio engineering and is commonly used as a textbook in audio engineering programs. Reading this book will provide a deeper understanding of the concepts covered in the course.
Sound System Engineering
Paperback
Check
Sound System Engineering
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
The Mastering Engineer's Handbook 5th Edition
Save
This handbook provides insights into the techniques and approaches used by professional mixing engineers. It covers topics such as EQ, compression, reverb, and panning. While not strictly foundational, it offers valuable perspectives on how to apply the concepts learned in the course to real-world mixing scenarios. is more valuable as additional reading to expand on the course materials.
The Mastering Engineer's Handbook 5th Edition
Paperback
$$

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Rating
4.6 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star
Effort
2 total hours
Via
Udemy
Instructor
Rob Mills
Language
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Developed in consultation with industry professionals, which ensures relevance to current practices in live sound, recording, and radio studios
Provides a thorough orientation to the professional audio environment, which allows learners to make informed career choices and identify areas for further study
Includes numerous quizzes and exercises, which reinforces learning and helps learners retain key concepts related to gain, frequency, distortion, and dynamics
Teaches troubleshooting skills to isolate faulty components at the equipment level, which is a valuable skill for maintaining audio systems
Requires careful listening to discern the effects of different microphones and equalizations, which may require headphones for optimal learning
Covers the application of audio technology in radio, recording studios, and live sound environments, which provides a broad understanding of the field
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