We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.

Audio Engineering Fundamentals

David Lauritsen

4.7

Based on 374 ratings

, see reviews

David Lauritsen

This course will be a deep dive into important audio engineering and sound production fundamental topics. Knowledge of these topics will improve your skills and confidence in any facet of audio production. The concepts are mostly taught in the music production framework, but the course is intended to be applicable to those interested in film audio, game sound design and podcast recording and editing. The concepts taught are transferable between all of those subcategories of audio engineering.Whether you're just starting out or you've been producing great sounds for a while now I guarantee there will be fundamentals missing from your knowledge base. The overarching topics in this course are Sound Waves, Digital Audio, Analogue Audio Signals, Microphones, Signal Processing and Human Localization of Sounds.Course concepts are demonstrated using Pro Tools, however it is not critical that you following along with or use Pro Tools. The concepts are generic and can be emulated and solidified using any digital audio software. It is encouraged that you follow along with the demonstrations in your own software so that the concepts taught can stick in your mind.Summaries of some of the lessons are downloadable and it is highly encouraged that you download and review these summaries at a later date so that the core concepts can stay with you throughout your audio journey.

Enroll now

Or start a personal plan

And upskill with Udemy

What's inside

Learning objectives

You will obtain a thorough understanding of audio theory fundamentals
You will be able to use the course content as a springboard with which to improve their creative craft
You will be able to apply new knowledge and skill to their chosen digital audio workstation

You will be able to more effectively and confidently conduct audio recordings
You will be able to apply audio theory in order to troubleshoot audio systems

You will obtain a thorough understanding of audio theory fundamentals
You will be able to use the course content as a springboard with which to improve their creative craft
You will be able to apply new knowledge and skill to their chosen digital audio workstation
You will be able to more effectively and confidently conduct audio recordings
You will be able to apply audio theory in order to troubleshoot audio systems

Syllabus

Sound Waves

Sound Waves Continued

Sound Waves and Air Molecules

Multiple Sounds Playing at Once

The "SM57_310ohm_into_200_1500_3000.wav" file in the downloadable materials section is a short demonstration of the sonic effects of Bridging Impedance. A 310 ohm microphone (the SM57) is fed into 200 ohm, then 1500, then 3000 (each one is separated by a beep)

In the downloadable materials are a string quartet recording of Por Una Cabeza. Representations of different polar patterns have been created so that you can hear and compare the differences.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Examines audio engineering and sound production fundamentals, which are foundational to a music producer's career

Develops understanding of waveforms, digital and analog audio signals, and human perception of sound, which are critical components of audio production

Suitable for beginners and experienced producers, offering a balanced learning experience

Provides summaries of lessons for reinforcing core concepts

Covers essential topics in audio engineering, such as sound waves, digital audio, microphones, signal processing, and more

Lacks hands-on practice exercises or interactive elements

Save this course

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

Save

Reviews summary

Essential audio engineering fundamentals and theory

According to students, this course offers an exceptionally strong theoretical foundation in audio engineering fundamentals, ideal for those seeking to understand the 'why' behind sound production. Learners consistently praise the instructor's ability to simplify complex concepts like sound waves, digital audio, and signal processing, making them digestible and clear. It's seen as highly beneficial for beginners in music production, podcasting, and general sound design, providing universal concepts applicable across various DAWs. However, some experienced learners found parts too basic, and a few wished for more hands-on exercises beyond the demonstrations, despite appreciating the course's depth in theory. The course's core principles remain highly relevant, even with some older demonstrations.

Core principles apply broadly, despite Pro Tools demonstrations.

"The Pro Tools demonstrations were helpful even though I use Logic Pro; the concepts are universal."

"The focus on fundamentals instead of specific software was a huge plus, as I'm not using Pro Tools."

"Despite saying Pro Tools isn't critical, many demonstrations heavily relied on it, making it harder to follow if you're not a Pro Tools user."

Production is top-notch, with enduring core principles.

"The production quality of the lessons is top-notch, clear audio and visuals."

"Some of the older demos felt a little dated, but the core principles remain relevant."

"The course's core principles clearly stand the test of time, proving highly relevant for various applications."

Perfectly suited for new learners and those seeking theoretical depth.

"As a beginner in podcasting, this course was a godsend. It broke down complicated topics like microphones and signal types into easy-to-understand chunks."

"I'm a hobbyist musician, and now I understand *why* certain things sound the way they do, which is incredibly empowering."

"This course delivers on its promise of fundamental knowledge. Highly recommended for foundational understanding."

Provides a deep, digestible understanding of audio fundamentals.

"Absolutely essential for anyone serious about audio. I've been dabbling in music production for years, but this course filled so many gaps in my fundamental understanding."

"The instructor's ability to simplify complex concepts without dumbing them down is remarkable. I loved the section on compression – finally, it clicked for me!"

"Excellent theoretical course for audio engineering. It's truly comprehensive in its coverage of physics, digital audio, and signal flow. The instructor explains everything precisely."

May be too basic or slow-paced for experienced individuals.

"The content is good for absolute beginners, but if you have some prior knowledge of audio engineering, you might find some parts too basic or slow-paced."

"While it claims to be for all levels, a good portion of it felt like a rehash of very basic concepts."

"It wasn't what I expected for advancing my skills."

Focuses heavily on theory, with limited practical exercises.

"My only minor critique is that while the concepts are explained, I wished for a bit more hands-on exercises or projects beyond just following along."

"I do wish there were more interactive elements or challenges to apply the knowledge, but the explanations are superb."

"I would suggest supplementing this with a more hands-on practical course if you're looking for immediate production skills."

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 Audio Engineering Fundamentals with these activities:

Gather and organize all course materials, including notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams

Show steps

Stay organized and prepared by gathering and organizing all course materials in one place, ensuring easy access and efficient review.

Show steps

Create a system for organizing your course materials.
Collect all relevant materials from each lesson.
Store the materials in a central location.

Review previous knowledge on basic audio engineering and sound production fundamentals

Show steps

Refresh your pre-existing knowledge on audio engineering and sound production fundamentals to prepare for this course and enhance your understanding.

Browse courses on Sound Waves

Show steps

Review your notes or materials from previous courses or workshops on audio engineering and sound production.
Watch introductory videos or tutorials on these topics to refresh your memory.

Participate in online forums or discussion groups to engage with other students and experts

Show steps

Connect with peers and experts by participating in online forums or discussion groups to exchange ideas, ask questions, and expand your understanding.

Show steps

Join relevant online forums or discussion groups.
Actively participate in discussions by asking questions, sharing insights, and providing feedback.
Collaborate with others on projects or experiments.

Five other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all eight activities

Create a cheat sheet of important audio engineering and sound production concepts

Show steps

Solidify your understanding of the core concepts of the course by creating a cheat sheet that you can refer to throughout the course.

Show steps

Identify the key concepts covered in each lesson.
Summarize the concepts in a concise and easy-to-understand way.
Organize the concepts into a logical structure.
Review and refine your cheat sheet regularly.

Write a detailed report summarizing the key concepts covered in each lesson

Show steps

Reinforce your understanding by writing detailed reports that summarize the key concepts covered in each lesson, allowing you to review and retain the information more effectively.

Show steps

Review the lesson materials and identify the key concepts.
Summarize the key concepts in a clear and concise manner.
Organize the report in a logical structure.
Proofread and refine your report.

Follow video tutorials on specific audio engineering techniques and concepts

Show steps

Supplement your learning by following video tutorials to gain practical insights and strengthen your understanding of specific techniques.

Show steps

Identify specific concepts or techniques you want to improve upon.
Search for video tutorials that cover these topics in a clear and engaging manner.
Follow the tutorials step-by-step and experiment with the techniques.
Practice applying the techniques in your own audio projects.

Attend workshops or seminars on audio engineering and sound production

Show steps

Enhance your learning by attending workshops or seminars to gain practical knowledge, connect with experts, and stay up-to-date with industry trends.

Show steps

Identify relevant workshops or seminars in your area or online.
Register and attend the workshops or seminars.
Actively participate in the sessions and take notes.
Follow up with the presenters or other attendees to continue learning.

Conduct experiments with different audio signals and settings to observe their effects

Show steps

Gain hands-on experience by experimenting with different audio signals and settings, allowing you to observe their effects and enhance your understanding.

Show steps

Set up a simple audio recording or editing environment.
Import different types of audio signals, such as sine waves, noise, or music.
Experiment with different settings, such as gain, equalization, compression, and effects.
Analyze the results and document your observations.

Career center

Learners who complete Audio Engineering Fundamentals will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We've selected 49 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 Audio Engineering Fundamentals.

Acoustics

Save

This textbook provides a comprehensive and detailed treatment of acoustics, with a focus on the physical principles underlying sound propagation and perception. It is suitable for advanced students and practitioners in acoustics, physics, and engineering.

Acoustics: An Introduction to Its Physical...

Hardcover

Reference for Modern Instrumentation, Techniques,...

Hardcover

$$$$

Underwater Scattering and Radiation: Physical...

Kindle Edition

$$$

Ultrasonic Instruments and Devices I: Reference for...

Hardcover

$$$$

Cumulative Subject and Author Index: Including...

Hardcover

$$$$

THEORETICAL AND COMPUTATIONAL ACOUSTICS '97

Hardcover

$$$$

Mic It!

Save

Provides a straightforward approach to understanding microphones and their techniques, emphasizing how microphone choices affect the final mix. It covers essential audio concepts and their application in recording. It's particularly useful for those looking to improve their practical microphone skills and make informed decisions in recording situations.

Audio Engineering Fundamentals

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Save this course

Reviews summary

Essential audio engineering fundamentals and theory

Activities

Career center

Reading list

Share

Similar courses

Udemy Buyer Protection & Guarantee

Free Lecture Previews

30-Day Money-Back Guarantee

Verified Academic & Industry Partner