Where can you get started with learning how to make use of mixers and other sound equipment? We have put together this free, step-by-step course for beginners who are interested in learning the fundamentals of audio engineering, with a specific focus on live sound operations. Students will develop the skills necessary to work effectively with audio mixers and sound systems.

Course Objectives:

1. Gain a solid understanding of audio engineering principles and terminology.
2. Identify and comprehend the functions of various components within a sound system.
3. Learn how to operate audio mixers proficiently, including proper gain staging techniques.

Introduction to Audio Engineering

• Overview of audio engineering principles
• Roles and responsibilities of a live sound operator
• What is good sound and why is it important?
• Overview of a sound system: A means to good sound.
• Cables: How signals flow within a sound system
• What a Mixer Does: An Introduction
• Different types of speakers and their applications.

Basic Mixer Operations

• Understanding signal flow through a mixer.
• Explanation of bus routing.
• Getting sound into a mixer: microphone inputs, line inputs, instrument inputs.
• Getting sound out of the mixer

Introduction to Gain Staging

• Importance of proper gain staging in achieving optimal sound quality.
• Understanding signal-to-noise ratio and headroom.
• Techniques for setting gain levels at each stage of the signal chain.
• Troubleshooting common gain staging issues.

More About the Mixer

• Phantom power: explanation and usage.
• EQ (Equalization): understanding frequency bands and basic EQ adjustments.
• Aux sends and returns: understanding their purpose in mixing.
• Effects sends and returns: introduction to onboard effects processing.
• Pan control: understanding stereo imaging.
• Solo and mute buttons: basic signal management.
• Explanation of subgrouping.
• Subgroup and master fader control.
• Patching and routing signals within a mixer.