LDI x Tech25: Audio Basics & Production 101 Workshop

December 07, 2024
10:30am - 1:00pm

Have you ever been curious about the different paths in Audio Engineering careers? Are you an artist or producer looking to grow and perfect your craft while also learning how to communicate with engineers, producers and promoters? Tech25 will be hosting a 4-hour workshop teaching the basics that apply to all disciplines. We will explore the history of recording mediums, sampling, DJing, and Live Event Production. Come learn the fundamentals and get your hands on gear, setup basic PA’s and network with other like-minded attendees. If you are a producer or musician this is a perfect opportunity to learn more about refining your skills, as well as playing your tracks through the provided PA.

Schedule*
• Introduction & Overview 15minPurpose: Briefly introduce the session, instructors, and the goals for the workshop.
Welcome & Instructors Introduction
Ben Peters and Jordan Gilliam from Tech 25 introduce themselves and provide a quick overview of the session.
Goal: Set expectations for the day and explain the structure (1 hour of lecture, 15-minute break, 1 hour hands-on, 30 minutes Q&A).

Icebreaker: Quick introductions from attendees about their background and what they hope to lear

• Part 1: Audio Fundamentals 45min

Purpose: Cover essential audio principles to lay a foundation for production techniques.
Career Pathways in Audio
Brief overview of different audio industry careers (sound engineers, producers, live sound techs, etc.).

Discussion: What are the goals of attendees in the audio field?

Understanding the Equipment
Equipment Overview
Allen & Heath SQ5 (digital mixer)

RCF TTS18AS2 & TTW4A (subwoofers and speakers)

TT25CXA Stage Monitors and Interfaces

How these pieces fit into a live sound system: Walk through the components of a basic PA system and how they connect.

Basic Audio Concepts 
Cables & Connections: Explanation of essential cables (XLR, TRS, etc.).

Gain Staging: Importance of setting proper levels and avoiding distortion.

EQ Basics: Introduction to equalization and how it shapes sound.

Time-Based Effects & Dynamic Processing: Overview of reverb, delay, and compressors.

Introduction to DAWs & Production Concepts 
What is a DAW?: Brief intro to Digital Audio Workstations and their role in both production and live sound.

Sampling and Sound Shaping: Overview of how to manipulate sounds (subtractive EQ, timbre, and the basics of sound design).

Introduction to Ableton Live 
Quick Demo: Show attendees the basics of Ableton Live, including setting up a session, using the interface, and loading instruments.

Hands-on: Attendees follow along on their laptops or available gear.

15-Minute Break and informal conversation (11:15-11:30am) 

 • 11:30am-12:15pm: Hands-On Production Techniques
Purpose: Provide practical experience with production techniques using provided gear.
Creating a Track: Sampling and Sound Design
Practical Demo: Show how to create a track using samples, loops, and simple MIDI instruments in Ableton.

Hands-On: Attendees experiment with creating sounds and manipulating them in real-time using the provided gear (MPKs, headphones, etc.).

Using Effects & EQ for Production 
Practical Tips: How to use EQ, reverb, and delay creatively in production.

Hands-on Experimentation: Attendees practice adjusting EQ and effects on their own tracks.

Key Concepts: Maintaining headroom, avoiding distortion, and achieving a balanced mix.

Mixing Basics: Multi-Track Mixing 
Intro to Mixing: Demonstration on mixing multiple tracks (drums, bass, vocals, etc.) to create a cohesive sound.

Hands-On Mixing: Attendees mix a simple multi-track project using the provided equipment.

Practical Tips: Focus on levels, panning, and EQ for balance.

• Q&A and Final Wrap-Up (12:30-1pm)
Purpose: Address any remaining questions and ensure attendees leave with clear takeaways.
Q&A Session (5-10 minutes)
Open the floor to questions about production techniques, career paths, or specific audio equipment.

Final Tips & Resources
Suggest additional resources for attendees to explore after the session (books, websites, tutorials).

Thank attendees for participating and encourage them to keep experimenting with their skills.

 Subject to change

The target audience is beginner to intermediate engineers.

This class will utilize a projector and screen, 11 folding tables, 11 mic stands, 10 measurement microphones, 10 digital consoles, 10 2-channel interfaces, 11 sets of headphones, 5 sub-snakes (ideally 12-channel), FOH console w/ digital stagebox connected via Cat5e snake connected to stage PA system, 10 laptops, Tech25 provided Turntables, Samplers, and Synthesizer’s. Feel free to bring your own gear!

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