Fundamentals of Pro Audio Equipment

Explore the inner workings of some of the most influential pieces of pro audio equipment. Learn about different kinds of microphones, preamps, compressors, equalizers, and more.

Introduction

• Welcome
• What you should know

1. Different Mic Types

• Microphone overview
• Dynamic mics
• Condenser mics
• Ribbon mics
• Comparison of the different mic types

2. Different Mic Preamp Types

• Mic preamp overview
• Tube mic preamps
• Solid state mic preamps
• Examples of tube and solid state circuits

3. Different Compressor Types

• Compression overview
• Optical
• FET (field-effect transistor)
• VCA (voltage-controlled amplifier)
• Tube (Variable Mu)
• Compressor comparison

4. Different Equalizer Types

• Equalizer (EQ) overview
• Parametric EQ
• EQ audio examples: Parametric
• Graphic EQ
• EQ audio examples: Graphic
• Shelving EQ
• EQ audio examples: Shelving
• Filters
• EQ audio examples: Filters

5. Analog-to-Digital and Digital-to-Analog Conversion

• Analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversion overview
• AD-DA conversion explained
• Example units

6. Analog Summing

• Summing overview
• Benefits and features of summing
• Examples of analog-summing units

7. Analog Emulation

• Analog emulation overview
• Emulation types and examples

8. Monitoring

• Monitoring overview
• Types of monitor speakers
• Types of monitor controllers

Conclusion

• Next steps