Course Syllabus #impmooc

Lesson 1: Recording Signal Flow

Sound, Microphones, Cables, Microphone Preamp, A to D Converter, DAW, DSP, D to A converter, Amplifier, Speakers (path of speaker is same as waveshape in DAW)

Lesson 2: DAW (Editing)

Multitrack Concept, Audio vs. MIDI, Regions and Sound Files, File Management, Grid, Trim, Cut, Paste, Crossfade, Automate, Software Instruments, MIDI Editing, Bounce

Lesson 3: Mixer (Summing)

Adding Waveforms, Mute and Solo, Stereo and Mono, Panning, Busses, Submix, Insert, Categories of Effects, Sends, Pre/Post Sends, Aux Tracks/Returns

Lesson 4: Dynamics Processing

Dynamic Range, Distortion and Noise, Volume Automation, Envelope (RMS), Dynamic Processors, Attack and Release, Conceptual Downward Expander and Gate, Conceptual Compressor and Limiter, Practical Gate, Practical Compressor

Lesson 5: Delay and Filters

Conceptual Delay, Delay Spectrum, Filters, Equalization, Short Delay (Comb Filter), Short Modulated Delay (Flanger), Long Delay (Synchronized), Reverb, Depth in Mixing

Lesson 6: Synthesizer

Synthesizer and Sampler, Synthesizer Overview, Oscillator, Filter, Amplifier, Modulation, Envelope, LFO, A Language of Timbre

Recommended Background

You should be able to perform the following tasks in a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), such as GarageBand, Pro Tools, Logic, Live, Reason, SONAR, or Digital Performer:

Create audio tracks
Add audio effects (EQ, Noise Gate, Compressor, Delay, and Reverb)
Create MIDI tracks
Add a software synthesizer to a MIDI track
Export an audio file
Create an MP3 file

Suggested Readings

Composing and Producing Electronic Music by Loudon Stearns

Course Format

The course consists of video demonstrations, with integrated quizzes that allow you to reinforce your knowledge of the material before moving on. Assignments will require you to process audio using the standard music production tools and upload the results as an MP3 file for peer review.

FAQ

Do I need any special software for this course?
To get the most out of this course, you should have a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) installed on your computer. Examples include GarageBand, Pro Tools, Logic, Live, Reason, SONAR, and Digital Performer. Assignments in the course will ask you to apply what you are learning to your DAW and output your creations in MP3 format for peer review.

What level of experience should I have with my DAW?
You do not need a lot of experience working with your DAW, but you should know how to perform tasks, such as creating audio tracks, adding audio effects (EQ, noise gate, compressor, delay, and reverb), creating MIDI tracks, adding a software synthesizer to a MIDI track, exporting an audio file, and creating an MP3 file.

Taken from the course site.