Shaping Sound: Digital Audio, Signal Processing,
and Microphones

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COURSE DETAILS
  • Release date
    Coming soon
  • Duration
    13-14 hours
  • Level
    All levels
  • Instructor
    Andrew Scheps
ABOUT course 4..

From the source to the speaker, every step.

In this Core Audio Program course, Andrew Scheps guides students through the journey sound takes as it travels through a modern recording system—from the moment it enters the signal chain to the moment it reaches the listener. The course begins by unpacking signal flow and the electronics that underpin professional audio tools, giving students a clear, practical understanding of how sound moves through real-world systems.

From there, Andrew explores how audio is captured, converted, and stored in both analog and digital environments. Students learn how analog recording represents sound physically, how digital systems encode audio as data, and how choices like sample rate, bit depth, gain staging, and file format directly affect audio quality. Concepts such as conversion, filtering, headroom, noise, and timing are framed through real studio workflows—what happens in real time, what doesn’t, and why that distinction matters.

With this foundation in place, the course turns to signal processing. Andrew examines dynamics, EQ, filtering, modulation, and time-based effects as practical tools for shaping tone, controlling energy, and solving musical and technical problems. The emphasis is on cause and effect: understanding how processing decisions interact with the signal chain rather than relying on presets or rules.

The course concludes with microphones, bringing all of these concepts together. Students explore microphone types, polar patterns, and stereo techniques, learning how to make informed recording decisions based on the source, the space, and the intended result. By encountering microphones last, students are able to evaluate capture choices in context—understanding not just what to choose, but why.

By the end of the course, students have a cohesive, end-to-end understanding of how Andrew approaches sound: from signal flow and digital audio fundamentals to processing and microphone strategy—equipping them to work confidently and creatively in real recording situations.

Learning Outcomes 

1

Describe and map the complete audio signal path, from acoustical sound through microphones, analog electronics, digital conversion, processing, storage, and playback, using precise technical language.

2

Explain how microphones function as transducers, including the operating principles of dynamic, condenser, and ribbon designs, and how polar patterns influence capture in real recording environments.

3

Analyze digital audio fundamentals—sampling, bit depth, quantization, Nyquist, aliasing, and dither—and predict their audible consequences in practical recording and playback scenarios.

4

Compare analog and digital recording systems, including tape and digital workflows, evaluating how each affects noise, distortion, headroom, and fidelity.

5

Select appropriate session settings and file formats, justifying choices of sample rate, bit depth, gain structure, and storage format based on production goals and technical constraint

6

Differentiate and apply core signal-processing tools—dynamics, EQ, filtering, modulation, and time-based effects—to shape tone, control dynamics, and solve common recording and mixing challenges.

7

Evaluate microphone selection and placement strategies, including mono and stereo techniques, based on source material, environment, and desired sonic outcome.

8

Troubleshoot signal-chain issues such as noise, distortion, improper gain staging, and conversion artifacts by analyzing each stage of the recording and processing path.

9

Design and justify a complete recording setup for a real-world session, integrating microphone choice, placement, signal flow, and processing decisions under practical constraints.

01: A Guide to Dynamics Processing

  Time: approx. 3.5 hours

Lesson 1: Understanding Dynamic Range

 Time: approx. 1 hr
In this lesson, students learn what dynamic range is, how it affects recordings, and why it matters in real music-making. We’ll look at common studio scenarios where volume jumps make tracks hard to mix or listen to, and where dynamic range adds emotion and impact. Students will learn about the tools we have to control dynamic range, and the typical settings found on them.
  Welcome, Course Intro & Required Materials • Video
  Module 1 / Intro • Video
  Lesson 1 / The Space Between Quiet and Loud • Reading
  Lesson 1 / Dynamic Range Listening • Exercise
  Lesson 1 / Discussion: Dynamic Range • Discussion
  Lesson 1 / Controlling Dynamics • Video
  Lesson 1 / Make it Behave: What Dynamics Processors Actually Do • Reading
  Lesson 1 / Limiting • Video
  Lesson 1 / The Brick Wall: What Limiters Actually Do • Reading
  Lesson 1 / Which Tools Do I Use? • Exercise

Lesson 2: What a Compressor Really Does

 Time: approx. 1 hr 15 mins
In this lesson, students will take a deeper dive into compression—not just what it is, but how it actually behaves across different musical contexts. We’ll explore how compressors respond to audio signals, what each control does, and how different types of compressors (VCA, Opto, FET, Tube) shape the sound. With real-world examples and practice-based thinking, students will start developing the critical listening skills needed to hear compression at work—and understand when and why to use it.
  Lesson 2 / Compression Types • Video
  Lesson 2 / Compressor Types • Reading
  Lesson 2 / Compressor Quiz • Quiz
  Lesson 2 / Compression in Action • Exercise
  Lesson 2 / Compression in Action Solution • Reference

Lesson 3: Beyond Compression: Gates, Expanders & Sidechains

 Time: approx. 1 hr 34 mins
Students will explore dynamics tools that don’t just control loud signals — they can also tame noise, reshape envelopes, or creatively duck one sound under another. We’ll look at how expanders and gates work to clean up audio and tighten performances, and how sidechaining can be used both as a practical tool and a creative effect. We’ll also talk about de-essers, and their role in shaping sound.
  Lesson 3 / Expanders & Gates • Video
  Lesson 3 / Letting the Good Stuff Through • Reading
  Lesson 3 / Cleaning Up the Drum Kit • Exercise
  Lesson 3 / Sidechains & De-essers • Video
  Lesson 3 / Sidechains & De-essers • Reading
  Lesson 3 / Push, Pull, Shape, Control • Exercise
  Lesson 3 / Reflect on Your Mix • Discussion

02: Shaping Sound in Time & Frequency

  Time: approx. 3 hours

Lesson 1: Delay, Movement, and the Mighty LFO

 Time: approx. 1 hr 15 mins
In this lesson, students learn how time-based effects like delay, chorus, flanger, and phaser shape the feel and space of a mix. We explore how delays can create depth, how modulation adds movement, and how creative effects like ring modulation and amplitude modulation open up experimental possibilities. Students will also learn how these tools work under the hood and when to use them in real-world productions.
  Module 2 / Intro • Video
  Lesson 1 / Low Frequency Oscillators • Video
  Lesson 1 / The Silent Modulators • Reading
  Lesson 1 / Delay Types • Video
  Lesson 1 / Delay Playground • Exercise
  Lesson 1 / Delay Playground Reflection • Discussion
  Lesson 1 / Andrew's Favorite Delay FX • Video
  Lesson 1 / Flanger & Chorus • Video
  Lesson 1 / Flanger vs. Chorus • Reading
  Lesson 1 / Time-Based Effects Quiz • Quiz
  Lesson 1 / Phase Shifters & Other FX • Video
  Lesson 1 / Other Time-Based FX • Discussion

Lesson 2: Frequencies and Filters

 Time: approx. 45 mins
This lesson we’ll explore the core types of EQs and filters, how each one shapes sound, and when to use them. From carving space in a mix to enhancing clarity and tone, this lesson builds the foundation for smart, musical EQ decisions.
  Lesson 2 / EQ Filter Types • Video
  Lesson 2 / Sculpting Sound • Reading
  Lesson 2 / Filter Types Quiz • Quiz
  Lesson 2 / Name That Filter • Exercise
  Lesson 2 / Name That Filter Solution • Reference

Lesson 3: Frequencies, Filters, and Gear Specs

 Time: approx. 48 mins
This lesson covers how filters shape sound, how to read frequency response graphs, and how to make sense of key gear specs like headroom, dynamic range, and signal-to-noise ratio—so you can make smarter choices in the studio.
  Lesson 3 / Frequency Response • Video
  Lesson 3 / Read the Graph, Read the Gear • Exercise
  Lesson 3 / Mixing on Headphones • Video
  Lesson 3 / Dynamic Range • Reading
  Lesson 3 / Dynamic Range • Video
  Lesson 3 / Spec Sleuth • Exercise
  Lesson 3 / Spec Sleuth Solution • Reference

03: The Science of Recording

  Time: approx. 3 hours

Lesson 1: From Sound to Audio – How the Signal Begins

 Time: approx. 54 mins
This lesson covers how sound becomes audio and what happens to it on the way to a recorder. Students will explore transducers, signal flow, tracks vs. channels, and the idea of real-time capture. By the end, they’ll understand the full path from air to audio and the key terms that describe it.
  Module 3 / Intro • Video
  Lesson 1 / Recording Process • Video
  Lesson 1 / From Sound to Audio • Reading
  Lesson 1 / Sound vs. Audio • Video
  Lesson 1 / Recording Signal Flow • Exercise
  Lesson 1 / Discussion: Recording Signal Flow • Discussion
  Lesson 1 / Recording Signal Flow Solution • Video
  Lesson 1 / Signal Chain • Quiz

Lesson 2: The World of Digital Audio

 Time: approx. 1 hr
In this lesson, students explore what happens when sound is converted to digital audio. We’ll look at the core principles behind how sound is captured, stored, and played back on various digital systems. Along the way, students will be introduced to important concepts that affect the quality and character of every recording they work with including Sample Rate, and Bit Depth.
  Lesson 2 / Digital Audio Concepts • Video
  Lesson 2 / How Digital Audio Works • Reading
  Lesson 2 / Sample Rate + Nyquist + Sampling • Video
  Lesson 2 / File Formats • Exercise
  Lesson 2 / File Formats Solution • Reference
  Lesson 2 / Bit Depth • Video
  Lesson 2 / Choosing the Right Settings • Discussion

Lesson 3: Digital Conversion, Floating Point, and Audio Formats

 Time: approx. 1 hr
This lesson breaks down how analog audio becomes digital using sampling, anti‑aliasing filters, and bit‑depth quantization. Students learn the difference between PCM and DSD, why floating‑point audio offers massive dynamic range, and how common file types like WAV, FLAC, and MP3 store audio differently. The goal is to demystify the full digital path from capture to playback, so students can make informed choices about sample rates, bit depth, and file formats in real sessions.
  Lesson 3 / Digital Audio Block Diagram • Video
  Lesson 3 / From Sound to Stair Steps • Exercise
  Lesson 3 / From Sound to Stair Steps Solution • Reference
  Lesson 3 / Floating Point • Video
  Lesson 3 / Floating Point Demystified • Reading
  Lesson 3 / Using High Sample Rates • Video
  Lesson 3 / Digital Audio Quiz • Quiz

04: Microphones

  Time: approx. 3-3.5 hours

Lesson 1: Microphone History & Microphone Types

 Time: approx. 1 hr 56 mins
In this lesson we’ll explore what a microphone is. We’ll also take a brief look at the history of the microphone, and how we got to the technology used in present day recording studios for recording production. Lastly we’ll take a look at some of the most common types of microphones, and what makes them different.
  Module 4 / Intro • Video
  Lesson 1 / History of Mics • Video
  Lesson 1 / Welcome to Microphone Land • Reading
  Lesson 1 / Dynamic Mics Overview • Video
  Lesson 1 / Dynamic Mics • Reading
  Lesson 1 / Ribbon Mics Overview • Video
  Lesson 1 / Ribbon Mics: Warm, Smooth, & Natural • Reading
  Lesson 1 / Condenser Mics Overview • Video
  Lesson 1 / Condenser Mics: Precision Capturers • Reading
  Lesson 1 / Microphone Fundamentals Quiz • Quiz
  Lesson 1 / Tube Condenser Mics • Reading
  Lesson 1 / Other Mic Designs  • Video
  Lesson 1 / Build Your Dream Recording Session • Exercise
  Lesson 1 / Your Dream Recording Session Reflection Discussion • Discussion

Lesson 2: Directionality and Stereo Techniques

 Time: approx. 33 mins
Now that we’ve discussed the types of microphones, we’ll dive into how microphones pick up, or reject sound. We’ll also explore stereo microphone techniques, and how to use them for various recording sources.
  Lesson 2 / Polar Patterns • Video
  Lesson 2 / Polar Patterns • Reading
  Lesson 2 / Mic Switches • Video
  Lesson 2 / Stereo Techniques • Video
  Lesson 2 / Decca Tree • Video
  Lesson 2 / Stereo Mic Techniques • Reading

Lesson 3: Using Microphones

 Time: approx. 1 hr 19 mins
In our final lesson on Microphones, we’ll go through the approach to selecting the right microphone for your recordings. We’ll also take a look at some specific instruments, and show you the thought process for microphone selection, and placement during a session.
  Lesson 3 / Picking the Right Mic • Video
  Lesson 3 / Drum Micing Techniques • Video
  Lesson 3 / Piano Micing Techniques • Video
  Lesson 3 / The Microphone Challenge • Exercise
  Lesson 3 / The Microphone Challenge Solution  • Video

01: What it Means to “Listen” 

  Time: approx. 1.5-2 hours

Lesson 1: Course Introduction 

 Time: approx. 20 min
Discover what it truly means to "listen" and how this skill applies to everyday mixing. This lesson introduces the course structure, outlines key concepts, and explores the distinction between hearing and listening.
  Lesson 1 / What to Expect & What You’ll Need • Video
  Lesson 1 / Defining Listening • Video
  Lesson 1 / Exercise Note: Don’t Stress It • Video
  Lesson 1 / Intro to Listening • Discussion

02: Listening to Frequency Balance

  Time: approx. 2.5 - 3 hours

03: Balance - Listening for Impact and Control

  Time: approx. 1.5 hours

04: Putting it all Together & Using Reference Mixes

  Time: approx. 2.5-3 hours

Who this program is for

  • Aspiring audio engineers, producers, artists, and sound designers
  • Musicians who want to understand why audio tools behave the way they do
  • Students entering audio, music, or media programs
  • Self-taught creators looking to solidify fundamentals with real-world context
  • Aspiring audio engineers, producers, artists, and sound designers

What you'll need

  • A computer (laptop or desktop)
  • A reliable internet connection
  • Headphones, AirPods, speakers, or a monitoring system
  • Calculator
  • Decibel measurement app
  • A DAW (Digital Audio Workstation), such as: Pro Tools, Logic Pro, GarageBand, Reaper (including the free trial version)

What our students are saying

From seasoned mixers to bedroom producers, many audio professionals have sharpened their skills with Campus @ Puremix.
Here's what they have to say about our courses.

Learn from the best

Andrew Scheps 

Instructor & Course Author

Beyonce • Lana Del Rey • Red Hot Chili Peppers • U2 • Michael Jackson

Mixer. Producer. Educator. Andrew's work has shaped the sound of countless artists from Adele and Red Hot Chili Peppers to Metallica, Black Sabbath, and Jay-Z. He's also known for his clear, generous teaching approach. The How We Work Course distills decades of professional studio experience into a step-by-step learning path built for musicians, producers, engineers, and anyone curious about how the audio industry really operates.

Joe Totino

Course Author

Joe Totino is an Audio Engineer, Sound Designer, Composer, and Educator based in New York City. With experience working on high-profile projects for Universal Pictures, Sony Pictures, A24, Netflix, and Hulu, his music and sound design have featured in numerous major motion picture trailers and hundreds of TV shows worldwide. Joe has spent the past 10 years working in renowned studios like Flux Studios and Dubway Studios. Since 2017, he has been teaching Audio Technology at the college level and is currently the Audio Program Chair at SAE Institute - New York. Passionate about hands-on learning, Joe is dedicated to helping students gain real-world insights and succeed in the audio/music industry.

Emily Aldredge

Course Editor

Emily Aldredge is a seasoned arts, culture, and education leader with over three decades of global experience designing innovative programs, fostering strategic partnerships, and enhancing operational efficiency for cultural institutions. As an expert in project management, event production, and curriculum design, she has successfully launched and managed high-impact educational initiatives across the globe—ranging from regional art labs for Meta to satellite university campuses in New York, Paris, and Florence. Currently, Emily channels her extensive expertise in arts administration and education into the music technology sector, leading the launch, course design, and operational strategy of Campus @ Puremix. She holds a Master’s degree in Visual Arts Administration from New York University and a Bachelor’s in Art Education from The Ohio State University.

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions

Who is this course for?

This course is for anyone seeking a foundational understanding of all things audio—including studio recording, live sound, and post-production audio. If you want to reinforce these concepts, or figure out where you belong in all of it, Andrew Scheps is here to guide you through it.

I’ve taken some Audio Fundamentals classes in school. Will this course be similar?

While some concepts may overlap, this course is very different from a typical classroom audio fundamentals class. It's designed for anyone who wants a broad understanding of the core principles of audio production, as well as insight into the different professional paths in the industry. What sets this course apart is the instructor: world-renowned producer and engineer Andrew Scheps. Drawing on decades of experience, he shares both expert knowledge and personal perspective across a wide range of audio topics, giving you practical guidance that will strengthen your technical skills and creative approach.

How is the course structured?

The course is divided into four parts that build on each other to give you a complete foundation in audio. It starts with How We Work, which introduces professional workflow and industry context. Next, The Nature of Sound explores the science of sound and how it informs mixing decisions. Audio Electronics covers circuits, signals, and signal flow so you understand how audio moves through gear. Finally, Shaping Sound focuses on digital audio, signal processing, and microphone techniques, connecting technical knowledge to practical application. Each section combines theory, guided exercises, and real-world examples so you learn concepts and immediately understand how to use them in your own work.

Will this course teach me how to use EQs, compressors, and audio effects?

Yes, but the focus is on understanding what these tools do and why you would use them. Rather than teaching preset-based workflows or genre-specific techniques, Andrew Scheps explains how dynamics processors, equalizers, filters, modulation effects, and time-based effects interact with audio signals so you can make informed decisions in any recording or mixing situation.

Will I learn how to choose and place microphones?

Yes. This course focuses on microphones, including microphone types, polar patterns, and stereo recording techniques. By the time you reach this course, you'll already understand signal flow, recording systems, and processing, allowing you to evaluate microphone choices in context and make recording decisions based on the source, the environment, and your creative goals.

Why are microphones taught at the end of the course instead of the beginning?

Most recording courses start with microphones. Andrew Scheps intentionally places them at the end. Before choosing a microphone, it's important to understand what happens to sound after it's captured—how it moves through signal chains, how it's converted into digital audio, and how processing shapes the final result. By approaching microphones within the context of the entire recording system, students gain a deeper understanding of how capture decisions affect every stage of production and learn to make microphone choices with greater confidence and purpose.

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