Training Video 1:
"Basic Audio Instruction"

Click the "play" button to see a brief sample from this video.

Note: Video quality has been reduced to improve download time. Save videos to your computer by right clicking and selecting the "save target as..." option.

Here's Just a Small Sample of Things
You'll Discover in Video One...

• You will learn all about gain structure, and why it is the essential foundation of any good mix.
• The benefit of setting everything to unity gain, and why it gives your console the most flexibility with your audio.
• Valuable industry insider tips and tricks from Bob Long (President of Main Stage Productions).
• How to set your inputs to have the maximum headroom - to prevent clipping and sound distortion.
• How to reduce the amount of gain on a channel with the attenuation pad to help control your sound source. This is a must when setting up audio for louder sound sources.
• How to get a better signal to noise ratio to improve your EQ efficiency. Another vital tip to improve the overall mix.
• Why it is important to run your faders hotter, and how to adjust your power amplifiers to accomplish this the right way (without causing any damage to your equipment).
• How to master sub-groups to become more efficient behind the console, and how to use panning the right way - to double your efforts.
• The right way to funnel sound through sub-groups to enable you to have additional control and flexibility.
• How to use equalization to control various frequencies the right way. This area of the mixer is one of the most popular, but is often misused or misunderstood.
• Valuable industry insider tips and tricks from Stephen J Rendall (President of Harvest Music Group).
• How to take advantage of high-shelf EQ, low-shelf EQ, fixed mid EQ, and mid-parametric/mid-sweepable EQ.
• Audio and visual (graphed) examples of every EQ change you can use, and an explanation of the effect of each change.
• One big mistake many engineers do when boosting EQ that will actually only add noise to the mix, and offers no benefit.
• How to prevent from EQing in a way that will invite feedback into your mix, and cause other audible problems.
• The advantages of a sweepable EQ, and why it is especially handy in the mid and low frequency areas.
• The quick and easy way to find frequency and tone without getting feedback in your mix, and then how to cut out any bad frequencies you find.
• How to maximize the outputs of your console through auxiliaries, and why they are typically the most creative part of a console.
• Valuable industry insider tips and tricks from Fred Gilpin (Studio design and consulting with FGA Electroacoustics).
• How to properly setup auxiliaries to have more control over individual monitors for multiple musicians. This will impress the band, and make them significantly more comfortable when performing.
• The advantages and disadvantages of pre-fade and post-fade auxiliaries - and examples how each can be used.
• Important tips to give musicians a stable and reliable monitor setup, so they can be more comfortable on stage.
• One of the biggest mistakes audio engineers do when mixing live sound, and what to do about it.
• Important tips regarding sound board positioning, and and alternative to moving your entire setup.
• and more to master the essentials of your audio system

Training Video 2:
"Advanced Audio Instruction"

Click the "play" button to see a brief sample from this video.

Note: Video quality has been reduced to improve download time. Save videos to your computer by right
clicking and selecting the "save target as..." option.

Here's Just a Small Sample of Things
You'll Discover in Video Two...

• How a TRS jack is setup, and how to properly to re-route audio through compressors, effects units, and more.
• How to properly use inserts, and keep lower-budget consoles from failing due to misuse. This is absolutely vital, and is well worth the cost of this instructional package alone.
• How to properly complete the signal chain to ensure audio flows correctly for channels, sub-groups, and main outputs.
• The proper way to mic source to ensure best audio quality (overall tone), and reduce feedback.
• How to roll off low-end to bring clarity to any mix, and get more efficiency from your amps.
• How to use subgroups and line outputs to make single or multi-track recordings easy.
• Common groups to better organize a multi-track recording.
• How to use auxiliary returns to maximize your inputs for effects, and what you can do as an alternative if you do not have aux returns on your console.
• How to use compression and gating to control the peaks of audio, and enable to you have further control over individual sounds.
• How to add punch to some instruments, and more sustain to others to create a more realistic mix.
• The most important use for a compressor, and how get added value out of each of your compressors if you have a limited supply.
• How to use the threshold, ratio, attack, release, and output features of most any compressor to their full potential.
• How to convert a compressor into a virtual peak limiter.
• The basics of gating, and how to use the threshold and ratio features on typical gates.
• How to setup gating in a typical mix, and how they can be used to isolate sounds (drum kit used in example).
• How to properly setup effects units for the ultimate in dimensional mixing. This is how you take your mix to the next level, and is typically quite intimidating to a new engineer.
• How to setup reverb, and control different aspects of the sound you want to modify.
• Audio examples of a variety of reverb effects, and detailed explanations of how each can be used.
• How to add ambience back into the mix to enhance the overall audio - making it sound more natural.
• How to modify delay times and feedback in a delay unit.
• How to sync up delay time with an audio track to create a truly impressive effect.
• The difference between dynamic and condenser microphones, and why some are best for certain applications.
• The different microphone pickup patterns, and how each mic achieves good sound.
• Why power is essential for condenser mics, and what your options are for powering them.
• An explanation of what mics offer the best resistance to feedback, and how to take advantage of that.
• and more to take your audio mix to the next level!

Study Materials - Pack #1
Student Editions

Here is what these professionally
printed & bound books feature:

• Includes the student edition of the instructional booklet that new audio technicians can use to follow along with the Sounds Simple Audio Training System videos. This gets the student involved and "actively" participating through the learning process.
• Includes the student edition of the final test which will give a student the chance to prove their knowledge of the audio training system. All students should be required to pass this test before operating a sound board.

Note: The Sounds Simple Audio Training System includes a single copy of each of these printed booklets for student reference. You will have the option to include additional student-copies when ordering.

Study Materials - Pack #2
Teacher Editions with Answers

Here is what these professionally
printed & bound books feature:

• Includes complete teachers edition of both the study-booklet and the final test. Both work as reference material for a teacher or instructor of the Sounds Simple Audio Training System.
• The books can also be used as "answer keys" for self-taught students who wish to check on their progress.

Note: The Sounds Simple Audio Training System includes a single copy of each of these printed booklets for teacher reference.

"We ordered and viewed both of your video tapes. Have needed something like this for a long time. You have done an excellent job in simplifying & explaining some basic & advanced sound reinforcement principles and operations. Hope to see more from you in the future."

Paul Mobley
Savannah, GA, USA

"I received the videos today...great quality! You did a fine job with them. I'm in charge of the sound reinforcement team at our church, and the videos will be some excellent help in training them."

Jim McLoud
Christian Training Ministries
Washingtonville, Ohio USA

"...we also kept a set of the videos for follow-up and as a training tool for those who are working their way into running sound. Let me just say this; If you have a sound system in your church... BUY THE VIDEOS!! It's the best audio investment we have made in a long time."

Greg Plett
Saskatoon, SK, USA