Audio Production Worktext

Chapter 5 The Audio Console

In the modern audio studio, the spotlight is often on computer editing rather than the control board; however, the audio console is still a primary piece of equipment in most production facilities. Most digital boards also have the capability to handle both analog and digital inputs. Any control board has three primary functions: mix, amplify, and route audio. The most common arrangement for the output selectors on an audio board is a bank of three buttons for program, audition, and auxiliary outputs. Many sound boards include simple equalizers. A few boards have a talk-back switch, which is a simple intercom system consisting of a built-in microphone and a pushbutton control that turns the microphone on or off. The signal from the talk-back microphone is sent to a speaker or headphones in another studio – for example, a performance studio – which would allow the operator at the audio console to communicate with the announcer in a studio at separate location.

5.6 Input Selectors

Inputting a Line Device

Inputting a Microphone

5.10 VU Meters

Riding in the Mud

Peaking in the Red

If a signal rises above the limit when it is being recorded digitally, ‘clipping’ occurs - clicks and pops that are impossible to remove without removing the audio itself. Usually the recording must discarded and recorded again at a lower level.

Pegging the Meter

5.14 Equalizers and Pan Pots

Bass

Midrange

Treble

Pan Pots

5.15 Other Features

Tone Generator

5.16 Sound Transitions and Endings

Fades

Segue

A segue a transition from one sound to the next with no overlap or gap. A segue can best be accomplished when the first song ends cold (see ‘cold ending‘).

Cold Ending

Music with a cold ending doesn't fade out, but rather it has a natural, full-volume end.

Sustain Ending

Songs with a sustain ending will hold the final chord or notes for a short period of time and then very gradually fade out. This is distinctly different from either a normal fade-out or a cold ending.

Projects

Project 3: Record a Two-Voice Commercial

Download the music project files Download the sound effect project files

Click above to navigate to the music folder, where you will find various music beds. Note the file location if you wish to import it directly into your audio editing application.

Please note: The music and sound effect project files only need to be downloaded once and used for all projects.