Audio Engineering 101: Microphones for Beginners

In this quick course, you'll learn about the different microphone types and the different situations each type is best in. You'll also learn about different audio recorders and sound treatment concepts that you can apply to enhance your recording experience.

This course is for beginners who don't have any prior knowledge of microphones and the audio engineering world. It's also for those who are curious about the different types of microphones and recorders.

Note that this course will primarily serve as an overview of the equipment I mention and will not be an extensive tutorial on how to use any specific piece of equipment.

Lessons will include topics on:

• Dynamic Microphones

• Large Diaphragm Condenser Mics

• Small Diaphragm Condenser Mics

• Shotgun Mics

• Camera-Mounted Mics

• Lavalier/Lapel Mics

• Boundary Mics

• Stereo Mics

• Mic Technique for each type

• Audio Recorders: Interfaces, Mixers, & Field Recorders

• Recording Tips

• Sound Treatment Concepts & Tips

Most people that enter the microphone world with no knowledge simply buy a popular microphone like the Blue Yeti microphone. This class project intends on helping you break that trend by asking you 3 crucial questions:

1. Which type of microphone fits your situation the best?

2. How can you optimize your specific recording space?

3. Which recording device fits your situation the best?

Each lesson is designed to help you answer these 3 questions in order. The bulk of the lessons will be for question #1. The last few lessons will help you answer questions 2 and 3.

After answering all 3 questions, record a before and after of your audio. The class project worksheet contains an organized layout of the answers if you need more guidance.

By the end of the course, you will learn everything you need to optimize your audio recording experience.