Audio Engineering Patterns

Technical foundations for audio production and sound design.

Signal Flow Fundamentals

The Audio Chain

Source → Processing → Summing → Output

[Mic/Synth] → [EQ/Comp/FX] → [Mix Bus] → [Master] → [Playback]

Gain Staging

Maintain optimal levels at each stage:

Rule: If a plugin sounds bad, check your input level first.

Frequency Fundamentals

The Spectrum

EQ Patterns

Subtractive First:

1. Find problem frequencies (boost, sweep, identify)
2. Cut problems (narrow Q)
3. Boost characteristics (wide Q)

Common Problem Areas:

Dynamics Processing

Compression Parameters

Compression Archetypes

Sidechain Patterns

Trigger Source → Sidechain Input → Compressor → Target

[Kick] → [SC Input] → [Comp on Bass] → [Ducked Bass]

Use for:

• Kick/bass separation
• Vocal ducking
• Rhythmic pumping
• De-essing (high-pass SC)

Spatial Processing

Reverb Types

Reverb Parameters

Delay Patterns

Tempo Sync Formula:

ms = 60000 / BPM

1/4 note = 60000 / BPM
1/8 note = 30000 / BPM
1/16 note = 15000 / BPM
Dotted = value × 1.5
Triplet = value × 0.667

Mix Architecture

Bus Structure

                    ┌─────────────┐
                    │  Master Bus │
                    └──────┬──────┘
           ┌───────────────┼───────────────┐
           ▼               ▼               ▼
    ┌──────────┐    ┌──────────┐    ┌──────────┐
    │ Drum Bus │    │Music Bus │    │Vocal Bus │
    └────┬─────┘    └────┬─────┘    └────┬─────┘
         │               │               │
    ┌────┴────┐     ┌────┴────┐     ┌────┴────┐
    │K│S│H│OH│     │B│G│K│Pd│     │Ld│BV│Fx│
    └─────────┘     └─────────┘     └─────────┘

Mix in Mono First

1. Get balance right in mono
2. Check phase relationships
3. Add stereo width last
4. Always reference in mono

Static Mix Workflow

1. Faders only: Get rough balance
2. Pan: Create space left/right
3. EQ: Carve frequency space
4. Compression: Control dynamics
5. Reverb/Delay: Add depth
6. Automation: Movement and interest

Mastering Fundamentals

Chain Order

EQ → Compression → Saturation → Stereo Enhancement → Limiting

Target Levels

Metering

DSP Fundamentals

Basic DSP Operations

Filter Types

Common Sample Rates

Sound Design Patterns

Synthesis Types

Layering Strategy

Layer 1: Sub (20-80 Hz) - Foundation
Layer 2: Body (100-400 Hz) - Weight
Layer 3: Character (400-2000 Hz) - Identity
Layer 4: Presence (2-6 kHz) - Cut-through
Layer 5: Air (8-16 kHz) - Sparkle

Movement Techniques

• LFO modulation (filter, pitch, amplitude)
• Envelope shaping (attack, decay curves)
• Automation (any parameter over time)
• Randomization (subtle variation)
• Sidechain (rhythmic pumping)

References

• references/frequency-chart.md - Detailed frequency guide
• references/plugin-chains.md - Common processing chains
• references/daw-shortcuts.md - DAW workflow tips