As They Say – Watch And Learn!
There are few methods of instruction that are as directly influential or as memorable as the visual method, and in a field that’s inordinately complex and riddled with countless pitfalls and über-talented competitors, oftentimes it can be a great relief to watch a pro get on the decks and simply show you how they do what they do best.
Lined Up Like Little Plastic Ducklings In A Row
Below I’ve compiled 11 of what I think are some of the best instructional YouTube channels for audio engineering that you’ll ever find, which will feature links to each channel as well as my favorite video of each channel. Enjoy!
1. Rob Williams
Rob Williams delivers a lot of great content in his videos that hones in on the basics of what viewers should be looking to accomplish in order to end up with a great-sounding mix and master.
2. Pensado’s Place
As one of the most widely renowned and respected audio engineers in the industry with a clientele roster that includes artists such as Christina Aguilera, Mary J. Blige, and Kenny G, it’s definitely safe to say that Dave Pensado knows a thing or two about mixing, and he’s got plenty of awesome videos that demonstrate why.
3. Skillshare
While this isn’t strictly a channel that’s dedicated to audio engineering, it does feature a video titled Young Guru’s Essentials of Audio Mixing: How to Use Compression, in which Young Guru, whose clientele roster includes Jay-Z, Alicia Keys, Beyoncé, and Eminem, delivers an excellent in-depth tutorial about what compression is and how to apply it to get the best results in a mix.
4. eHowMusic
Hosted by Frank Green, who is the owner of Digital Master Studios, eHowMusic is a great channel for aspiring engineers who are looking to get a handle on vocal recording, setting up a analog console for tracking and mixing, miking a drumset, and several other useful techniques!
5. The Recording Revolution
Produced by engineer Graham Cochrane, this YouTube channel is simply stuffed to the gills with several kinds of videos that approach audio engineering with a open-minded and down-to-earth perspective.
6. Recording Connection Audio Institute
Brian Kraft, esteemed filmmaker and owner of the Recording Connection, offers a sobering look into what parents and aspiring students should come to expect when reviewing audio engineering schools and offers two criteria to determine outright if a school is the real deal or simply BS from the get-go:
Are they endorsed by real working professionals in the industry?
Will they help you get a job after you graduate?
More than likely, if either one of those answers is “no”, then steer clear! Most “audio” schools would answer “no” to both questions anyhow, if forced to tell the unvarnished truth, that is!
7. Rhythm Magazine
While this channel is mainly dedicated to drummers and drum enthusiasts, there are three videos that cover how to record drums during a remote session as well as a video interview featuring Butch Vig on how to get a really killer drum sound!
8. Berklee Online
Berklee Institute of Music is one of the most preeminent music schools out there that mainly caters to students who are proficient at playing an instrument and have some knowledge of music theory. In this video, composer and Berklee professor Stephen Webber discusses the importance of learning how to listen objectively.
8. Mixer University
This channel features a lot of great practical tips for home-studio engineers who are working with a limited budget and need to make the most out of what they’ve got until they can afford to get higher-quality equipment.
9. Cowcar Music
As described in the “About “ section, this channel is dedicated to microphones, musical instruments, and recording gear in general. The microphone shootouts are very useful for beginners who are looking to buy a quality microphone that best complements their recording methods or the clients they work with.
10. Accent2k
As a keyboardist for many world-renowned artists, Accent2k provides a guideline in this video for helping engineers and producers set up their home studios and computers for the best rock-solid performance and recording experience.
11. Full Sail University
A household name in the music industry as one of the few universities where you can graduate with a bachelor’s degree in audio engineering, Full Sail University has an excellent YouTube Channel that delves into the dynamic and ongoing mindsets, schools of thought, and methods used by the best of the best in the entertainment industry today. [Read our review of Full Sail University]
