Public learning track
Audio Metering, Decibel Scales, and Level Management
11th Grade · Arts · UK A-Level
7 lessons
Goal
Manage signal levels across tracking, mixing, and mastering while correctly interpreting analogue and digital metering systems and psychoacoustic loudness scales.
Featured Diagrams
Decibel Scales in Audio Engineering: dBFS, dBu, dBV, and dBSPL
7 lessons
0 of 7 done
- 1Decibel Scales in Audio Engineering: dBFS, dBu, dBV, and dBSPLUp nextStart
- 2Equal-Loudness Contours and Psychoacoustic Weighting CurvesPremiumNot started yet
- 3Peak vs RMS Metering: Dynamics, Ballistics, and Crest FactorNot started yet
- 4K-System Metering and Calibrated Monitoring LevelsNot started yet
- 5Gain-Staging Principles: Optimising Signal-to-Noise Ratio and HeadroomNot started yet
- 6Managing Analogue Saturation and Preventing Digital ClippingNot started yet
- 7Metering Workflows Across Tracking, Mixing, and MasteringNot started yet
Standards Covered
- MUSTECH-23.2General Certificate of Education Advanced Level (UK A-Level) · Music-technology · Year 13 (A2 Level) · Grade 11levels and metering including dB scales, psycho-acoustics, and when to use different scales including peak and RMS
- MUSTECH-23.1General Certificate of Education Advanced Level (UK A-Level) · Music-technology · Year 13 (A2 Level) · Grade 11principles of levels and metering including management of levels to prevent distortion and maximise signal to noise ratio
Curriculum Framework
11th Grade · Arts · UK A-Level
1
8 lessons
Studio Cables, Connectivity, and Signal Flow
Master studio wiring, balanced and unbalanced connections, cable types, impedance matching, and DI box applications in recording signal paths.
2
8 lessons
Studio Acoustics, Room Treatment, and Reverberation Physics
Understand acoustic phenomena in live and control rooms, evaluate acoustic treatment methods, and analyse reverberation time parameters and early reflections.
3
8 lessons
Studio Monitors, Transducers, and Mix Translation
Examine the operating principles of loudspeaker drivers, active and passive crossover systems, monitor placement, and techniques for ensuring mix translation.
4
9 lessons
Analogue and Digital Audio Systems: Principles, Formats, and Conversion
Compare analogue and digital recording media, mastering conversion theory (AD/DA, Nyquist, bit depth), tape/vinyl characteristics, and streaming audio formats.
5
9 lessons
Technical Numeracy and Graphical Analysis in Music Technology
Master audio mathematics including decibel scales, binary data calculations, frequency-wavelength conversions, and interpret 2D audio response graphs.
6
9 lessons
Advanced Sampling, Slicing, and Sound Design
Master sample preparation, keyzone mapping, multi-sampling, loop slicing, creative re-contextualisation, and sampler synthesizer engine parameters.
7
8 lessons
Pitch Correction, Transient Editing, and Rhythm Alignment
Apply manual and automatic pitch correction, formant preservation, audio quantisation, transient editing, and groove extraction in DAW production.
8
7 lessons
Dynamic and Parameter Automation in Mixing
Master DAW automation modes, execute precision level and pan curves, automate plug-in filter sweeps and delay feedback, and assign hardware MIDI controllers.
9
8 lessons
Audio Mastering Principles, Equalisation, and Loudness
Master the signal processing chain for mastering, corrective/tonal equalisation, multi-band dynamics, brickwall peak limiting, and streaming loudness normalization.
10
7 lessons
Acoustic Calculations and Sound Wave Mathematics
Calculate wave parameters, phase offsets, decibel ratios, and acoustic attenuation using formal mathematical models in audio engineering.
11
7 lessons
Audio Metering, Decibel Scales, and Level Management
Manage signal levels across tracking, mixing, and mastering while correctly interpreting analogue and digital metering systems and psychoacoustic loudness scales.