This course provides an overview of the theory, components, terminology, and methods that apply to sound reinforcement systems of all types.
Watch this 2-minute video to learn more.
If you are fairly new to audio or do not have any formal training, this is a good place to start. The course will lay down the principles that apply to all sound systems. It will help you understand how things work so that you can choose the right cable, connector, mic, or loudspeaker to get the job done. Potentially complicated topics are explained with graphics and animation, with liberal use of analogies to principles from daily life.
The last lesson in this course “connects the dots” between all of the concepts presented by walking through a portable system, fixed-installation system, and a conference room system.
The principles are universal and apply to any brand of equipment.
Course includes:
View or download a detailed course outline.
Course Materials for you to keep include the text to the videos and lesson graphics. Both are great resources for reviewing what you have learned.
Check out an example video in the next tab.
Watch an example video from “How Sound Systems Work” online training.
Pat Brown is a 1978 graduate of the University of Louisville with a degree in electrical engineering technology. With a background as a musician, sound technician, retail music store owner, contractor, and consultant, he is familiar with the many aspects of audio. He served as an associate instructor to audio legend and SynAudCon founder, Don Davis. Pat along with his wife Brenda own and operate SynAudCon and have been providing training for the audio industry since 1996. Pat, the main instructor for SynAudCon, has the unique gift of being able to share his knowledge of complex technical topics in an easy-to-understand real world manner through multi-media demonstrations. SynAudCon is recognized as an industry leader in audio education.
SynAudCon offers both in-person and online audio training. There are regularly scheduled in-person seminars and special one-time events on audio-related topics. With the release of the online training in 2010, SynAudCon training is now more accessible worldwide.
Pat writes articles for several publications. He authored three chapters for Glen Ballou’s “Handbook for Sound Engineers”and is co-author of Sound System Engineering 4th Edition. He considers SynAudCon online audio training courses as his most complete “book”, being able to explain the concepts and principles with animations and demonstrations.
He was chosen as NSCA “Educator of the Year” in 2005 and NSCA “Mover and Shaker” Award in 2011. He received Great Britain “Peter Barnett” Award in 2012.
SynAudCon has given private seminars to many companies and organizations, including the Kennedy Space Center, Disney World, Sea World, IMAX, Purdue University, the US military, Siemens and many audio manufacturers. He has conducted seminars in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, China, Thailand, Philippines, Singapore, South America, Australia and Canada.
Pat and Brenda Brown founded a second business in 2005 – Pro Sound Testing, Inc. Pro Sound Testing measures loudspeakers to produce data files for use in room acoustics modeling programs. Pro Sound Testing was the first company of its kind in the USA. The experience of developing a measurement facility and measuring hundreds of loudspeakers from dozens of manufacturers has allowed him to develop some methodologies and specifications that have influenced a number of industry standards.
When Considering candidates for employment
When we’re considering candidates for employment, anyone with SynAudCon training goes to the head of the line.
Zki Pszenitzki, Owner ZKI Communications
I was impressed while being educated.
Thanks for the Certificate. The course was actually hard, but that makes you think, and requires you to learn. I was impressed while being educated. 🙂 I like the the way the course is presented. I’ve taken online courses before, and to tell you the truth I was a little worried that I wouldn’t be able to grasp the info, but it is well laid out and presented nicely. I am going to take three of the courses eventually.
Bill Talley
I recommend that anyone who is involved in audio/communication systems have this knowledge.
Thank you for making me aware of the audio courses being offered by SynAudCon. I started the Course 100 course prior to attending the training seminar on Airport Communication Systems at IED. The information presented in this course provided me a foundation to better understand audio systems and the terms and concepts used to explain Airport Communication Systems. Through the Course 100: Principles of Audio course, I have a greater ability to manage the system at DFW International Airport.
I have read several books on audio systems and audio engineering. If I had taken this course first I would have been able to comprehend the information presented faster and more completely. As the use of audio systems in life safety systems continues to grow, it is very important to understand the science these systems are built on in order to use the systems most effectively. I recommend that anyone who is involved in audio/communication systems have the knowledge presented in this course. The information was presented in a manner that facilitates learning even though some of the concepts are not intuitively apparent.
Thank you again for the opportunity to participate in this training.
Joe Collins, NICET Level IV Fire Alarm Systems
Testament to online training.
Good work. Your work is testament to the value of the web as a learning and training medium.
Joe Booher, AVISPL
This course challenged me.
It’s great to actually do an online course that
a) challenges you.
b) isn’t boring.
You will have to listen and makes notes of what is said during the videos. If you don’t, you certainly will not pass the final exam. Looking forward to starting the Course 100.
John Handy
I thought I knew everything.
I’ve been a sound Engineer for the past 28 years, I thought I knew everything. Boy, was I wrong. It’s got me thinking and thinking really hard. It made me love it and respect it even more. All I have to say is “wow”.
Sound Engineer
