# Audio Engineering
Confidence: high
Last verified: 2026-05-22
Generation: ai_assisted


## TL;DR

Audio engineering encompasses recording, mixing, and mastering sound. Key concepts: frequency (pitch, Hz), amplitude (loudness, dB), waveform (timbre). Recording chain: source → microphone → preamp → ADC → DAW. Mixing: balance levels, pan (stereo placement), EQ (adjust frequency balance), compression (control dynamics), reverb/delay (space).

## Core Explanation

Dynamic range: difference between quietest and loudest — compressed in modern music (loudness war). EQ types: parametric (frequency + bandwidth + gain), shelving, high/low-pass. Compression: ratio (e.g., 4:1 means 4dB input above threshold = 1dB output), attack, release. Reverb: convolution (real spaces) vs. algorithmic. Mastering: final polish — loudness normalization (LUFS for streaming: Spotify -14 LUFS).

## Further Reading

- [Mastering Audio (Bob Katz, 3rd Ed)](https://www.routledge.com/Mastering-Audio-The-Art-and-the-Science/Katz/p/book/9780240818962)