Setting the Table
Bridging Sound and Connection:
A Holistic Approach to Audio Engineering
"Setting the Table" is a masterclass which goes beyond the technical facets of audio engineering, with a core intention of creating a genuine connection between performers and the audience.Through a philosophical lens, this course shows how to approach audio technology with intentionality.By the end of this course, you will not only grasp the technical know-how but also the philosophical underpinnings necessary to excel in the audio engineering field, making meaningful connections through sound.
Early Bird Price: $300 $150
"I have been a team member, leader, and music director for over 15 years, and have never worked with an audio professional like Nathan. His results speak for themselves, but what really sets him apart is his personal and demystifying approach. He can truly make novice volunteers more than adequate sound people, bringing excellence to any audio production context."—Greg Molina, Music Director
"We sounded and felt better performing, because we sounded and felt more like ourselves. But more than that, we knew why and how to sustain and nurture it week after week."—Geoff Mills, Team Leader
"Nathan helped us with the technical struggles we were having as well as the relational ones. We came away from our time with him feeling bonded as a group and centered once again."—Alison Meuth, Arts Director
Welcome to Setting the Table
Dive into a unique approach to audio engineering with Nathan Peterson's 'Setting the Table.'Explore the signal chain's intricacies, from microphone to speaker, and learn how to faithfully reproduce sound to foster a genuine connection between performers and the audience.With over 25 years of experience, Nathan guides you through practical steps and a transformative philosophy that simplifies audio engineering, making it accessible and impactful.
Here's what you'll get from the course:
Understand the audio signal chain and its components.
Learn practical skills in setting up microphones, direct boxes, gain, EQ, compression, and effects.
Gain knowledge on speaker selection, placement, and room acoustics treatment.
Gain insight into preventing and managing feedback.
Learn a unique philosophy of "setting the table" to facilitate a genuine connection through sound.
Gain confidence in running audio technology to create a balanced and clear sound mix.
Course Curriculum
Introduction
Section 1: Philosophy
Section 2: Overview of the Signal Chain
Original Vibration
Microphones and Direct Boxes
Preamp (Gain)
HPF
EQ
Dynamics
Effects
Panning and Faders
PA Processing
Speakers
The Room
Feedback
Reception (The Finish Line!)
Setting the Table pt1
Setting the Table pt2 & Closing
Opinions, Complaints, and SPL Meters
Monitoring Experimentation
Specific Tips for Community Gatherings
Get immediate access to over 4 hours of training that will forever improve and simplify your audio
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this course for?
The course is designed for audio engineers, musicians, and anyone involved in sound reproduction, especially in live settings. It's particularly beneficial for individuals in volunteer-based or amateur settings where there may be a lack of training, experience, or equipment.
I'm a beginner. Can I still benefit from this course?
Absolutely! This course is designed to help individuals at all skill levels. The concepts are broken down into easy-to-understand segments, ensuring that even beginners can understand and apply the techniques effectively.
Will you teach me how to use a compressor?
Yes and no. I'll talk briefly about how to use compression and other tools. But there are already plenty of resources available for how... I will teach you why to use these tools. Once you understand the "why," these tools start to make a lot more sense.
What will I need to complete the course?
All you need is a device with internet access. The course is fully online, allowing you to learn at your own pace, at any time, and from anywhere. Also, it is not based on any specific gear — it covers the reasons behind the tools, which you can apply to whatever tools you have.
What if I'm not satisfied with the course?
Your satisfaction is important to me. If you're not completely satisfied with the course, please contact me within 30 days of your purchase, and I'll issue a full refund.
Do I get lifetime access to the course?
Yes, once you enroll in the course, you will have lifetime access to all the materials. You can revisit the content anytime you like.
Can I share this course with others?
You can share this course with members of your team by watching it together, but if you would like to purchase it for different communities or teams, please contact me for a multi-license discount.
How can I contact you if I have other questions?
I'd love to hear from you. You can reach out to me and my team by emailing us directly at info@nathanpeterson.net.
During my years working in music and audio production, I often experienced the frustration of hearing feedback about distracting or unclear sound after investing so much into a performance or presentation. This is a struggle shared by many communities, whether they are bands, schools, churches, or event organizers. Perhaps it’s familiar to you as well.Volunteer-driven and budget-conscious environments present unique challenges. Nonprofessional techs, musicians, limited budgets, and lack of training are common hurdles. Existing audio solutions often fall short in addressing these needs. In fact, they often make them worse by offering more tools and more complexity rather than understanding and clarity.That’s why I've created this masterclass – to provide churches, like yours, with an accessible and affordable approach that fosters deep connection instead of distraction or division.That’s why I've created this masterclass – to provide an accessible and affordable approach that fosters deep connection instead of distraction or division.This method has helped so many lighten their load, regain focus, and create genuine connection through music and sound. I’m so excited to share this with you.
—Nathan Peterson