Getting into

[Akeboshi]

Ive been really wanting to get into the more technical audio and music scene but it has always seemed very daunting to me as I haven't ever been surrounded by anything similar such as playing instruments or composing anything i've only been very interested in the music i listen to. I'm only a senior in highschool so I assume its not as if its to late for me or anything but it still seems like its all out of my league.

 

[Chrispy]

I think you're somewhat missing how to look at how audio works. Maybe how you experience it. Your post isn't particularly clear on what the issue is/are.

 

[Akeboshi]

I think you're somewhat missing how to look at how audio works. Maybe how you experience it. Your post isn't particularly clear on what the issue is/are.

Yes probably, im not to sure. I guess I just enjoy music a lot and want to know more about what goes into making the music that I enjoy

 

[NTK]

Many of the technical topics we discuss here are quite advanced.

Topics, for example, that have to do with frequency domain analyses, such as frequency response, phase, filters, and digital signal processing are taught in university level engineering classes. Acoustics are usually studied in senior or post-graduate level classes. As you are still in high school, you are definitely not late.

 

[Akeboshi]

Many of the technical topics we discuss here are quite advanced.

Topics, for example, that have to do with frequency domain analyses, such as frequency response, phase, filters, and digital signal processing are taught in university level engineering classes. Acoustics are usually studied in senior or post-graduate level classes. As you are still in high school, you are definitely not late.

So I assume now I am simply on the wrong forum asking the wrong questions, such interesting stuff how cool

 

[NTK]

So I assume now I am simply on the wrong forum asking the wrong questions, such interesting stuff how cool

Well, we won't know until you ask the questions
You'll need to build your knowledge base layer by layer, starting from the most basic, which you may already possess. You just need keep learning and building, which can be lots of fun by itself.

 

[respice finem]

IMHO it is better to start from scratch, knowing nearly nothing, than being "pre-conditioned" by all the audio subjectivism and "mythology" out there.
And, it's not necessary to become an expert on acoustics, math etc. to listen to music, or even make music, or set up a decent system.
But it requires some learning to be able to tell facts from "alternative facts". So it all depends on how deep you want to "dive in".

 

[Soandso]

Here is a general guide which I think you will find orientating. Not everything is specified, nor attempted as uniquely categorized - investigating the below order of topics in the sequence shown is not necessary.

First: Sound is mechanical energy, not electrical energy. Looking into frequencies up to 20,000 Hertz can lead to aspects like pitch and tone.

Second: Unless you are at a live musical event the music has to have been processed. Looking into how processing occurs leads to equalizer usage, masking, aspects like polarity and phase.

Third: Situational listening in a room is not acoustically standard. It's worth to looking into reflections, listening position and options for room treatments.

Fourth: Equipment capability varies. Look into "SNR" (signal to noise ratio), audibility and things like distortion for different types of audio equipment to understand how different product models of the same type of audio equipment can vary in capabilities.

Fifth: Hearing from speakers, headphones and in-the-ears' (iem) works a bit differently. Looking into how the external ear modify arriving sound can lead to understanding how the inner ear works and how the brain is involved in creating musical experience.

Sixth: Cultural and individual music preferences are many. Looking into instrument(s) and human sound production leads to aspects like harmony, rhythm, melody, time, beat, keys, scales, polyphony, a-tonality and such. Here at ASR there are several special music genre posts for exposure to musical variety.

Seventh: Avoid FOMO (fear of missing out) on subtle increments of musical enjoyment and chasing after expensive gear. ASR's host Amir reviews relatively inexpensive equipment that is good. If you haven't heard it yet there's an old joke to the effect : Audiophiles listen to their gear, while music lovers listen to their music.

 

[Chrispy]

Might consider getting this book https://www.amazon.com/Sound-Reproduction-Psychoacoustics-Loudspeakers-Engineering/dp/0240520092

 

[Chrispy]

Yes probably, im not to sure. I guess I just enjoy music a lot and want to know more about what goes into making the music that I enjoy

This site is largely about audio reproduction rather than production.....

 

[mglobe]

Yes probably, im not to sure. I guess I just enjoy music a lot and want to know more about what goes into making the music that I enjoy

Welcome! You've come to a good place to learn. However, I'm not clear on what it is you want to learn. There's a lot of folks here who can help once they understand that. You mention wanting to understand what goes in to the making of music that you enjoy. That can be music itself, and/or the recording of music. We for the most part focus on the reproduction of recorded music, and don't focus so much on the acts of creating, playing, and recording that music.

 

[Fahzz]

If you like music, you can learn on this forum at the very least how to put together a good starter system to play recorded music, and save some money in the process. You'll gain some knowledge about how to evaluate gear, and maybe build a more developed system, and again save money. You'll also have the advantage of being advised about pitfalls and scams.

Don't be put off by the jargon, you'll get used to it, or filter out the stuff that's overly technical for you (like I do).

Just be aware that broad subjective claims about equipment that can't be objectively established won't be appreciated here.