Mixing And Mastering Course - United States

Mixing and Mastering Course Outline

Module 1: Introduction to Mixing

• Evolution of Mixing
• Different Mixing Styles
• How Studio Mixing is Different from Live Music?
• How to Mix?

Module 2: Monitoring

• Listening Environment
• Overcoming Potential Acoustic Problems
• Basic Monitor Setup
• Mixing on Headphones
• How Loud (or Soft) Should Listen?
• Listening Techniques

Module 3: Mix Preparations

• Prepping Sessions
  • Make a Session File Copy
  • Tweak the Track Timing
  • Check the Fades
  • Eliminate Noises
  • Compose Tracks
  • Tune Tracks
  • Arrange Tracks
  • Make Decisions
  • Insert Section Markers
  • Create Groups and Subgroups
  • Create Effects Channels
  • Insert Compressors and Limiters
• Personal Preparation
  • Calibrate Your Hearing
  • Get Your Listening Reference Point
  • Prepare for Note-Taking
  • Make Yourself Comfortable
  • Take Frequent Breaks
  • Stay Focused on the Mix

Module 4: Mechanics of Mixing

• Conceptualizing the Mix
• Overall Approach
• Dimensions
• Signs of an Amateur Mix
• Elements of a Mix
• Intangibles of a Mix
• Arrangement
• Performances
• Point of Interest

Module 5: Balance Element: The Mixing Part of Mixing

• Arrangement: Where It All Begins
  • Tension and Release
  • Conflicting Instruments
  • Arrangement Elements
  • Arrangement Examples
  • Rules for Arrangements
• Where to Build the Mix From
  • What is the Genre?
• Level-Setting Methods

Module 6: Placing the Audio in the Sound field

• Stereo Picture
• Phantom Center
• Major Panoramic Areas in a Mix
• Big Mono
• Panning outside the Speakers
• Beyond Panning for Placement
• Panning in Surround Sound
• LFE Channel
• Surround-Sound Formats
• Differences between Surround for Picture and Music
• Surround Mixing Schools of Thought

Module 7: Using the Equalizer

• Goals of Equalization
• Frequency Bands and What They Do?
• EQ Methods
  • Equalize for Definition
  • Equalize for Size
  • Juggling Frequencies
• Finding an Offending Frequency
• Magic High-Pass Filter
• Magic Frequencies
• Relationship between Bass and Drums
• EQ Techniques

Module 8: Adding Effects

• Principles for Adding Effects
• Using Delays
  • Types of Delays
  • Timing Delays to the Track
  • Setting the Repeats
  • Typical Delay Setups
  • Delay Techniques
• Using Reverb
  • Types of Reverb
  • Timing Reverbs to the Track
  • Typical Reverb Setups
  • Reverb Techniques
• Using Modulation
  • Types of Modulation
  • Typical Modulation Setups
  • Modulation Techniques
• EQing Effects on
  • Vocals
  • Instruments
  • Drums
• Layering Effects
• Revamping

Module 9: Dynamics Element: Compression, Limiting, Gating, and De-Essing

• Types of Dynamics Control
• Compression
• Using Compression
• Using a De-Essing
• Gating Techniques

Module 10: Key to Great Mix

• Direction of the Song
• Groove
  • Develop
  • Finding
  • Building
• Find the Most Important Element and Emphasize It
• Steps to a Better Mix

Module 11: Advanced Techniques

• Cleanup
• Adjust the Timing
• Pitch Correction Techniques
• Sound Replacement
  • Keeping the Sound Natural
  • Sound-Replacement Techniques
• Automation
• Gain Staging

Module 12: Master Mix

• Indicators that Mix is Finished
• Competitive Level
• Hypercompression
• Tips for Hot Levels
• Mastering
• Mixing for Internet Distribution
• MP3 Encoding
• Mastered for iTunes
• Alternate Mixes
• Different Types of Alternate Mixes
• Stems