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MIXING - Level I - Foundations

MIXING - Level I is a 12 week program including 4 independent courses that run in parallel. Theory teaches in-depth mixing concepts. Context provides practical application skills. Training teaches ear training and decision making skills. Practice provides stems for 3 Songs that will be mixed beginning to end.

Dividing the program into 4 courses gives you the ability to study in whatever way suits your needs. Need help with mixing theory? Start there... Need ear training or better decision making skills? Start there... Need practical training examples or more depth on any topic? Start there... Want to dive straight into the mixing? Start there... All 4 courses will be cross linked so that any topic can be quickly accessed for Theory, Context or Training.

Foundations is a comprehensive program that teaches professional concepts in a beginner level format. The program includes 3 complete songs that will be mixed beginning to end. You will have access to all the stems to follow along and practice.

All lessons are pre-recorded, there are no live classes to attend. All questions will be answered through the forums below each video lesson.

Course Introduction

More than a cursory intro, this class will explain the unique structure of this program and how to best take advantage of it. It will also spell out the overlying philosophy of mixing and the mixing process.

THEORY

Practical Concepts

  1. Course Introduction and Instructions

  2. Theory Course Overview

CONTEXT

Additional information and practical application.

  1. Course Introduction and Instructions

  2. Context Course Overview

 

TRAINING

Exercises and training to help improve your skills.

  1. Course Introduction and Instructions

  2. Training Course Overview

PRACTICE

Apply what you have learned on 3 songs.

  1. Course Introduction and Instructions

  2. Hip Hop Mix Overview

  3. R&B Mix Overview

  4. Rock Mix Overview

 

WEEK 1: Signal Flow and Gain Structure

This week covers the technical, structural concepts, and tools of the mixing process. This essential information sets the foundation for all of the processing work that follows.

THEORY

Practical Concepts

  1. Session Organization

  2. Track Types

  3. Meters - VU & dBFS

  4. Gain Structure

  5. Tempo Maps, Meter & Memory Locations

 

CONTEXT

Additional information and practical application.

  1. Alternate Routing Schemes

  2. Folders, VCAs & Track Grouping

  3. Meters PPM, LUFS, K

  4. Unity Gain Principle

  5. Color Coding Tracks and Clips

 

TRAINING

Exercises and training to help improve your skills.

  1. Analyzing a Session

  2. Bed, Sectional & Transitional Tracks

  3. Reading Meters

  4. Setting Gain With Meters

  5. Mixing Strategies

 

PRACTICE

Apply what you have learned on 3 songs.

  1. Hip Hop

  2. R&B

  3. Rock

 

WEEK 2: Mixing in the 3D Sound Field

The most enduring quality of great mixes is the sense of space in and around the elements of the mix. This 'secret ingredient' is the same as the way we perceive sound in the real world. This week covers how this effect is achieved in a mix.

THEORY

Practical Concepts

  1. What is the 3D Sound Field?

  2. How We Localize Sound

  3. The 3 Mix Zones and Height Field Principle

  4. Moving Sounds Front to Back

  5. Moving Sounds Up and Down

 

CONTEXT

Additional information and practical application.

  1. Levels and the 3D Sound Field

  2. Panning and Width in the 3D Sound Field

  3. Dynamics and the 3D Sound Field

  4. Frequencies and the 3D sound Field

  5. Focus on the Space

 

TRAINING

Exercises and training to help improve your skills.

  1. Setting up a Monitor Playlist

  2. Listening for Space and Separation

  3. Listening for Dynamic Movement and Placement

  4. Understanding Mix Dynamics

  5. Mix Strategies

 

PRACTICE

Apply what you have learned on 3 songs.

  1. Hip Hop

  2. R&B

  3. Rock

 

WEEK 3: Levels and Panning

The decisions we make with Levels and Panning sets the 3-Mix-Zone Staging of each element of the mix. A good strategy will shape the flow and dynamics of the mix.

THEORY

Practical Concepts

  1. Levels and Front-Back staging

  2. Panning and Width

  3. Levels and Panning for Foundational Tracks

  4. Levels and Panning for Sectional Tracks

  5. Levels and Panning for Lead Tracks

 

CONTEXT

Additional information and practical application.

  1. Static Levels and Performance Dynamics

  2. Understanding Pan and Balance Controls

  3. Most Common Pan Positions for Instruments

  4. Frequency Content Considerations and Level Setting

  5. Assessing Problems for Future Processing

 

TRAINING

Exercises and training to help improve your skills.

  1. Ear Training for Level Setting

  2. Ear Training for Pan and Width Setting

  3. Mix Dynamics and Levels

  4. Mix Dynamics and Panning

  5. How to Assess Mix Flow Issues

 

PRACTICE

Apply what you have learned on 3 songs.

  1. Hip Hop

  2. R&B

  3. Rock

 

WEEK 4: Equalization Basics

This class focuses on the basics of equalization, the types of filters, how to best use them. It will also cover strategies for approaching EQ instrument by instrument.

THEORY

Practical Concepts

  1. Defining EQ Parameters

  2. Filter Types

  3. High and Low Pass Filters

  4. Shelving EQs for Tonal Balance

  5. Bell EQs for Focus and Detailing

 

CONTEXT

Additional information and practical application.

  1. What is a "Balanced" Frequency Spectrum?

  2. The Give-Take EQ Principle

  3. Using Resonant Filters

  4. Md-Side Equalization

  5. The "Focus" Frequency Zone

 

TRAINING

Exercises and training to help improve your skills.

  1. Understanding the Frequency Spectrum

  2. Instruments and the frequency Spectrum

  3. EQ for Acoustic Instruments

  4. EQ for Programmed Instruments

  5. Training Exercises for Targeting Tonal Zones

 

PRACTICE

Apply what you have learned on 3 songs.

  1. Hip Hop

  2. R&B

  3. Rock

 

WEEK 5: Tonal Shaping With EQ

Equalization is the primary way to shape the tone of a record. How we distribute the frequency spectrum across the available instruments is critical to success.

THEORY

Practical Concepts

  1. Subtractive EQ Techniques

  2. Natural EQ Techniques

  3. 1 & 2 Point EQ Techniques for Hype and Focus

  4. Creative EQ Techniques

  5. Dynamic EQ Techniques

 

CONTEXT

Additional information and practical application.

  1. EQ for Drums and Percussion

  2. EQ for Rhythm Section Instruments

  3. EQ for Strings and Pads

  4. EQ for Piano

  5. EQ for Vocals

 

TRAINING

Exercises and training to help improve your skills.

  1. Finding Fundamental Frequencies

  2. Finding Tonal Centers of Instruments

  3. Managing Tonal Interference Patterns

  4. EQ to Enhance Height, Depth & Presence

  5. Achieving Whole Mix Tonal Balance

 

PRACTICE

Apply what you have learned on 3 songs.

  1. Hip Hop

  2. R&B

  3. Rock

 

WEEK 6: Dynamics Processing Basics

Dynamics Processing is the most powerful way to control the dynamic movement of a sound. This week focuses on the tools, the settings and the primary objectives for dynamics processing.

THEORY

Practical Concepts

  1. 4 Types of Dynamic Processing

  2. The 3 Objectives of Compression

  3. Basic Compression Settings

  4. Gates and Expanders

  5. Using Side Chains

 

CONTEXT

Additional information and practical application.

  1. Low Level Compression

  2. Levelers and Dynamic Gain Riding Tools

  3. Advanced Compression Settings

  4. Transient Shaping

  5. Multiband Compression

 

TRAINING

Exercises and training to help improve your skills.

  1. How to Hear Compression

  2. Hearing Attack Settings

  3. Hearing Release Settings

  4. Hearing Density and Localization

  5. Balancing Density and Dynamics

 

PRACTICE

Apply what you have learned on 3 songs.

  1. Hip Hop

  2. R&B

  3. Rock

 

WEEK 7: Shaping Depth and Focus With Compression

The purpose of compression is to control the dynamic movement of each sound in the context of the whole mix to shape depth and focus. This week focuses on the process and application of compression in a mix.

THEORY

Practical Concepts

  1. Defining Compression Techniques

  2. Peak Compression Techniques

  3. RMS Compression Techniques

  4. Peak Limiters and Clippers

  5. Vintage Compressors

 

CONTEXT

Additional information and practical application.

  1. Selecting the Best Technique

  2. Compressing Drums and Percussion

  3. Compressing Rhythm Instruments

  4. Compressing Sustaining Instruments

  5. Compressing Vocals

  6. De-Essing, De-Breathing, Plosives and Tonal Imbalances.

 

TRAINING

Exercises and training to help improve your skills.

  1. Getting a Feel for Compression

  2. Staging a Song With Compression

  3. Judging Performance Dynamics

  4. Layering Compression

  5. Using Spectral Compression

 

PRACTICE

Apply what you have learned on 3 songs.

  1. Hip Hop

  2. R&B

  3. Rock

 

WEEK 8: Saturation and Vintage Processing

Saturation is a powerful way to shape the tonal density of a sound. There are many forms of saturation from Vintage EQs, Compressors, Pre-Amps and Analog Tape emulations that can be used aggressively or for subtle effect. This class covers how to use these valuable tools to shape the tone of your mix.

THEORY

Practical Concepts

  1. Defining Saturation

  2. Tape and Pre-Amp Saturation

  3. Vintage EQ and Compression

  4. Tube Saturation Processors

  5. Saturation Plugins

 

CONTEXT

Additional information and practical application.

  1. Transient and Sustain Saturation

  2. Using Exciters

  3. Digital Distortion Techniques

  4. Re-Amp Plugins

  5. Creative Saturation

 

TRAINING

Exercises and training to help improve your skills.

  1. Listening Exercises for Saturation

  2. Saturation for Drums

  3. Saturation for Bass

  4. Saturating Harmonic Instruments

  5. Saturating Vocals and Lead Instruments

 

PRACTICE

Apply what you have learned on 3 songs.

  1. Hip Hop

  2. R&B

  3. Rock

 

WEEK 9: Effects Processing Basics

Effects are the primary way we shape space in and around the elements of a mix. This class will cover the different types of effects and where each is most effectively used in a mix.

THEORY

Practical Concepts

  1. Time Based Effects Overview

  2. Early Reflections  and Delays

  3. Types of Reverb

  4. Modulation and Width Effects

  5. Filter Effects

 

CONTEXT

Additional information and practical application.

  1. The Power of "Dry" Effects

  2. Establishing Depth with Delays and ER

  3. Techniques for Shaping Reverb

  4. Balancing Width and Depth Processing

  5. When to Use Creative Effects

 

TRAINING

Exercises and training to help improve your skills.

  1. Hearing Dry Effects

  2. Hearing Different Reverb Types

  3. Hearing Modulation Effects

  4. Width Shaping Exercise

  5. Hearing Vintage Effects

 

PRACTICE

Apply what you have learned on 3 songs.

  1. Hip Hop

  2. R&B

  3. Rock

 

WEEK 10: Shaping Space with Effects

Effects can shape the depth, width, height and tonal texture of a mix. This week will cover the process of adding effects to shape space without cluttering the sound field.

THEORY

Practical Concepts

  1. Strategizing Effects

  2. Staging the Depth Field with Early Reflections

  3. Shaping Tone with 'Dry' Effects

  4. Filling Space With Reverb and Delays

  5. Using Width Enhancements to Shape the 3D Sound Field

 

CONTEXT

Additional information and practical application.

  1. Prioritized Tracks for Effects

  2. Delays versus Early Reflection Patterns

  3. Using Vintage Reverbs

  4. Using Vintage Effects

  5. Focusing Effects with Compression

  6. Focusing Effects With Saturation

 

TRAINING

Exercises and training to help improve your skills.

  1. 3D Sound Field Exercise 1

  2. 3D Sound Field Exercise 2

  3. 3D Sound Field Exercise 3

  4. 3D Sound Field Exercise 4

  5. 3D Sound Field Exercise 5

 

PRACTICE

Apply what you have learned on 3 songs.

  1. Hip Hop

  2. R&B

  3. Rock

 

WEEK 11: Automation

Automation is the process of weaving together the elements of a mix to shape the dynamic flow of a production from beginning to end. This includes everything from levels and panning to automating effects.

THEORY

Practical Concepts

  1. Automation Basics

  2. Sectional Automation

  3. Transitional Automation

  4. Automating Vocals & Lead Instruments

  5. Automating Effects

 

CONTEXT

Additional information and practical application.

  1. The Give-Take Principle of Automation

  2. Balancing the Loudness of a Production

  3. Balancing the Intersectional Elements of a Mix

  4. Level Balancing and Automation Tools

  5. Managing the Floor and Ceiling of Your Mix

     

 

TRAINING

Exercises and training to help improve your skills.

  1. Automation Ear Training Exercise 1

  2. Automation Ear Training Exercise 2

  3. Automation Ear Training Exercise 3

  4. Automation Ear Training Exercise 4

  5. Automation Ear Training Exercise 5

 

PRACTICE

Apply what you have learned on 3 songs.

  1. Hip Hop

  2. R&B

  3. Rock

 

WEEK 12: Mix Bus Processing

The Mix Bus is the final place, before mastering, where we can shape the finished mix. Here we will cover mix bus processors from EQ and Compression, to Tape emulations, Width processing and Limiters.

THEORY

Practical Concepts

  1. Mix Bus Processing Basics

  2. Mix Bus Tonal Shaping

  3. Mix Bus Compression

  4. Mix Bus Tape and Saturation

  5. Mix Bus Width and Depth Processing
  6. Mix Bus Limiters

 

CONTEXT

Additional information and practical application.

  1. Setting Mix Bus Gain Structure

  2. Parallel Mix Bus Saturation

  3. Parallel Mix Bus Compression

  4. Mix Bus Automation

  5. Export Standards for Mastering

 

TRAINING

Exercises and training to help improve your skills.

  1. Hearing Exercises for Mix Bus Saturation

  2. Hearing Exercises for Mix Bus Equalization

  3. Hearing Exercises for Mix Bus Compression

  4. Hearing Exercises for Mix Bus Width processing

  5. When is a Mix 'Finished'

 

PRACTICE

Apply what you have learned on 3 songs.

  1. Hip Hop

  2. R&B

  3. Rock

 

LEARN THE ART OF MIXING FROM A 36 YEAR PROFESSIONAL!

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