COURSE OUTLINE

Class 1 Evaluating Commercial Productions

The fundamental purpose of this course is to teach you how to evaluate commercial productions and translate what you hear to a multitrack mix. The process begins with some advanced listening techniques, mix and production evaluations, and learning how to translate those perceptions to the artist and song you are working on.

1. Finding Good Commercial Productions
2. Defining Qualities of a Finished Pro Mix
3. Organizing Commercial References
4. Listening Exercises and Advanced Ear Training
5. Establishing a Sonic Signature

Class 2 Matching The Sonic Signature Part 1

The “Sonic Signature” of a commercial production is a combination of the technical aspects of balances, spread, tone, depth field, and presence field, as well as how it defines the meaning of the song and personality of the artist. The process begins with matching the technical aspects of the commercial reference.

1. Matching a Sonic Signature Step-by-Step
2. Establishing Balances and Spread (Levels and Pan)
3. Establishing the Tonal Balance (EQ)
4. Establishing the Front-Back Sound Field (Compression)
5. Establishing the Presence Field (Early Reflections)

Class 3 Matching Sonic Signature Part 2

The second part of matching the Sonic Signature is to personalize the mix to the artist and song you are working on. Once established, the comparisons to the commercial reference will focus on vibe and energy rather than technical differences.

1. Establishing the Effects Field
2. Solidifying the Mix
3. Personalizing the Mix to the Artist
4. Comparing to the Commercial Reference
5. Finishing the Mix

Class 4 Modern R&B Mix Part 1: Matching the Commercial Reference

This class will demonstrate the process of matching a commercial R&B production to an existing multitrack mix. The demonstrations will focus on the technical aspects of matching the mix to the reference.

1. Analyzing the Commercial Reference
2. Adapting Balances and Spread
3. Adapting the Tonal Balance
4. Adapting the Front-Back Sound Field 
5. Adapting the Presence Field

Class 5 Modern R&B Mix Part 2: Personalizing the Mix to the Artist

This class will demonstrate the process of personalizing the mix to the artist and song. The demonstrations will focus on the artistic aspects of the mix.

1. Adapting the Effects Field
2. Solidifying the Mix
3. Personalizing the Mix to the Artist
4. Mix Adjustments

Class 6 Modern R&B Mix Part 3: Finishing the Mix

This class will detail the process of finishing the commercial mix and demonstrate the process of matching the vibe and energy to the commercial reference.

1. Automation
2. Production Assessment
3. Mix Adjustments
4. Mix Buss and Mix Stem Processing
5. Finalizing the Mix

Class 7 Hip Hop Mix Part 1: Matching the Commercial Reference

This class will demonstrate the process of matching a commercial Hip Hop production to an existing multitrack mix. The demonstrations will focus on the technical aspects of matching the mix to the reference.

1. Analyzing the Commercial Reference
2. Adapting Balances and Spread
3. Adapting the Front-Back Sound Field 
4. Adapting the Tonal Balance
5. Adapting the Presence Field

Class 8 Hip Hop Mix Part 2: Personalizing the Mix to the Artist

This class will demonstrate the process of personalizing the mix to the artist and song. The demonstrations will focus on the artistic aspects of the mix.

1. Adapting the Effects Field
2. Solidifying the Mix
3. Personalizing the Mix to the Artist
4. Mix Adjustments

Class 9 Hip Hop Mix Part 3: Finishing the Mix

This class will detail the process of finishing the commercial mix and demonstrate the process of matching the vibe and energy to the commercial reference.

1. Automation
2. Production Assessment
3. Mix Adjustments
4. Mix Buss and Mix Stem Processing
5. Finalizing the Mix

Class 10 Overcoming Obstacles: Mix Case Study #1

This class will demonstrate the process of overcoming obstacles by using an actual student mix as an example. These lessons teach you what to listen for and how to correct problems in a mix. It is an essential skill to learn to create professional sounding mixes.

1. Mix Case Study #1
2. Reevaluating Vocals
   
3. Reevaluating Drums and Bass
   
4. Reevaluating Instruments
5. Mix Stem and Mix Buss processing
   

Class 11 Overcoming Obstacles: Mix Case Study #2

This class will demonstrate the process of overcoming obstacles by using an actual student mix as an example. These lessons teach you what to listen for and how to correct problems in a mix. It is an essential skill to learn to create professional sounding mixes.

1. Mix Case Study #2
   
2. Reevaluating Drums and Bass
   
3. Reevaluating Instruments
4. Reevaluating Vocals
5. Mix Stem and Mix Buss processing

Class 12 Overcoming Obstacles: Mix Case Study #3

This class will demonstrate the process of overcoming obstacles by using an actual student mix as an example. These lessons teach you what to listen for and how to correct problems in a mix. It is an essential skill to learn to create professional sounding mixes.

1. Mix Case Study #3
   
2. Reevaluating Drums and Bass
   
3. Reevaluating Instruments
4. Reevaluating Vocals
5. Mix Stem and Mix Buss processing