Boot Camp Level II is a 36 week continuing study in the art of mixing. Level II will focus on the art of Staging, Balance and Workflow. Every song, style and production offers unique challenges that must be recognized and approached in a way that benefits the feeling and meaning of the song.
Boot Camp Level II is divided into 4 quarters. There are 8 songs, each representing a different style of music, that will be mixed in real time with each step and decision explicitly detailed. Quarter 1 will feature the setup and staging for all 8 songs. Each song will then be completed 1 at a time over the remaining 3 quarters.
As with Level I, each week begins with a commercial mix analysis, followed by that week's lesson topic. The stems for all 8 songs will be made available for you to follow along and practice. All classes will be pre-recorded and released on the schedule in the outlines below.
The full purchase price for the course will include 4 mix evaluations that can be used over the program during any of the scheduled evaluation periods during each quarter. This option will only be available for a limited period.
See the outlines for each quarter listed below:
A well staged and balanced mix is the critical starting point for every great mix. This is the foundation for all the creative work that follows.
Great mixes start with balances that propel the groove and create a flow through the production. The staging of each section is critical to underscore the emotional message of the song.
Quarter 1 tackles these concepts for 8 different songs
In this quarter, we will look at 3 distinctly different styles of music to demonstrate how the process works effectively in each. The Hip Hop Mix will focus on establishing a strong beat and vocal presence. The Alt Rock Mix will focus on unique vibe and creating a dreamlike presence. The Jazz mix will focus establishing a live performance aesthetic to the studio production.
Tonal balancing for Hip Hop focuses on the low end and low mid range frequencies for power and upper mid presence for the vocals.
The sound field for Hip Hop ranges from dry and 'in-your-face' to deep ambient textures.
Automation for Hip Hip primarily focuses steady balances, dynamic transitions and well staged effects.
Tonal balancing for Alt Rock focuses on mid range presence.
The sound field for Alt Rock focuses on dense ambient room energy for power and depth.
Automation for Alt Rock primarily focuses on steady sectional balancing to maintain the driving energy.
Tonal balancing for Modern R&B focuses on the low end density and upper mid presence and air frequencies for the vocals.
The sound field for R&B focuses on tight ambient energy for kick and bass and lush reverb and delay textures for vocals.
Automation for R&B primarily focuses dynamic transitions and detailing vocal stylings.
This quarter will focus 3 mixes that create an intimate connection with the listener from completely different perspectives. The Roots/Reggae mix is driven from a rich vibey rhythm section accented with live horns and powered by a soulful vocal performance. The Indie/Folk song is driven by an upfront present and intimate vocal performance, supported by a shuffle beat and production elements that add depth to the expression of the vocal. The Modern R&B mix is driven by lush silky-smooth vocals and a dry beat that stages the expressive effects and production elements.
Tonal balancing for Modern Jazz focuses on Full frequency range balance and clarity.
The sound field for Modern Jazz focuses on a live performance-like sound stage.
Automation for Modern Jazz primarily focuses on smooth transitions and natural performance dynamics.
Tonal balancing for Roots-Reggae focuses on low and low mid-range density and character.
The sound field for Roots-Reggae focuses on the tonal personality of the ambient room energy.
Automation for Roots-Reggae primarily focuses on steady rhythm sectional balancing for groove and dynamic vocal effects.
Tonal balancing for Indie-Folk focuses on clarity, character and presence for the vocals.
The sound field for Indie-Folk focuses on tight ambient energy for vocals and the primary instrument with depth in the rest of the production.
Automation for Indie-Folk primarily focuses on vocal clarity and detail with a steady rhythm section.
The final 2 mixes are larger productions that demonstrate different approaches to a driving mix. The Rock mix is a fast paced production that centers around rhythm section that drives like a freight train carrying a vocal performance on top.The Modern Pop mix is a classic modern production driven by electronic elements and effects with fast changing sound field to stark tonal balance changes to create excitement and bring the lyric and message to life.
In the final 3 weeks we will focus on assessing the work accomplished in the 8 mixes with some adjustments to tidy up loose ends. We will also have a final look at student mix submissions to evaluate and make suggestions for improvement.
Tonal balancing for Rock focuses on mid-range energy for drive and power.
The sound field for Rock focuses on a powerful ambient room energy.
Automation for Rock primarily focuses on rhythm section energy and drive.
Tonal balancing for Modern-Pop focuses quick dynamic shifts in density and character between sections of the production.
The sound field for Modern Pop focuses on quick dynamic shifts in depth, width and character.
Automation for Modern Pop primarily focuses on detailing dynamic shifts in tone, balance and space from section to section.
This week's class will focus on cleanup work for the 8 mixes
This week's class will focus on cleanup work for the 8 mixes
This class will focus on student mix evaluations, live Q&A and a Level II wrap-up.
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