Class 1: Preparing To Mix

In this class, you will learn the basic concepts of mixing and gain a fresh perspective on how to listen to music and what to listen for. You will also learn how to get the most from your studio and monitoring system. This is essential information before starting to mix.

1. What is Mixing?
2. Visual Approach to Mixing
3. Speaker Placement
4. Using Monitors
5. Using Headphones

Class 2: Starting The Mix

This class will focus on the very basics of session organization and preparing the mix signal flow. You will learn the 3 Tier Mixing System that provides the most powerful and flexible way to maximize the sound quality of your mix. Once this structure is in place you will begin mixing with Levels, Panning and learn how to assess the quality of the sounds and develop a strategy for processing.

1. Organizing Tracks
2. The 3 Tier Mixing System
3. Mix Signal Flow
4. Levels and Panning
5. Assessing Sounds and Editing

Class 3: Equalization

Equalization is the first stage in the processing chain. Most of the early equalization is focussed on removing what you do not want or what is not necessary. Then you will learn how to apply some basic tonal shaping techniques that will provide focus without harshness to your mix.

1. Defining Equalization
2. Filters and Subtractive EQ
3. Using Additive EQ
4. Vintage Equalizers
5. The Practical Application of Equalization

Class 4: Dynamics Processing

Understanding dynamics processing is essential to making great mixes. The compressor is perhaps the most powerful tool available to the mix engineer. When used correctly it can add focus, depth and punch to a sound. When improperly used, it can render a sound lifeless, weak and thin. The following lessons uncover the true hidden power of dynamics processing and how to use them to make you mixes dynamic and alive sounding.

1. Defining Compression
2. Basic Compression Techniques
3. Using Vintage Compressors
4. Using Multi-Band Compressors
5. Using Gates and Expanders

Class 5: Effects Processing

The use of reverb, delays and modulation effects help to create separation, width, depth and size in a mix. When the parameters of the effects are understood, the ability to apply them liberally is easy. When the role of effects processing is not understood it can create a big sloppy mess. These lessons focus on practical effects processing techniques.

1. Defining Effects Processing
2. Reverb
3. Delays and Echoes
4. Modulation Effects
5. Harmonic Distortion Effects

Class 6: Shaping the Mix

Once the basic stages of processing are done and your sounds are more or less in place, you will begin the process of shaping the mix to make it come to life. This stage is where the song and production comes into focus. It’s not good enough to have just great individual sounds, they must work together in the production to bring the song to life. In this stage you will need to revisit your processing and apply additional processing where necessary.

1. Level and Panning Adjustments
2. Re-Shaping the Tonal Balance
3. Adjusting Effects
4. Bringing Excitement Into the Mix
5. Ready For Automation?

Class 7: Automation and Fine Tuning

Now that the song and production sounds and feels great, it’s time to weave all of the instrumentation together with automation. Although automation may be applied at any stage of the mixing process, it is this point in the mix where subtle changes to levels and the automation of effects help to guide the listener throughout the whole song, carrying their interest through every bar and beat.

1. Defining Automation
2. Fader and Pan Automation
3. Automating Effects
4. Automation Techniques
5. Automating Fade-ins and Fade-outs

Class 8: Finishing Your Mix

The final stage of the mixing process involves the polishing of your entire mix. This starts with the mix stem processing where you have the ability to process groupings of instruments, like drums, keys, guitars, vocals, etc… Processing at the mix buss will help to pull the whole mix together to make it sound like a “record”. This is where the 3 Tier Mix System comes to life. The following lessons will teach effective buss processing methods and explain why this critical stage is left for last.

1. Mix Stem Processing
2. Mix Buss Processing
3. Considerations for Mastering
4. Printing The Final Mix
5. Managing Updates and Versions

Class 1: The Structure of Mixing

This is the most essential part of this mixing course because all of the other classes will be built off of the information provided here. It is absolutely necessary to teach you how to listen to music and what to listen for.

1. A Historical Perspective of Mixing
2. A Visual Approach to Audio
3. Listening Environment and Speaker Setup
4. Session Organization and the 3 Tiered Mixing System
5. Preparing to Mix

Class 2: The Mixing Process

This class starts with a step by step guide through the entire process and then begins the process of mixing. There are many hidden secrets in this stage of the mixing process that build the foundation for everything else you do.

1. The Mix Process: Step by Step
2. Setting a Goal For Your Mix
3. Levels and Panning
4. Phase and Phase Relationship
5. Filters and Subtractive EQ

Class 3: Tonal Shaping & Equalization

This is an in depth look at EQ and how it is best applied in a mix. Equalization is an incredibly powerful tool for shaping and refining your mix. It is also the most grossly overused tool. This class will dispel the many myths surrounding EQ and it’s practical application in the mixing process.

1. Different Types of EQ
2. Understanding Filters and Q
3. Using Vintage Equalizers
4. Shaping Sound
5. Practical Application and Techniques

Class 4: Dynamics Processing Part 1

Dynamics processing is absolutely the most misunderstood and misused form of processing by novices and professionals alike. It is also the most powerful form of processing when used correctly. This week will explain, in extreme detail, the what, why, when and how of dynamics processing.

1. Types of Compressors and Expanders
2. The concept of Frequency Density
3. Parameters of the Compressor
4. How to Hear Compression
5. The Practical Application of Compression

Class 5: Dynamics Processing Part 2

This class will focus on the practical application of dynamics processing including the use of advanced dynamic processing techniques. You will learn how to truly harness the power of compression to solidify the imaging and depth of your mix.

1. Advanced Compression Techniques
2. Using Vintage Compressors
3. Multiband Compressors
4. Unique Dynamics Processors
5. A Complete Compression Overview

Class 6: Effects Processing

This is an in-depth look at effects processing and how it should be applied in the mixing process. Each form of processor is discussed in detail and how it effects the 3D soundstage.

1. Early Reflections
2. Reverb and Echoes
3. Delay Effects
4. Modulation Effects
5. Processing Tips and Techniques

Class 7: Automation and Fine Tuning

This class will discuss the importance of automation and the concept of focussing the listener’s attention. This is the stage where the song comes together ‘musically’ and is the critical stage for turning your ‘mix’ into a ‘record’.

1. The Layers of Automation
2. Pre Processing Automation
3. Automating Effects
4. Automation Techniques
5. Automating Fade-ins and Fade-outs

Class 8: Finishing The Mix

This is the integration stage for all the other techniques that have been applied in the previous lessons. In this class, you will learn how to finalize all of the individual processing techniques into a finished mix. This will dramatically change your perspective of mixing and is where the power of the 3 Tiered Mixing System comes into full effect.

1. 3 Tiered Mixing System Revisited
2. Mix Stem and Mix Buss Processing
3. Considerations for Mastering
4. Printing The Final Mix
5. Managing Updates and Archival

Class 1: Mastering the Basics of Mixing

What separates a master mix engineer from the rest is not secret information, expensive gear or loads of plugins. It is their mastery of the basic principles of mixing. It is also important to understand the approach different genres of music. This is much more than just ‘liking’ a style of music, it is about understanding the engineering principles and approach that creates that sound

1. Master the Basics of Mixing
2. Mixing and Loudness
3. Mixing for Your Audience
4. Mixing Pop Records
5. Mixing Rock/Metal Records
6. Mixing Hip-Hop/Rap Records
7. Mixing Dance/Remix/EDM Records
8. Mixing Retro Records
9. Mixing Classical/Jazz Records
10. Mixing Other Styles

Class 2: Mixing Acoustic Drums

Historically, engineers have always been defined by their ability to get great drum sounds. This measure was created due to the many challenges of getting great sounds with acoustically recorded drums. These lessons will teach you the essential elements for getting great acoustic drum sounds.

1. Mixing Acoustic Drums
2. Assessing Drums Sounds
3. Phase Aligning Drums
4. Gates vs. Automation
5. Mixing Bass Drums
6. Mixing Snares
7. Mixing Toms
8. Mixing Hi Hats and Cymbals
9. Mixing Room Mics
10. Sample Replacement
11. Working With Effects

Class 3: Mixing Programmed Drums and Percussion

Programmed Drums have the advantage of isolated sounds, but also offer many challenges that are not obviously apparent. These lessons will teach you how to work with programmed drums and also cover mixing acoustic percussion.

1. Mixing Programmed Drums
2. Mixing Programmed Bass Drums
3. Mixing Programmed Snares
4. Mixing Programmed Fills
5. Mixing Programmed Hi Hats and Cymbals
6. Mixing Programmed Percussion
7. Making Programmed Drums Sound Real
8. Mixing Programmed Drum Effects
9. Mixing Acoustic Percussion
10. Mixing Sampled Loops

Class 4: Mixing Bass and Guitars

The foundation of a rhythm section is defined by the way bass and guitar sounds are blended in with the drums. Guitar and Bass may actually be the most difficult of instruments to mix effectively because of the complexity and range of frequencies they occupy. These lessons will cover the broad spectrum of challenges that come with getting great sounds for guitars and basses.

1. Working With low Frequency Instruments
2. Mixing Bass Amps and DIs
3. Re-amping Basses
4. Mixing Programmed Basses
5. Mixing Acoustic Guitars (single and multi-mic)
6. Mixing Clean Electric Guitars
7. Mixing Distorted Electric Guitars
8. Re-Amping Guitars
9. Mixing Guitar Solos
10. Mixing Guitar Effects

Class 5: Mixing Piano, Classic Keys and Synths

Keyboard Instruments cover an extraordinarily wide range of sounds, tonal colorations and frequencies. This means that they serve many different roles in a mix from occupying the basic rhythm section, to groove generating melodic rhythms, to atmospheric pads and all the way up to solo or lead instruments.

1. Mixing Acoustic Piano
2. Mixing Classic Keyboards
3. Mixing Organs and Rhodes
4. Mixing Electronic Pianos
5. Mixing Analog Synths
6. Mixing Pads and Strings
7. Mixing Lead Synths
8. Mixing Percussive Melodic Synths

Class 6: Mixing Orchestral Instruments

Orchestral Instruments are widely used in almost all styles of music. The wide range of sounds and rich history offer many challenges to the mix engineer’s ability to clearly define each instruments unique character and sound.

1. The Layout of an Orchestra
2. Mixing Strings – Group and Solo (Bass, Cello, Viola, Violin)
3. Mixing Woodwinds (Flutes, Saxes, Clarinets, Oboes, Bassoons)
4. Mixing Brass Instruments (Trumpets, Trombones, Big Brass)
5. Mixing Pitched Orchestral Percussion (Vibes, Xylophones, Triangles Etc…)
6. Mixing Tympani
7. Mixing Harpsichords
8. Mixing Harps

Class 7: Mixing Miscellaneous Instruments and Sound Effects

There are many instruments that fall between the cracks of most songs. But their unique nature and sound require special treatment in order to preserve their authenticity and character in a mix.

1. Mixing Ukelele and Mandolin
2. Mixing Banjos, Pedal Steel and Slide Guitar
3. Mixing Blues Harp and Harmonica
4. Mixing Accordions and Harmonium
5. Mixing Sound Effects, Explosions & Gunshots
6. Mixing Environmental Sounds
7. Mixing Cinematic Effects

Class 8: Mixing Lead Vocals

No single instrument is featured more in music than the lead vocal. Because the human ear is more sensitive to the human voice than any other instrument, mixing vocals requires extra special attention.

1. Mixing Male Vocals
2. Mixing Female Vocals
3. De-Ess, De-Breath and Plosives
4. Pitch Correction (Natural and for Effect)
5. Mixing Reverb and Early Reflections for Vocals
6. Mixing Delays For Vocals
7. Mixing Telephone, Megaphone and Distortion Effects
8. Automation Techniques for Vocals

Class 9: Mixing Background and Group Vocals

Mixing background and group vocals also offers many challenges in the mixing process. Panning, balancing harmonies, correcting timing and pitch issues are just a few.

1. Mixing Vocal Doubles
2. Mixing Vocal Harmonies
3. Mixing Group Harmonies
4. Adding Size and Numbers to BG Vocals
5. Effects Processing Techniques For BG Vocals
6. Mixing Gang Vocals
7. Mixing Choirs and Choral Groups

Class 10: The Finished Mix

The final lessons in the Master Mixing Course are designed to focus your approach on the fundamental elements that make a mix into a finished record. Without these basic elements any mix, no matter how good the sounds, will never come to life.

1. Establishing the Groove of a Song
2. Establishing the Shape of a Song
3. Mixing the Transitions
4. Guiding the Listener’s Attention
5. Mixing and the Art of Deception
6. Bringing Emotion Into a Mix
7. The Art of Mixing – Final Thoughts

Class 1: What is Mastering and the Mastering Process

This is an introduction to the art of Mastering, defining what it is and explaining its role in the music production process.

1.  What is Mastering

2. The Evolution of Mastering

3. A History of Loudness

4. Modern Mastering

5. The Mastering Process, Step by Step

Class 2: Mastering Software and Hardware

There are many forms of Mastering Software. Some are focussed purely on processing audio and others offer advanced editing features and the ability to create CD Masters.

1. Basic Mastering Plugins

2. Advanced Mastering Plugins

3. CD Mastering Software

4. Restoration Software

5. Mastering Hardware

Class 3: Equalization in the Mastering Process

These lessons focus on the application of Equalization in the Mastering Process

1. Frequencies and the 3D Sound Field

2. Mastering Equalizers

3. Working With Filters in Mastering

4. Additive Equalization In Mastering

5. Mastering EQ in the Processing Chain

Class 4: Compression and Limiting in the Mastering Process

These lessons focus on Compression and Limiting Techniques in the Mastering Process.

1. Mastering and Frequency Density

2. Mastering Compression Techniques

3. Mastering Limiter Techniques

4. Mastering With MultiBand Compressors

5. Mastering With MultiBand Limiters

Class 5: Depth and Imaging Techniques

Size is about much more than just frequencies and compression, it’s also about depth and focused imaging. These lessons uncover valuable depth and imaging techniques to squeeze out all the size you can get from a mix.

1. The 3D Sound-Field

2. Stereo vs. M/S Processing

3. Early Reflections and Reverb

4. Exciters and Imaging Plugins

5. Mono Compatibility

Class 6: Levels and Loudness

Love it or Hate it Loudness is a inescapable part of the modern music production environment. This is about more than just making your mix louder than the next guy’s mix, it is about adapting your mixes to the many ways people listen to music and the environments they listen in.

1. Meters and Metering Techniques

2. Perceived Loudness vs. Levels

3. Compression Techniques for Loudness

4. Peak Limiters and Loudness

5. Loudness and Dynamic Range

Class 7: Mastering For CD

The process of mastering for CD involves a number of additional steps and considerations to get the best results from the manufacturing process.

1. Song Order, Spacing and Levels

2. CD Subcodes and CD Text

3. DDP and CDR Production Masters

4. Glass Masters and the Manufacturing Process

5. Mastering Documentation

Class 8: Exporting and Conversion

After all the processing and preparation work is done, the final master must be exported and converted to the necessary formats for distribution. These lessons discuss.

1. Understanding Bit Depth and Dithering

2. Exporting the CD and DDP Masters

3. Exporting Individual Masters

4. Format Conversion in Mastering

5. Final Thoughts…

Class 1: The Art of Mastering

This class sets the foundational principles of the art of mastering. It establishes the criteria that defines a great mastering job. The following lessons define the approach, tools and setup necessary to achieve those results.

1. A Philosophical Approach to Mastering
2. Imaging Quality & the 3D Sound Field
3. Monitor Setup and Acoustics
4. Mastering With Headphones
5. Metering Tools for Mastering

Class 2: Mix Evaluation for Mastering

The most important step in creating a great master is to start with a comprehensive listening and evaluation of the mix. From this evaluation, an effective approach can be determined and implemented.

1. The 5 Principles of Mix Evaluation
2. Evaluating Song Style, Production and the Client
3. Evaluating Frequency Response
4. Evaluating Mix Dynamics
5. Evaluating Technical Issues (Distortion, Sibilance, Noise, Etc…)
6. Evaluating Imaging Quality and Sonic Density
7. Designing an Effective Approach to Mastering

Class 3: Mastering Equalization Part 1

Equalization plays a vital role in the perceived height and separation of instruments in a mix. The role of Equalization in mastering is to help enhance the work of the mix engineer as is appropriate to the production style and instructions of the client. This class focusses on fundamental mastering equalization techniques and the use of transparent equalizers.

1. A Mastering Engineer’s Approach to Equalization
2. Types of Mastering EQ
3. Linear Phase Equalization
4. Vintage Passive Equalizers
5. Vintage Mastering Equalizers

Class 4: Mastering Equalization Part 2

This class picks up from Part 1 and brings mastering equalization into the modern era of Class A components and the benefits of modern DAW based processing. It also brings back the traditional Mid-Side approach to processing masters as well as some modern tilt EQ and dynamic equalization techniques.

1. Modern Passive EQs
2. Modern Mastering EQs
3. Mid-Side Equalization Techniques
4. Tilt Equalization Techniques
5. Dynamic Equalization for Mastering

Class 5: Mastering Compression Part 1

Compression is one of the most powerful tools the mastering engineer has to solidify the imaging density of a mix. It can breathe life into a dead mix or transparently increase the perceived level without crushing the transient peaks. Each type of compressor offers different advantages for particular tasks in a mastering. This class begins that journey.

1. A Mastering Engineer’s Approach to Compression
2. Types of Mastering Compressors
3. Mastering With Vintage Vari-Mu Compressors
4. Mastering With Modern Vari-Mu Compressors
5. Mastering With Opto Compressors

Class 6: Mastering Compression Part 2

This class picks up from Part 1 and brings in the power of VCA compression and emulations of some modern Class A compressors including the Vertigo VSC-2, Shadow Hills mastering Compressor, Brainworx V3 and the Elysia Alpha Compressor. The class will also feature Mid-Side Compression Techniques and using Tape emulations for compression.

1. Mastering With VCA Compressors
2. Mastering With Hybrid Compressors
3. Modern Mastering Compressors
4. Mid-Side Compression Techniques
5. Analog Tape Compression

Class 7: Mastering With MultiBand Dynamics

The modern DAW era has given rise to the power of dynamics processing that in the analog realm was at best theoretical. The ability to apply compression on a multi band level is not exclusive to the digital realm, but the control and precision of in-the-box processing is unparalleled. Working with MultiBand Dynamics is not without its challenges and a deeper understanding of the role of different frequency ranges and how to weave them together is essential to using tool correctly.

1. Understanding MultiBand Dynamics
2. Mastering with MultiBand Dynamics
3. Adding Depth and Height with MultiBand Dynamics
4. Mid-Side MultiBand Dynamics
5. Correcting Sibilance and Harshness

Class 8: Depth, Width and Distortion Processing

The real art of mastering is freeing the song from the speakers they are playing through. A high quality mix escapes the speakers and images solidly as if it were sharing the same space with you. When this happens, the music sounds dynamic, alive and present. If the final mix production lacks this depth and vibrancy, it is sometimes necessary to bring in tools that will bring in depth, openness and presence without unnecessary hype or excessive processing.

1. Mastering the 3D Sound Field
2. Low Level Processing
3. Early Reflections & Reverb
4. Stereo Width Processing
5. Harmonic Distortion Processing
6. MultiBand Exciters

Class 9: Gain Structuring and Maximizing Loudness

Maximizing the loudness of a master is so much more than slamming a brick wall limiter on the end of your processing chain. It is more about the cumulative gain structuring approach through each level of processing so that the final stages of maximizing the final master are transparent and free of distortion.

1. Understanding Perceived Loudness
2. Mid Band Compression Techniques
3. Low Level Compression Techniques
4. MultiBand Peak Limiting
5. Advanced Gain Staging Techniques

Class 10: Mastering Rock Records

Rock music is a very broad category including everything from Popular radio to Death Metal records. The approach to mastering such titles varies greatly depending on the meaning of the song within the specific production. Reference masters are a great source for determining the best approach to processing. The mastering examples in this class will detail the thinking process and approach to each style.

1. Mastering a Pop Rock Record
2. Mastering an Alt Rock Record
3. Mastering a Hard Rock Record
4. Mastering a Heavy Metal Record

Class 11: Mastering R&B, Hip-Hop and EDM Records

This class features the mastering of R&B, Hip Hop, EDM and House/Club records. The mastering examples will focus largely on preserving (or creating) a rich, deep and powerful low end that is their signature sound. The imaging quality of the low frequencies is critical to the final masters translating form system to system.

1. Mastering a R&B Record
2. Mastering a Hip Hop Record
3. Mastering an EDM Record
4. Mastering a House/Club Record

Class 12: Mastering Acoustic, Jazz and Orchestral Records

Acoustic, Jazz and Orchestral records offer different challenges to the mastering engineer. Because the dynamic range of performances in these styles are more clearly exposed than in most modern pop music, careful attention must be paid to preserve the integrity of the performance dynamic. This class features mastering examples of Acoustic, Jazz and Orchestral records and how to adapt the processing to preserve the natural dynamics and deliver a professional quality commercial release.

1. Mastering an Acoustic Guitar, Vocal Record
2. Mastering a Piano, Vocal Record
3. Mastering a Jazz Record
4. Mastering an Orchestral Record

Bonus Class: Mastered For iTunes (MFiT)

Love it or hate it, iTunes is the modern audio playback standard for digitally released music. Mastered for iTunes is a high resolution AAC encoding process created by Apple and released in 2012. The purpose of this new format was to significantly increase the audio fidelity of the AAC iTunes format. Understanding how to master your audio for iTunes and the MFiT format is the focus of this Bonus Class.

1. What is Mastered For iTunes?
2. Assembling an Album for iTunes
3. High Resolution Masters and Encoding Standards
4. Loudness Normalization Standards
5. Using Apple’s MFiT Tools