Lecture: 2 hours/week
Lab: 2 hours/week
Lecture/demonstration. Students will work alongside the instructor; either in the large studio or Technology Lab. Students will be expected to complete regular assignments and projects outside of class time. These will be done in the large studio.
1. Analyzing the Mix
- Critical Listening and Mix Analysis
- Intention and Concept
- Making Adjustments
- Adding EQ and Dynamics
2. Mixing Acoustic and Jazz Music
- Song Analysis, Track Analysis, and Session Prep
- Equalization (EQ), Balance and Panning
- Signal Processing
- Dynamics Processing
- Automation, and the Finishing Touches
- The Final Mix Delivery
3. Basic Mixing for Pop and Rock
- Stylistic Analysis: Pop and Rock
- Signal Processing in Pop/Rock Mixing
- Song Analysis, Song Form, and Session Analysis
- Mix Analysis: The Rhythm Section
- Mix Analysis: The Vocals
- Mix Analysis: The Guitars and Keyboards
4. Advanced Mixing for Pop and Rock
- Tempo Maps
- Beat Detective
- Backing Vocal Treatment
- Time Domain Processing
- Delays
- Bringing the Mix Together
- Mix Automation
5. Mixing Electronica
- Stylistic Analysis
- Song Analysis and Song Form
- Session Analysis and Track Assessment
- Editing Loops
- Creative Editing / Stutter Edits
- Dynamics Processing in Electronic Music Making
- Keyed Dynamics Processing Techniques
- Parallel Compression and Mix Compression
- Lo-Fi Effects: Adding "Dirt" and Distortion
6. Setting up a 5.1 surround sound mix room
- Room design and setup
- Selecting speakers and using delay
- Room calibration with Pink Noise
- Bass management options
7. Mixing for Surround Sound
- Avoiding the ‘sweet spot’
- Imaging and Panning
- Use of Centre, Rear and LFE Channels
- Creating Ambience
- Distribution Formats
- Downmixing
8. Mastering - Analysis
- The Mastering Process, Revisited
- Mastering Job Analysis, Part 1
- Mastering and EQ
- Limiting and Loudness
- Mastering Job Analysis, Part 2
- Bouncing Down the Audio
9. Mastering - Dynamics
- Dynamic Control and the Dynamics Module
- Using Imaging Plug-ins
- Applying a Limiter in CD Mastering
- Mastering Job Analysis
10. Mastering – Final Steps
- Harmonic Exciters in Mastering
- M/S Processing
- Mastering in Electronic Music
- The CD Assembly
Upon successful completion of the course, through lab and studio work, students will understand and be able to apply the following concepts:
1. Analyzing the mix;
2. Mixing for Acoustic and Jazz music;
3. Basic Mixing for Pop and Rock;
4. Advanced Mixing for Pop and Rock;
5. Mixing Electronica;
6. Setting up a 5.1 surround sound mix room;
7. Creating a 5.1 music and/or film mix;
8. Mastering - Analysis;
9. Mastering - Dynamics;
10. Mastering – Final Steps.
Assessment will be based on course objectives and will be carried out in accordance with the Douglas College Evaluation Policy.
The following is an example evaluation scheme:
| Quizzes (minimum of 2) | 30% |
| Midterm project | 25% |
| Final project | 35% |
| Professionalism | 10% |
| Total | 100% |
Professionalism is assessed on consistent attendance, punctuality, taking responsibility for deadlines, constructive and considerate inter-personal communication and contribution to class discussion and group work.
No texts or materials are required. All required hardware and software for the completion of assignments and projects is available in the studio.
None