Course

Mixing, Mastering and Surround Sound

Faculty
Language, Literature & Performing Arts
Department
Music
Course Code
MUSC 2270
Credits
3.00
Semester Length
15 weeks
Max Class Size
26
Method(s) Of Instruction
Lecture
Lab
Course Designation
None
Industry Designation
None
Typically Offered
To be determined

Overview

Course Description
Mixing, mastering, and surround sound are essential concepts for contemporary sound engineers. Using state of the art lab and studio facilities, students will learn to put the finishing touches on their recording projects. Students will have the option of taking the Avid Pro Tools 210M exam, to earn Pro Tools Operator level.
Course Content

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
Learning Activities

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.

Means of Assessment

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. 

Learning Outcomes

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.

Textbook Materials

No texts or materials are required. All required hardware and software for the completion of assignments and projects is available in the studio.

Requisites

Prerequisites

MUSC 2170

Corequisites

No corequisite courses.

Equivalencies

No equivalent courses.

Course Guidelines

Course Guidelines for previous years are viewable by selecting the version desired. If you took this course and do not see a listing for the starting semester / year of the course, consider the previous version as the applicable version.

(Current)

Course Transfers

These are for current course guidelines only. For a full list of archived courses please see https://www.bctransferguide.ca

Institution Transfer Details for MUSC 2270
There are no applicable transfer credits for this course.

Course Offerings

Summer 2024