Lecture: 2 hours/week
Lab: 2 hours/week
In this course, students participate in lectures and demonstrations, working alongside the instructor, 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 (equalization) and dynamics
2. Learning advanced mixing techniques
- Re-amping by changing signal flow within Pro Tools and the patchbay
- Mixing on a large console (using EQ, levelling, panning, outboard effects: compression, limiting, reverbs, gates, etc.)
- Mastering using outboard gear
- Advanced large-console and outboard mixing techniques (gated reverbs, transient shaping, etc.)
- Setting multiple headphone sends (both manually using Pro Tools, the patchbay, and a large console; as well as using the Behringer Power Play)
- Use multi-band compression for mastering techniques
- Use and create submixes on a large console
- Izotope RX and advanced audio restoration techniques (removing unwanted noise, unwanted sound, removing reverb, patching up missing audio, etc.)
- Drum replacement and drum triggers
3. 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
4. Mixing for Surround Sound
- Avoiding the ‘sweet spot’
- Imaging and panning
- Use of centre, rear and LFE (low frequency energy) channels
- Creating ambience
- Distribution formats
- Downmixing
5. Mastering - Analysis
- The mastering process, revisited
- Mastering job analysis
- Mastering and EQ
- Limiting and loudness
- Bouncing down the audio
6. Mastering - Dynamics
- Using dynamic control and the dynamics module
- Using imaging plug-ins
- Applying a limiter
7. Mastering – Final Steps
- Using harmonic exciters in mastering
- M/S (mid/side) processing
- Mastering in electronic music
- CD (compact disc) assembly
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- Critically analyze mixes in a range of genres;
- Apply advanced mixing techniques in a range of genres;
- Set up a 5.1 surround sound mix room;
- Create a 5.1 music and/or film mix;
- Analyze mixes for mastering;
- Make informed decisions about audio-processing techniques used in mastering;
- Clean up tracks using industry-standard tools and techniques.
Assessment will be based on course objectives and will be 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 interpersonal communication and contribution to class discussion and group work.
This is a letter-graded course.
No texts or materials are required. All required hardware and software for the completion of assignments and projects is available in the studio.
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