Provides hands-on experience and guided practice in digital audio mixing and mastering. Explains how to prepare complex digital audio files for duplication and audio for mixing. Also covers basic techniques in mixing room acoustics, software plug-ins, how to troubleshoot various audio problems, equalization, stereo imagery, noise limitation, and bit conversion. Uses professional audio production software.
Goals, Topics, and Objectives
- The mixing/mastering environment
- Trouble shooting problems in audio files
- Learning how to shape the music
- Stereo imagery
- Mastering
- List and describe acoustical considerations associated with a mixing/mastering environment.
- Prepare a given digital audio file for mixing by cleaning the tracks, moving parts as appropriate, normalizing levels.
- Identify and trouble shoot problems with a given digital audio file by using plug-ins, applying affects, and creating presets.
- Shape the sound of a given digital audio file by defining the frequencies of the mix, identifying EQ’s for various instruments, and using pre-recorded reference material.
- Create the stereo imagery associated with industry standard music with a given digital audio file.
- Create width and depth in the mix of a given digital audio file by mastering noise, mastering EQ, limiting and bit converting.
Assessment and Requirements
When appropriate, objectives will be assessed using small projects consistent with the course objectives.
Students will be observed and evaluated on their ability to work on projects and solve problems common to audio file preparation.
Theoretical knowledge will be assessed using short quizzes.
The final assessment of the course will be a major project consisting of the complete preparation, mixing and mastering of a digital audio file consisting of multiple tracks containing instruments and vocals typical of a pop music recording session.
Strong computer skills and a fundamental understanding of music theory is recommended.
Credit for Prior College-Level Learning
Determined by department