Provides hands-on experience and guided practice in advanced digital audio mixing and mastering. Course covers preparing complex digital audio files for duplication, advanced techniques in mixing room acoustics, preparing audio for mixing, software plug-ins, troubleshooting audio problems, equalization, stereo imagery, noise limitation, and bit conversion. Working with professional audio production software in a working digital recording studio, students learn to edit sound files for a variety of applications including CDs, DVDs, TV, radio, theater, and the Internet.
Goals, Topics, and Objectives
Students completing this course will have acquired the knowledge and skills necessary to deliver commercial quality digital recordings for a wide variety of clients. They will be able to edit, mix, and master digital audio files to the standards appropriate for a given genre.
- Setting up a recording session using a variety of media
- Advanced audio editing using pitch correction and timing correction.
- Advanced processing: equalization, spatial effects, dynamics, modulation effects, and complex audio plug-ins.
- Advanced mixing: automation, genre matching, balance, separation, clarity, and warmth.
- Post production: creating and delivering a digital audio file for production/broadcast.
- Render virtual instruments into audio files in preparation for processing and mixing.
- Correct deficiencies in recorded audio using pitch correction, equalization, and compression to obtain a sound that is optimal for the mixing process. *
- Correct timing issues using audio quantization, splicing, and elastic audio.*
- Prepare the master project/session file for mixing in accordance with the guidelines published by the Producers and Engineers Wing of the Recording Academy.
- Create different mixes of a single audio file that are appropriate for two or more genres as determined by comparable commercial recordings, including the use of reverb, delay, and other special effects as necessary.*
- Render the multi-track mix into a single file that is ready for mastering.
- Create a Redbook standard CD master with commercial friendly audio levels and sound quality.
- Create edits for use in TV spots and film scores.*
- Convert CD audio into sound files ready for digital distribution.
Assessment and Requirements
- Class critiques
- Quizzes and exams
- Instructor grading and portfolio review
Students should have strong computer skills. A fundamental understanding of music theory is recommended.
Credit for Prior College-Level Learning
Determined by department