REQ: Mixing With Mike MIXING - Level I

MIXING - Level I is a 12 week program including 4 independent courses that run in parallel. Theory teaches in-depth mixing concepts. Context provides practical application skills. Training teaches ear training and decision

INFO:
Dividing the program into 4 courses gives you the ability to study in whatever way suits your needs. Need help with mixing theory? Start there... Need ear training or better decision making skills? Start there... Need practical training examples or more depth on any topic? Start there... Want to dive straight into the mixing? Start there... All 4 courses will be cross linked so that any topic can be quickly accessed for Theory, Context or Training.

Foundations is a comprehensive program that teaches professional concepts in a beginner level format. The program includes 3 complete songs that will be mixed beginning to end. You will have access to all the stems to follow along and practice.

All lessons will be pre-recorded, there are no live classes to attend. The content for Week 1 will be available starting in early April. Each succeeding class will be made available on a weekly basis thereafter.

Course Introduction
More than a cursory intro, this class will explain the unique structure of this program and how to best take advantage of it. It will also spell out the overlying philosophy of mixing and the mixing process.

WEEK 1: Signal Flow and Gain Structure
This week covers the technical, structural concepts, and tools of the mixing process. This essential information sets the foundation for all of the processing work that follows.

WEEK 2: Mixing in the 3D Sound Field
The most enduring quality of great mixes is the sense of space in and around the elements of the mix. This 'secret ingredient' is the same as the way we perceive sound in the real world. This week covers how this effect is achieved in a mix.

WEEK 3: Levels and Panning
The decisions we make with Levels and Panning sets the 3-Mix-Zone Staging of each element of the mix. A good strategy will shape the flow and dynamics of the mix.

WEEK 4: Equalization Basics
This class focuses on the basics of equalization, the types of filters, how to best use them. It will also cover strategies for approaching EQ instrument by instrument.

WEEK 5: Tonal Shaping With EQ
Equalization is the primary way to shape the tone of a record. How we distribute the frequency spectrum across the available instruments is critical to success.

WEEK 6: Dynamics Processing Basics
Dynamics Processing is the most powerful way to control the dynamic movement of a sound. This week focuses on the tools, the settings and the primary objectives for dynamics processing.

WEEK 7: Shaping Depth and Focus With Compression
The purpose of compression is to control the dynamic movement of each sound in the context of the whole mix to shape depth and focus. This week focuses on the process and application of compression in a mix.

WEEK 8: Saturation and Vintage Processing
Saturation is a powerful way to shape the tonal density of a sound. There are many forms of saturation from Vintage EQs, Compressors, Pre-Amps and Analog Tape emulations that can be used aggressively or for subtle effect. This class covers how to use these valuable tools to shape the tone of your mix.

WEEK 9: Effects Processing Basics
Effects are the primary way we shape space in and around the elements of a mix. This class will cover the different types of effects and where each is most effectively used in a mix.

WEEK 10: Shaping Space with Effects
Effects can shape the depth, width, height and tonal texture of a mix. This week will cover the process of adding effects to shape space without cluttering the sound field.

WEEK 11: Automation
Automation is the process of weaving together the elements of a mix to shape the dynamic flow of a production from beginning to end. This includes everything from levels and panning to automating effects.

WEEK 12: Mix Bus Processing
The Mix Bus is the final place, before mastering, where we can shape the finished mix. Here we will cover mix bus processors from EQ and Compression, to Tape emulations, Width processing and Limiters.