Secret Sauce: Modern Mixing and Recording Masterclass - 10 weeks

Last Minute Productions / Music Studio - Redfern Community Centre & MixedbyEspa present:

"Secret Sauce: Modern Mixing and Recording Masterclass"

Dive into the world of professional audio production with the "Secret Sauce: Modern Mixing and Recording Masterclass." This comprehensive course is designed to equip students with the technical skills and practical knowledge needed to excel in the dynamic field of studio production. Through a blend of theoretical insights and hands-on tutorials, participants will emerge as proficient audio engineers capable of handling sophisticated recording and mixing tasks.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Master Studio Operations: Gain a thorough understanding of studio equipment, audio signal flow, and the operational standards required to manage a recording session effectively.
2. Occupational Health and Safety: Learn to navigate the studio environment safely, understanding the crucial health and safety protocols specific to audio production settings.
3. DAW Proficiency: Develop expertise in using Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) for recording, editing, mixing, and mastering audio. This includes practical skills in software like Pro Tools, Logic, and other industry-standard DAWs.
4. Sound Mixing and Mastering: Explore advanced techniques in sound mixing and mastering, learning how to apply effects, use dynamic processing, and create final masters that enhance the overall sound quality.
5. Creative Recording Techniques: Experiment with creative recording techniques such as using Autotune, Melodyne, and WavesTune for pitch correction and creative effects.

By the end of this course, students will not only understand the technical aspects of modern mixing and recording but also apply these skills creatively to produce high-quality audio that stands out in the industry.

10 week Lesson plan:

Week 1.

Introduction to studio production

Theory

Course introduction

Explanation of sound frequencies and the frequency range.

Explanation of what a DAW is and how we use it.

Tutorial

Studio OH&S

Overview of the studio and the studio gear.

Introduction to audio signal flow in the studio

Basic introduction to DAW

Week 2.

Theory

Frequency Analysis explanation

Frequency listening practice.

Introduction to setting up DAW for mixing and recording

Tutorial:

Recap of the studio signal flow Recording Introduction to DAW and the recording set up.

Week 3.

Theory

Frequency listening exercise

Editing tools in Pro Tools and Logic

Audio formats, .wav Vs Mp3s

Teach Song arrangement (8bar rule)

Learn to count bars

Tutorial:

MP3 Vs WAV decoding demonstration

Percussion recording

DAW recording modes and playlists

Week 4.

Theory

Frequency listening exercise

How to record with Autotune/Tuning programs/Melodyne/WavesTune

Understanding pitch tuning pros and cons

Creating Track Presets and how to record with track presets

Tutorial: Recording with software

Week 5.

Theory:

Frequency listening exercise

Studio Trip to Kamagel Studio

Studio Singal flow and use of room and its Acoustics

Tutorial: Using a new studio signal flow and recording a vocal or sound source

Week 6.

Theory

Preparing for mixing

Playback buffer set up (mixing Vs recording)

Panning

Group masters

EQs

Tutorial: Creating master aux sends Basic EQ exercise

Week 7.

Theory:

Dynamic Processing

Parallel compression and Side Chaining for space

Mixing vocals

Tutorial: Basic Dynamic exercise Vocal mixing exercise De-Essing techniques

Week 8.

Theory

Mixing with effects

Reverbs, Delays and filters

Automation

Tutorial: Creating auxiliary effect channels with the use of reverbs, delays and filters. Automation recording, modes and setup exercise.

Week 9.

Theory

Mixing with premixed backing music

Tutorial: Mixing vocals into pre mixed music

Week 10.

Theory:

Mastering techniques and preparation Fixing distortion on audio

Tutorial: Mastering exercise

Exporting audio to various multimedia formats.