LSS masterclass n.2 - The Art & Science of Mixing
A one-off chance to spend a day with a professional mixing engineer and learn what makes the difference between a demo and a hit record.
This class is now full
All the places available for the Masterclass of Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th of May have been reserved. We maintain a waiting list for all our courses in case of last minute cancellations.
Please contact info@londonschoolofsound to add your name to the waiting list or simply to get information regarding future events.
Mixing is without a doubt the most sensitive stage of making a record: it's possible to have a great song perfectly played and recorded, and still ruin it all with a bad mix.
When demos come out sounding like, well, bad demos, the question is why? Is it the source material? Do I need something to 'warm-up' the sound? Am I using the wrong software or hardware? Is it a monitoring problem? Could someone else have done better with the same equipment?
With this masterclass we intend to answer some of these questions, going through the process of how a professional engineer approaches a mix, and practically demonstrating the steps through which a typical mixing session goes from start to finish.
This day serves also as an introduction to a longer course which will run later in the year, where students will have the opportunity to learn these techniques in greater detail and do their own mixes under the supervision of a professional mixing engineer.
The session is based on Logic Pro 7 (read why) and the Focusrite Liquid Mix but the techniques covered apply to any combination of software or hardware.
IMPORTANT : ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
This is not a beginner's course, a basic understanding of mixers, effects, compression and music software is required to attend this session: if in doubt contact the London School of Sound during office hours and discuss your case.
This masterclass suits anyone in possess of a Logic or Pro Tools certification, or who has recently graduated from a sound engineering school, or who can claim at least a couple of years of self-taught experience in a home-studio.
The Art & Science of Mixing - programme of the day:
This lecture deals with developing a ‘mixing method’ and aims to demonstrate how a professional engineer approaches the task, giving the participants the opportunity to gain a precious insight in what makes a good mix.
The session will start at 10:45 and terminate at 17:30 (approximate time) with a break of 40 minutes around lunch time (lunch not included).
Topics covered include:
- Critical listening
- Know what you are mixing for
- Planning and preparation
- Choosing the tools for the job
- Developing a ‘mixing method’
- The key elements of a great mix
- Practical suggestions on the use of EQ and processing
- Extra efforts for critical areas: bottom end, vocals.
- Questions and Answers
Call +44 (0)20 7720 6183 for information and bookings.
Mix-o-Magic!
The secret of every mix engineer, makes your mixes big, warm, punchy and clear at the press of a button.
...er, not really.
This Lecture Uses Liquid Mix Technology from Focusrite.
About the lecturer
Matt Foster, Recording & Mix Engineer has many years of experience working in some of London's best studios (Strongroom, Townhouse, Miloco) but as a freelance engineer he can be found mixing in a shed with just a laptop! His credits list is too long to be printed here (click on the link below to see it in detail) but it goes from The Corrs to Ms.Dynamite passing through the Darkness, Emma Bunton and Gorillaz!
Depending on the project Matt mixes on SSL, Logic or Pro Tools.
Check out Matt's full credits list!
Why Logic? why not another software or a big analogue console? is this course only for Logic users?
The aim of this course is to show techniques that can be immediately put to use by anyone: Logic is the most popular application among professional musicians and the amount of usable built-in effects that come with the Pro version make it a complete mixing environment straight out of the box.
As such it's ideal to demonstrate the mixing process without having to rely on third party plugins which might be different for everyone.
However we will often point out where there might be a difference between one platform and another, and when a significant advantage can be had from one particular product this will be demonstrated practically.
