The Art & Science of Mixing
MP324
Here's something to make you think: we had a professional mixing engineer do a mix of a well recorded song using a seriously expensive mixing console in one of London's finest recording studio (we won't name names here), and then repeat the same mix using just an iMac, Logic Pro and a few plugins. Then we did a blind test with students and other sound engineers to see how much difference there would be. 50% of the people guessed wrong: essentially there was no difference.
This course teaches mixing techniques equally valid on analogue consoles, digital mixers, or any software platform. The crucial point is that the only thing that matters is trained ears, whatever the equipment.
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 sessions are mostly based on Logic Pro, Pro Tools, Waves plugins, Universal Audio plugins and the Focusrite Liquid Mix but the techniques covered apply to any combination of software or hardware.
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
- Power automation
Evening part-time
The course lasts 12 weeks, with a frequency of one evening lecture per week.
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 to discuss your case.
This course suits anyone in possession of a Logic or Pro Tools certification, or who has recently graduated from a sound engineering college, or who can claim at least two years of self-taught experience in a home-studio.
Course details
| course code | MP324 |
|---|---|
| length | 12 weeks |
| schedule | 1 day per week 18.45 to 21.45 |
| entry requirements | preliminary interview or entrance exam |
| course fee | MP324: £1,300 + registration fee |
| registration fee | £350 |
This Lecture Uses Liquid Mix Technology from Focusrite.
About the lecturer
Recording & Mix Engineer Matt Foster has many years of experience working in some of London's best studios including Strongroom, Townhouse and 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, but it goes from The Corrs to Ms.Dynamite, passing through the Darkness, Emma Bunton and Gorillaz on the way.
Depending on the project Matt mixes on SSL, Logic or Pro Tools.
Check out Matt's full credits list
October 2009, Matt says:
"Get aquatinted with a soldering iron with this very cool cost effective little schematic for a passive transformer based reamping device"