12 Weeks
Level 5 (Proof of a Bachelor's Degree Required)
3-Credit Tuition
$2,817Non-Credit Tuition
$2,615Are you prepared to enroll in this graduate course?
Take the Mixing Techniques self-assessment to check your readiness for this material.Advanced Mixing Techniques is a next-generation music mixing course for you to take your mixing skills to the highest level. In addition to an in-depth exploration of traditional mixing techniques such as balance, EQ, dynamics, spatial effects, and automation, you’ll explore pitch and time correction and mixing for digital streaming services. Throughout the course, you will mix 12 provided recordings in a variety of Billboard chart-related styles, including R&B/hip-hop, pop, electronic dance, country, and rock. This work requires you to organize, implement, and execute large multitrack mixes in a DAW mixdown environment, in addition to executing technically and creatively advanced mixing techniques and preparing mixes for contemporary streaming formats.
By the end of the course, you will be able to:
- Organize, implement, and execute large multitrack mixes in a DAW mixdown environment
- Execute technically and creatively advanced mixing techniques
- Mix for contemporary streaming formats
- Execute advanced mixing techniques, such as pitch and time corrections
- Produce a professional mix across a number of popular musical genres
Syllabus
Lesson 1: Foundational Principles for Mixing
- Organizing for a Successful Mix
- Balancing the Elements of a Mix
- Panning the Elements of a Mix
- Creative Equalization
- Assignment 1: EQ, Balance, and Pan
Lesson 2: Spatial Effects and Imaging for Depth and Width
- Historical Perspectives on the Use of Reverb in Mixing
- Delay Effects within a mix
- Pitch-Based Effects, Image Widening, and Mid/Side Processing
- Advanced Signal Routing
- Assignment 2: Mix Using Balance, Pan, EQ, and Spatial Effects
Lesson 3: Dynamics Processing
- Compression and Limiting
- Gain Staging
- Metering and Level Standards
- Peak Limiting and Competitive Level
- Assignment 3: Mix Using Balance, EQ, Reverb, Delay, and Dynamics Control
Lesson 4: Creative Application of Automation in Mixing
- A Brief History of Automation in Mixing
- DAW Automation (Real Time, Playlist, and Snapshot)
- Interview with Miles Walker
- Tips, Tricks, and Demonstrations of Cool Automation Techniques
- Assignment 4: Mix Using Balance, EQ, Reverb, Delay, and Dynamics Control
Lesson 5: The Land of a Thousand Plug-Ins
- Plug-In Demos: Tips and Techniques
- Dynamic Plug-In Demos: Tips and Techniques
- Reverb, Delay, and Imaging Plug-In Demos: Tips and Techniques
- Tape, Console, Distortion Plug-In Demos: Tips and Techniques
- Assignment 5: Mix with the Slate Everything Bundle and The iZotope Music Production Bundle
Lesson 6: Acoustic and Electronic Drum Mixing Techniques
- Electronic vs. Acoustic Drums
- Drum Editing
- Drum Processing
- Drum Replacement and Augmentation
- Assignment 6: Create a High Impact Drum Sound
Lesson 7: Mix Translation, from Large Monitors to Laptops and Back!
- Low Frequency Mix Translation: Problems and Solutions
- Midrange Treatments and Translation in Mixing
- High Frequency Treatments and Translation in Mixing
- Mixing for Earbuds, Laptops, and Computer Speakers
- Assignment 7: Creating Maximum Translation Values
Lesson 8: Mixing Keyboards, Guitars, Strings and Horns and Multibus Mixing
- Piano, Organ and Synthesizer-Related Mixing Techniques
- Mixing Acoustic and Electric Stringed Instruments
- Interview with Richard Furch
- Multibus Mixing
- Assignment 8: Create Stereo Stems
Lesson 9: Vocal Mixing Techniques
- Editing Vocals
- Lead Vocal Balancing, Panning EQ, and Dynamics Control
- Creating a Unique and Compelling Vocal Sound
- Mixing Background Vocals, Doubles, and Harmonies
- Assignment 9: Spectral Processing, Image Enhancement, Distortion, and Compression
Lesson 10: Mixing Through an Analog Console Using Outboard Gear
- Info and Demonstrations of Various Analog Consoles
- Info and Demonstrations of Analog EQs, Compressors, and Channel Strips
- Info and Demonstrations of a Wide Range of Outboard Reverbs and Delays
- Demo of Assignment 10
- Assignment 10: Emulate Analog Mix Using Slate Virtual Tape and Virtual Console
Lesson 11: Billboard Chart-Related Mixing Techniques
- Mixing Pop Music and Rock
- Mixing EDM (Electronic Dance Music)
- Mixing Hip-Hop and R&B
- Mixing Country Music
- Assignment 11: Create a Complete Final Mix
- Final Exam
Lesson 12: Post Mix Processing
- What Is Mastering and How Does it Differ from Mixing?
- Mastering Your Own Mixes
- Interview with a Top Mastering Engineer
- Continuing Your Evolution as a Mixer
Requirements
Ready to submit an unofficial copy of your transcript?
Submit TranscriptPrerequisites and Course-Specific Requirements
Prerequisite Courses, Knowledge, and/or Skills
Completion of Critical Listening 1, Music Production Analysis, and Art of Mixing or equivalent knowledge and experience is required. In order to be successful in this course, you should have the following background prior to enrolling:
- Multi-track production and mixing experience working with a Digital Audio Workstation, such as Pro Tools, Logic, Cubase, Digital Performer, Traktor, or Ableton
- Access to basic, high-quality equipment to mix engineer music (DAW, audio interface, monitors, headphones, plus the required plug-ins)
- Experience collaborating on projects as a music producer/engineer
- Ability to write effectively and clearly when conveying information and ideas
Textbook(s)
- No textbooks required
Software
- Full-featured Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), such as Pro Tools (Studio or Ultimate), Logic Pro, Cubase Pro, Ableton Live (Suite or Standard), or Reaper
- Subscription to Slate Digital All Access Pass
- iZotope Music Production Suite
- Recommended: Trigger 2 Platinum
- Recommended: Soundtoys 5 plug-in bundle
Hardware
- Audio interface
- Professional-quality studio monitors (pair), such as Dynaudio's or Focal's, as well as necessary cables
- Professional over-ear studio headphones, such as Sennheiser HD 600, beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO, etc.
Important Technical/System Considerations
- At least 50 GB unused storage space
Student Deals
After enrolling, be sure to check out our Student Deals page for various offers on software, hardware, and more. Please contact support@online.berklee.edu with any questions.
General Course Requirements
Below are the minimum requirements to access the course environment and participate in Live Classes. Please make sure to also check the Prerequisites and Course-Specific Requirements section above, and ensure your computer meets or exceeds the minimum system requirements for all software needed for your course.
Mac Users
PC Users
All Users
- Latest version of Google Chrome
- Zoom meeting software
- Webcam
- Speakers or headphones
- External or internal microphone
- Broadband Internet connection
Instructors
Author & Instructor
Richard Mendelson is a senior faculty member in the Music Production and Engineering department at Berklee College of Music. A long-time educator, Mendelson specializes in mixing and recording. His former students include many Grammy-winning mixing and recording engineers.
Mendelson's work has been featured in recordings by artists such as Rihanna, Nicole Scherzinger, Fergie, and Garbage, and he is a first-call mix-down engineer in the Boston area. Mendelson is an expert in digital sampling and has created more than 10 international best- selling sample products for Big Fish Audio and East/West Communications. Read Less
What's Next?
When taken for credit, Advanced Mixing Techniques can be applied towards the completion of these related programs:
Related Certificate Programs
Related Degree Majors
Questions?
Contact our Academic Advisors by phone at 1-866-BERKLEE (U.S.), 1-617-747-2146 (INT'L), or by email at advisors@online.berklee.edu.
