12 Weeks
Level 4
3-Credit Tuition
$1,545Non-Credit Tuition
$1,290Pop Music Mixing Techniques is principally a forward-looking course, though some of the curriculum will be rooted in the past masters of the art. We will focus on the techniques employed by the top music mixers of today, as well as practice the time-honored traditional techniques of balance, stereo placement, spatial and dynamic processing. We’ll also cover topics such as machine learning, immersive mixing, AI assistance, pitch and time correction and streaming target level optimization. Upon completion of the course you will be well prepared to meet the requirements of today’s competitive music marketplace and into the future.
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Describe milestones in the history of mixing and the work of top mixers in the field
- Prepare and mix 100-plus track multi-track recording sessions
- Mix from an understanding of musical and arrangement considerations
- Demonstrate a high level of competence for the skill sets of effects processing, balance, pan, tonal, dynamic and spatial tools and techniques
- Execute pitch, timing correction, and vocal alignment
- Utilize advanced automation, machine learning and AI-assisted mix analysis
- Apply binaural surround techniques for immersive mixing for headphones
- Become competent in various pop-specific chart-trending mix strategies
Syllabus
Lesson 1: Preparing a Session for the Mixdown
- A Brief History of Mixing
- Organization and Session Cleanup Procedures
- Metering, Levels, and Gain Staging
- Referencing and Setting up an Initial Balance and Pan
- Assignment 1: Mix Assignment
Lesson 2: Tonal Shaping Techniques
- Equalization Types, Curves, and Styles
- EQ Tools, Tips, and Approaches
- Mixing to Match a Reference
- Assignment 2: EQ Assignment
Lesson 3: Mix Processing for Spatial Integrity
- Reverbs and Delays
- Techniques and Tools for Setting up Width and Depth
- Reverb Tools and Blending with AI-Assisted Spatial Enhancement
- Assignment 3: Spatial FX Assignment
Lesson 4: Dynamics Processing Part 1
- Compression Types - FET, Optical, VCA, Vari-Mu
- Compression Tools, Tips, and Techniques
- Single Channel or Bus-Based Compression - Parallel and Non-parallel
- Assignment 4: Compression Assignment
Lesson 5: Dynamics Processing Part 2
- Frequency Specific Dynamics
- Side Chain Triggered Dynamics
- Noise Gating/Expansion
- Peak Limiting - Loudness and Streaming Delivery Standards
- Multiband Compression and Dynamic EQ
- Assignment 5: Dynamics Processing Assignment
Lesson 6: Pitch-Based Processing/Pitch and Timing Correction
- Flanging/Phasing/Chorusing/Harmonizing
- Using Pitch Correction Tools
- Aligning Vocals and Instruments to Tempo and Each Other
- Assignment 6: Pitch-Based Processing Assignment
Lesson 7: Advanced Automation, Machine Learning and AI-Assisted Mixing
- Using iZotope Neutron Advanced
- Using iZotope Nectar 3 Plus - Vocal Assistant
- Using iZotope Ozone Advanced
- Using Ozone 10’s EQ Matching and Tonal Balance Control 2
- Assignment 7: AI-Assisted Mixing Assignment
Lesson 8: Binaural Mixing - Surround Processing for Headphones, Dolby Atmos
- Immersive Formats - Dolby Atmos, Spatial Audio, Binaural
- Technical Considerations for Immersive Mixing
- Managing Space, Pan and Balance for Optimal Translation
- Assignment 8: Binaural Mixing Assignment
Lesson 9: Harmonic Processing and Ten Top Pop Mix Engineers
- Distortion, Saturation, Transient Shaping, and Exciters
- Analog Tape and Channel Strip Emulation
- Plug-ins vs. Outboard Gear Comparisons and Demonstrations
- Analysis of 10 Chart-Trending Mix Strategies
- Assignment 9: Harmonic Processing Assignment
Lesson 10: Instrumental Mixing Techniques
- Mixing Acoustic and Electronic Drums and Percussion
- Mixing Bass Guitar and Synth Bass
- Mixing Acoustic and Electronic Keyboards
- Mixing Acoustic and Electric Guitars
- Mixing Strings and Horns
- Assignment 10: Instrumental Mixing Assignment
Lesson 11: Vocal Mixing Techniques
- Lead Vocal Organization, Balance, and Processing
- Mixing Doubles, Harmonies, Background Vocals, and Ad-Libs
- Controlling Sibilance, Popping, Mouth De-clicking, and Noise Control
- Assignment 11: Vocal Mixing Assignment
Lesson 12: Creating and Mixing from Stems and Advanced FX Processing
- Creating Stems from a 100-Plus Track Session
- Mixing Instrumental Stems
- Mixing Vocal Stems
- Mix FX Stems
- 10 Unusual FX Processing Techniques
- Assignment 12: Creating and Mixing from Stems Assignment
Requirements
Prerequisites and Course-Specific Requirements
Prerequisite Courses, Knowledge, and/or Skills
Completion of Art of Mixing or equivalent knowledge and experience is required.
Software
- Full-featured Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), such as Pro Tools (Studio or Ultimate), Logic Pro, Cubase Pro, Ableton Live (Suite or Standard), Reaper, Reason, or FL Studio (Producer or Signature). Note that GarageBand is not acceptable.
- iZotope Music Production Suite
- Subscription to Slate Digital All Access Pass
Hardware
- One of the following studio monitoring options (both recommended):
- Studio monitors (pair), such as JBL 305Ps or better, as well as an audio interface and necessary cables
- Over-ear studio headphones, such as Sennheiser HD 600, Sony MDR-7506, Philips SHP9500, Audio-Technica ATH-M50x, etc.
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, Pop Music Mixing Techniques can be applied towards the completion of these related programs:
Related Certificate Programs
Related Degree Major
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.
