Mixdown Techniques 201

Course Information

Fees: € 99,- (approx: US$ 127,- or £ 84,-, other currencies)

Course Language: English English

Learning Advisor: Hans-Martin Buff

Duration: 4 Weeks

Level: 201 Intermediate

Learning Advisor: Hans-Martin Buff

Hans-Martin Buff is an internationally acclaimed recording engineer and producer, whose track record includes a wide range of high profile clients, ranging from international stars such as Prince to European favorites Mousse T. and Zucchero.

Hans-Martin has been in the business since 1993, when he graduated from Music Tech vocational college in Minneapolis, MN, USA. He

This 201 course is also available as:
101 Beginner

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Course Description

This course is a virtual workshop for the aspiring mixer that allows you to be sitting next to an engineer who has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry. This is not an introductory course. It is designed for someone who already knows the basics of mixing and wants to learn how to get more punch, depth, and vibrance out of your mix.

As a student in this course you already know the tools of the mixing trade (DAW software, compression, EQ'ing, mix automation, etc.), and at this level you will learn how to put them to work for you and your mixing projects. The course will guide you through the mix treatment of the acoustic ingredients of traditional pop and rock music; a focus on specific music genres is not part of the curriculum. Hans-Martin Buff has been on active mixing duty since 1993 (mixing artists as diverse as Prince, Mousse T. and the Scorpions along the way), and he will share workflows and tricks that will put your audio knowledge to efficient use. You will learn how to build up a mix, how to recognize, avoid, and fix the problems along the way, and you will finally learn how to put the icing on your mixing cake.

Prerequisites
Aims
Topics
Outcomes
Resources
Testimonials

You need a song that needs mixing, preferably a session that contains live drums.
You need to have good knowledge of the basic engineering tools, including EQs, compression/limiting, reverbs and delays
You need to have access to a Digital Audio Workstation, and you need to know how to use it.

Examples in this virtual workshop will be shown with the help of Avid's Pro Tools, but you're free to use whatever professional music software you like.

To provide you with a road map for approaching your mixes, from setting up shop to the finishing touches.

Organizing a session
Knowing what it is you hear
The foundation and the punch
Instruments and how to place them
The vocals
The mix "production"
The end and the extras

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to approach a mix with purpose. You will be equipped with an organizational setup and a checklist of trade necessities that will give you the creative room you desire. You will able to identify the aim of your mix, and to see it through to a successful end.

You need access to a professional Digital Audio Workstation with the installed pro audio software of your choice
You need the audio files for a song you want to mix

Definitely some technical challenges this week but all great stuff! I just wanted to say once more that I have thoroughly enjoyed this class and I have learned A LOT!!! I feel like my knowledge and skills have increased exponentially. I will spread the word! Thanks again HM.

Hans-Martin is a very effective teacher. I would strongly recommend this class to anyone desiring to take their mixing to the next level.

Well, I am sure I will miss the course. I learned a huge amount of things. Thank you Hans!

My mix has improved light years over the past four weeks. I got way more out of this course than I ever imagined I would. One part of me just thought I needed better gear. I'm glad I listened to the part of me that said otherwise. Thank you for sharing so much of what you have learned. I can tell this is what you live to do. I will keep working and learning, but now I feel like I have a good understanding of the basics to help me get closer to a professional sound. Thank you. You have been a fantastic inspiration.