Course Outline for Music Recording Technology 24
Advanced Mixing Techniques

Effective: Fall 2022
SLO Rev: 05/19/2016
Catalog Description:

MURT 24 - Advanced Mixing Techniques

3.00 Units

This course extends basic practical music production and multi-track recording skills to include complex projects, integration of acoustic and digital recording elements, and use of current computer software in the mixing process. Implementation of signal processing to a multichannel audio mix using outboard and virtual signal processors, submixing, busing and summing mixes, complex signal flow, advanced mixer automation, and selected topics in mastering.
Prerequisite: MURT 21, Strongly Recommended: MURT 23 For maximum learning, co-requisite enrollment with MURT 23 is not required, but strongly encouraged.
1005.00 - Commercial Music*
Letter Grade Only
Type Units Inside of Class Hours Outside of Class Hours Total Student Learning Hours
Lecture 2.00 36.00 72.00 108.00
Laboratory 1.00 72.00 0.00 72.00
Total 3.00 108.00 72.00 180.00
Measurable Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. design and implement advanced automation techniques in a digital audio workstation;
  2. implement digital and analogue signal processing to improve the sonic quality of a mix;
  3. design, implement, and categorically store custom digital signal processing presets for future utilization;
  4. assess, prioritize and apply appropriate multichannel mixing techniques towards the realization of intended sonic and aesthetic outcomes;
  5. identify and criticize strengths and weaknesses in the tracks of a pre-recorded mix;
  6. conduct themselves in a professional manner consistent with the customs and culture of the professional music industry.
Course Content:
  1. Vocabulary, terminology, and concepts of advanced mixing
    1. Terms and conditions
    2. Comparing the skills of producing with those of engineering
    3. The roles of technical proficiency, organization, and communication
  2. Roles in the recording process
    1. Performer
    2. Arranger/Producer
    3. Engineer
  3. Editing and submixing instrumental group
    1. Use of automation with control surfaces
    2. Creating instrument mix stems
  4. Final mix Pro Tools
    1. Equalization (EQ), compression and reverb
    2. Editing and processing techniques
  5. Creative process
    1. Production, arrangement, and composition
    2. Critique and analysis
    3. Delivery modes
  6. Professional behaviors
    1. Dependability
    2. Time management
    3. Work ethic
Methods of Instruction:
  1. Critique of student work
  2. Guest speakers
  3. Laboratory
  4. Lecture/Composition
  5. Demonstration/Exercise
  6. Distance Education
  7. Listening assignments
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
  1. Read chapter on multiband compression and be prepared to discuss
  2. Listen to, identify and discuss the sonic characteristics of a recording
  3. Demonstrate multi-channel mix automation
  4. Demonstrate proper audio signal flow configuration in a complex session
  1. Class Participation
  2. Home Work
  3. Lab Activities
  4. Homework
  5. Exams/Tests
  6. Final Examination
Upon the completion of this course, the student should be able to:
  1. Develop and evaluate microphone technique strategies for various instrumental implementations.
  2. Explain basic principles of acoustics and sound perception.
  3. Identify and critique strengths and weaknesses in an individual and groups of tracks of a prerecorded mix.
  4. Identify, differentiate and assess the design and sonic characteristics of various microphones.
  5. Properly construct an audio signal chain through the components of an advanced recording studio console.
Textbooks (Typical):
  1. Senior, Mike (2019). Mixing Secrets for the Small Studio (2d). Focal Press.
  • Portable digital media storage, such as a flash drive or external hard drive, not below 2 Gigabytes of memory
Abbreviated Class Schedule Description:
This course extends basic practical music production and multi-track recording skills to include complex projects, integration of acoustic and digital recording elements, and use of current computer software in the mixing process.
Prerequisite: MURT 21, Strongly Recommended: MURT 23 For maximum learning, co-requisite enrollment with MURT 23 is not required, but strongly encouraged.