Mixing 101

Learn the entire mixing process, from session organization to finished production, in four weeks. Whether you're new to mixing or looking to apply your skills in the industry standard digital audio workstation Pro Tools, this course will provide an essential foundation in professional audio engineering. 

The course begins by diving into the essentials of prepping your session in Pro Tools, adjusting levels, and using panning, so that you can create a mix with these fundamental tools. You’ll then learn how to apply EQ and compression and explore time-based effects, such as reverb, delay, and more. You’ll discover how to add depth, texture, and dimensionality to your mixes by creating artificial doubling, chorusing, flanging, and phasing effects. You’ll also learn more advanced techniques, such automation, group buses, and finishing techniques, which are key to elevating your mixes to professional standards. 

With expert ears listening to and reviewing your work, you’ll learn to shape and mold your sound with increased precision and artistry. Whether you're a budding producer or an experienced musician, this course offers the tools and techniques you need to create dynamic, balanced, and high-quality mixes for your music. 

What you will learn:

✔ Gain proficiency in session organization and basic mixing techniques in Pro Tools 
✔ Apply EQ and compression to enhance the clarity, punch, and dynamics of your mixes, tailored to different musical genres and contexts 
✔ Implement time-based effects such as reverb, delay, and modulation, adding depth, space, and texture to your mix 
✔ Apply automation, group bussing, and final rendering, enabling you to produce a high-quality mix

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Prerequisite skills:

• Completion of Recording and Producing Music for Beginners, or basic experience with a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) to record music

What you need to participate:

• Computer or mobile device with Internet. Internet speed must be at least 1.5Mbps download and 800Kbps upload. For students using a mobile device, download the Canvas mobile app and select “Interlochen Online” as your school. Your computer should have either:
  • Mac OS: 
    • Latest release of macOS Monterey 12.7.x or macOS Ventura 13.6.x 
    • M2, M1 or Intel Dual Core i5 or faster 
  • Windows: 
    • Windows 10 (22H2) or Windows 11 (23H2) 
    • 64-bit Intel Core Processor (i3 2GHz or faster recommended)
• 8GB RAM
• 15 GB of free space
• iLok account (physical iLok is optional)
• Pro Tools Artist or higher
• (Optional) Two studio monitor speakers (Recommendations: Yamaha HS5, Behringer Truth B2031)
• (Optional) Headphones: Sennheiser HD 280 PRO

How the course works:

Interlochen Online courses are designed to be inspiring and flexible with weekly learning units that combine video segments and guided instruction that you can complete on your own schedule during the week. You will interact regularly with your teacher and peers inside the learning environment. 

You can also participate in an optional weekly hour-long video class meeting, where you can learn from the teacher and interact with your classmates in real-time. At the beginning of the course, you will complete a survey indicating your preferred times for the class meeting. The teacher will make every best effort to identify a meeting time that works for everyone. The teacher will also post recordings of the meetings and you can view them when it is convenient. 

The goal is that you walk away not only with practical skills and friendships, but that you are inspired and motivated to pursue your art and realize your potential.