MUSC M8086 X - Mixing Fundamentals

Module Details

Module Code: MUSC M8086 X
Full Title: Mixing Fundamentals
Valid From:: Semester 1 - 2019/20 ( June 2019 )
Language of Instruction:English
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits:: 5
Module Owner:: Kieran Lynch
Departments: Unknown
Module Description: This module aims to develop the student’s ability to produce competent mixes of multi-track recording sessions. It is progressive in approach and unfolds into a complexity of workflow that demands organisational and discrimination skills. A sustaining theme will be the comparative analysis between commercial product and the students’ own work in order to establish perspective and standardised referencing.
 
Module Learning Outcome
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Module Learning Outcome Description
MLO1 Carry out 'pre-mix' preparation strategies on a previously recorded multi-track recording session.
MLO2 Apply principles of multi-track mixing in the production of a first draft mix.
MLO3 Modify the spectral, dynamic and spatial aspects of individual, grouped and global audio elements to generate a mix that develops the draft to a final mix.
MLO4 Document and discuss the quality of their own mixes as perceived on different playback systems in different listening situations compared to commercially produced mixes of similar genre music.
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named DkIT module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
No recommendations listed
 
Module Indicative Content
The attributes of a professional mix.
Clarity, depth, energy, coherence, spectral breadth, relative volume levels and relative spectral content, the integration of effects, the role of the various instruments and voices.
Monitoring and Reference Audio Material
Familiarisation with, and cognisance of, the main sonic characteristics of the listening environment. Using reference audio material to establish spectral alignment of mix.
Audio Materials Management
Content importing and auditioning. Editing. Phase integrity and alignment. Issues of Compliment, Dis-chord, Complication, Redundancy.
First Draft Mix
Setting the relative volume levels of the different instruments to achieve a working 'mix in progress', evaluation.
Creating a Sound Field
Manipulating instrument positioning in the stereo and surround stages.
Spectral considerations
Familiarisation with the basic frequency content/range of the various instruments, allocating instruments to specific sections of the frequency domain, similarities between instruments, major differences in frequency balance.
Controlling dynamics
Manipulation of both individual and grouped source dynamic contours to achieve greater integration of perceived performance.
Spatialisation
Reverberation, real and artificial, ambiance, delays, chorus, panning.
Module Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Project100.00%
Module Special Regulation
 

Assessments

Full-time

No Course Work
Project
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 15
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing S1 Week 4 Learning Outcome 1
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
Prepare the Audio and Session materials of a production for the mixing stage.
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 20
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing S1 Week 8 Learning Outcome 2
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
The generation of a First Draft stereo mix of previously prepared audio from a multi-track recording session accompanied with a critical assessment of the mix including suggestions as to how it may be improved.
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 40
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing S1 Week 12 Learning Outcome  
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
The iterative development of the First Draft mix over a series of incremental stages to a final mix conclusion.
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 25
Marks Out Of 0 Pass Mark 0
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcome 1,2,4
Duration in minutes 0
Assessment Description
A Reflective Journal that includes a critique of the 'mix' artifact at each stage of its development and as a consequence, offers a mix development statement to be subsequently implemented. The overarching backdrop for this reflection is the critically comparison of the student's work with that of a similar genre work that has been professionally produced.
No Practical
No Final Examination

DKIT reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full-time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Tutorial Contact No Description Every Week 1.00 1
Practical Contact No Description Every Week 2.00 2
Directed Reading Non Contact No Description Every Week 2.00 2
Independent Study Non Contact No Description Every Week 3.00 3
Total Weekly Learner Workload 8.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
Workload: Part-time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Tutorial Contact No Description Every Week 1.00 1
Practical Contact No Description Every Week 2.00 2
Directed Reading Non Contact No Description Every Week 2.00 2
Independent Study Non Contact No Description Every Week 3.00 3
Total Weekly Learner Workload 8.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 3.00
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • Mike Senior. (2018), Mixing Secrets for the Small Studio, 2nd. Routledge, [ISBN: 978-113855637].
  • Bobby Owsinski. (2011), Audio Mixing Boot Camp: Basic Training for Musicians, Pap/DVD. Alfred Publishing, [ISBN: 978-073908239].
  • R Izhaki. (2011), Mixing audio, Concepts, Practices and Tools, 2nd. Focal Press, [ISBN: 978-024052222].
  • B Owsinski. (2017), The Mixing Engineer's Handbook, 4th. Bobby Owsinski Media Group, [ISBN: 978-098883918].
This module does not have any article/paper resources
This module does not have any other resources