So you've recorded your tracks but what comes next?   Mixing is a daunting task that can take a long time to master, but we can help get you on the road to great mixes and avoid some real pitfalls that can come from going it alone.

Adjustment of levels, dynamics, and panning position, and the addition of effects such as reverb and delay, have a huge impact on the overall feel of a song and ultimately how the listener responds.  We will explore the creative and technical considerations necessary to mix in today’s music world regardless of platform or format.

Begin in week one with an overview of mixing, including track organization, mix basics, strategies and how to best begin a mix.   We will discuss phase relationships, proper gain structure and how to choose and use references.

Week two will cover all types of EQ and how it can be your best, and worst friend. We will talk plugins vs outboard analog gear, tube vs solid state.   We will also get into effects - reverb, delay, modulation, distortion as well as things like re-amping, using a real Leslie speaker for effect as well as creating a reverb chamber out of a bathroom.

Week three will be all about dynamic processing, covering gates, expanders, compressors and limiters.    One of the most important and least understood areas of mixing and something every mixer needs to understand.  Popular techniques like parellel processing and side-chaining will be covered. 

Finally, in week 4, we will put it all together and talk about finalizing a mix.  Automation of levels and effects, mix buss processing with eq and dynamics as well as final delivery including how to prepare for outside mastering or when needed, how to master the track yourself.  We will also listen to the difference between in the box mixing and mixing on an analog console as well as hear what printing a mix to analog tape does to the sound.

Ableton Live is a fast growing DAW today and has become the first choice for up and coming producers, beatmakers, and songwriters. Its unique workflow, features, and user-friendly interface make it an excellent program for anyone new to recording. If you already operate another DAW, learning Ableton will allow you take advantage of its best features and allow you collaborate more easily with other Ableton users. 

Week one will start with a general introduction to the basics of recording software. We'll cover the basic layout, terms, tools, and navigation that you'll find in all DAW's.

Week two we will dive into what makes Ableton Live unique and why it is extremely popular with those who make sample based music.

Week 3 & 4 we wil get hands on experience with Ableton's features as we produce elements of a song during class. 

Techniques for drum programming for a variety of styles including hip-hop, dance, pop, indie/alternative, and rock.

Over the course of 4 weeks, we'll get deep into Sample Choice, Drum Processing, Programming Patterns, Percussion, Grooves, etc.

We'll also spend time inside and outside making field recordings and resampling.  

We'll expore old and new sampling techniques with both hardware and software samplers.

Most songs arent just drums and vocals, so what about the other stuff?  In this course we will get into standard and not-so-standard ways to record bass, guitars and keyboards.

Week one will be all about that bass.  Is DI the best way to record bass guitar?  Does the type of DI matter?   What about compression?   Do I need a bass amp?   What mic would sound best for that?   Do I need to worry about phase?  What is the best way to record an upright bass?  Synth bass through a bass amp?

Week two we will get into the glorious land of guitars.   Acoustic, electric, amps, di, pedals, to room mic or not to room mic, what if someone wants to play acoustic guitar and sing at the same time?   There is a lot to cover with guitars and at June Audio we are well equipped to cover it.   You will get to hear many different options and learn why and when to use the many options available.

Week 3 will cover keyboards.   There are so many different types of keyboard instruments beyond synthesizers.   If you want to learn more about synths we have a great course on that taught by Nate Pyfer.   In this course we will listen and learn about the many ways to treat and mic a piano - upright, grand and spinet.   We will also work with Wurlitzer and  Rhodes electric pianos and the many ways to record those.   Micing a celeste, pump organ, and Hammond B3 with a Leslie speaker will round out this week.

Week 4 will be student directed and allow time to answer questions, deep dive or test any ideas that came up in weeks 1-3.   

Recording drums is one of our specialties and a favorite thing that we do here at June Audio.  This course will teach you how to capture the many sounds available from acoustic drums.  

Week one will kick things off with an introduction to acoustics and the different microphone types, as well as the basics of drum prep, treatment and an understanding of how different spaces play a part in recorded drum sounds.

Week two and three will feature a live drummer playing multiple drum sets in multiple locations as well as variations in mic techniques.   Students will learn how to capture that sound by utilizing the many microphone, mic pre, EQ, and processing options available in the studio.  We will also get into how to balance, adjust, fix, polish or mangle drums to fit a particular song.

Week four will cover editing, fixing, timing, and sampling options used by today’s top engineers, as well mixing drum sounds, including those recorded by someone else.