01
Overview
A focused engineering programme for those who already produce: tracking technique, advanced mixing decisions and mastering as a craft. Every module is assessed on finished audio, not on written theory alone.
02
Aims of the Course
- Record acoustic sources with clean, usable takes
- Make confident, repeatable mixing decisions
- Master for streaming, vinyl and broadcast
- Calibrate ears and monitoring reliably
03
Course Structure
01
Recording Technique
- Polar patterns and placement
- Drum, guitar and vocal capture
- Room treatment and isolation
- Punch-ins, comping and overdubs
02
Gain, Dynamics and Tone
- Gain staging across a session
- Compression types and uses
- Equalisation as problem-solving
- Saturation and harmonic colour
03
Space and Depth
- Reverb design and pre-delay
- Delay as arrangement device
- Width and mid-side processing
- Depth hierarchy in a mix
04
Vocal Production
- Tuning and timing ethics
- Layering and doubles
- Rides, automation and intelligibility
- De-essing and plosive control
05
Mastering
- Mastering chain architecture
- Loudness targets by platform
- Reference monitoring and checks
- Vinyl and broadcast delivery
06
Critical Listening and Delivery
- Monitoring across systems
- Client revision workflow
- Archive and session delivery
- Final portfolio of three masters
04
Learning Outcomes
- 01Track a multi-source session cleanly
- 02Mix a dense arrangement with controlled space
- 03Master for at least three delivery targets
- 04Diagnose problems by ear and by measurement
- 05Deliver a professional client package
05
Assessment
- Tracked recording session assessment
- Three mastered works
- Critical listening examination
06
Entry Requirements
- Prior production or engineering experience
07
Progression and Careers
- Recording engineer
- Mix engineer
- Mastering engineer