MUS 14B • Department of Music • Spring 2021

Sequencing and Production

LIU Post • Long Island University

Mixing Project

It is strongly suggested that you use a DAW with a mixer to get the most out of this project. GarageBand users, don't be afraid of Logic! You'll actually learn a lot about GarageBand by using Logic. You can get the free 90-day Logic Demo here.

The purpose of this project is to introduce a "top-down" approach to mixing, following the steps outlined in the How to Mix a Song from Scratch video series assigned over the last few weeks.

As we've been working on this project, hopefully you've been following the steps outlined in the series:

  1. The Static Mix
  2. Mix Buss Processing
  3. EQ
  4. Compression
  5. Reverb & Delay
  6. Sweetening

If you're familiar with mixing you might not have followed the above sequence but that's alright. However, you still should take a look at this method. You might learn something new and expand your own method of mixing.

If you're new to mixing, this "top-down" approach can simplify the mixing process, making it easier to learn how to build a mix from scratch. In time you'll learn other methods and develop your own method and workflow.

Besides introducing a "top-down" approach to mixing, this project also gives you the opportunity to continue working with the Logic (or other DAW) mixer and channel strips and it introduces several new important processes you should know:

  1. Using Automation (if needed)
  2. Using "Insert" effects as you process individual tracks
  3. Creating auxiliary channel strips
  4. Using Busses and Sends
  5. Using "Parallel" effects

Instructions
Logic-oriented. Further details in class

  1. As discussed previously in class:
    1. Download a multitrack audio project from the Web. For now keep the number of tracks under 10-12. Check the links on our homepage for places where you can download these projects. NOTE: Make sure the tracks are unprocessed.
      OR
    2. Use a multitrack project you've already created. Remove any processing from the individual tracks and output/master channel. More in class
  2. Mix the song following the six steps in the "top-down" approach listed above and demonstrated in class. Note: If you're not using any Track Folders/Track Stacks you shouldn't have any auxiliary channel strips on your mixer until step 5. More in class.
  3. How you submit your finished project will be discussed in class.