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Carolyn Malachi

Take your skills to the next level with 'Mixing and Completing Your Music Production.' This comprehensive course covers the essential processes of transforming raw recordings into a polished demo mix. Explore the world of mixing, EQ-ing, and balancing, and learn how to use reference tracks to improve your production. Emphasis is placed on collaborative practices, cross-border work, and effective communication. Engage in critical listening exercises and discussions on loudness standards and metadata to develop

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What's inside

Syllabus

Post-Production Strategies and Planning
In this module, you'll focus on post-production. You'll evaluate songs as they go through the post-production process to learn how various decisions affect the overall outcome. You'll also spend time with your demo mix and incorporate reference songs to your post-production process. Finally, you'll review some terminology to ensure you can communicate your vision clearly with colleagues and peers.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Designed for intermediate learners who want to take their music production skills to the next level
Led by experienced instructors who work in the industry
Covers a wide range of topics in mixing, EQ-ing, and balancing
Provides hands-on practice through critical listening exercises and discussions
Emphasizes collaborative practices and cross-border work for a well-rounded understanding

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Reviews summary

Refining your music production mixes

According to students, this course is a highly valuable resource for refining music production skills. Learners particularly praised the in-depth explanations of EQ and compression, and the practical application of using reference tracks to achieve a polished sound. Many found the critical listening exercises to be especially helpful in training their ear. The course also uniquely covers collaborative practices and essential elements like loudness standards and metadata, which are crucial for professional delivery. While it provides a strong foundation and is effective for those with existing production knowledge, some absolute beginners might find the pace challenging without prior DAW familiarity. Overall, it significantly elevates the quality of demo mixes.
Emphasizes real-world application, critical listening, and post-production.
"I particularly appreciated the focus on using reference tracks and the insights into loudness standards."
"The critical listening exercises were a highlight – really helped train my ear."
"It truly helps you 'complete' a production beyond just the technical mixing."
Provides clear and practical guidance on key mixing tools.
"The modules on EQ and compression were incredibly detailed yet easy to follow."
"The clarity of the explanations makes complex topics like compression very approachable."
"The practical examples for balancing and evaluating audio quality were super helpful."
Course focuses on concepts, not specific software application.
"I was hoping for more hands-on tutorials within a specific DAW."
"I struggled to apply them directly without more explicit guidance for my software."
"It's too conceptual for someone who needs step-by-step practical application."
Best suited for intermediate learners with some DAW familiarity.
"As a complete beginner, I found it moved a bit fast... Some prior knowledge of audio engineering would definitely make it easier to follow."
"The only minor point is that it assumes familiarity with a DAW."
"It's more for intermediate learners who need to refine skills rather than learn from scratch."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Mixing and Completing Your Music Production with these activities:
Read Industry Publications and Blogs
Stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in the music production industry.
Browse courses on Music Production
Show steps
  • Subscribe to industry-specific publications, blogs, and newsletters.
  • Read articles related to music production, mixing, and audio engineering.
Review Audio Production Fundamentals
Strengthen your foundation by reviewing the principles of audio production before starting the course.
Browse courses on Audio Production
Show steps
  • Review basic concepts of sound, acoustics, and recording.
  • Familiarize yourself with different types of microphones and their uses.
  • Understand the basics of audio editing and mixing.
Practice EQ and Compression Techniques
Reinforce your understanding of EQ and compression by completing repetitive exercises.
Browse courses on Equalization
Show steps
  • Identify different EQ types and their effects on audio.
  • Apply EQ to specific frequency bands to enhance or reduce certain elements in a mix.
  • Use compression to control the dynamics of a track and improve its overall balance.
  • Experiment with different compression settings to achieve desired results.
  • Practice applying EQ and compression to your own audio projects.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Join a Mixing Feedback Group
Gain valuable feedback on your mixes by participating in peer review sessions.
Show steps
  • Find a mixing feedback group or create your own.
  • Submit your mix for review and provide feedback on others' mixes.
  • Discuss mixing techniques, challenges, and solutions.
  • Incorporate feedback into your own mixing process.
Create a Demo Mix
Solidify your learning by creating a complete demo mix that incorporates the techniques covered in the course.
Show steps
  • Select a song or piece of audio to mix.
  • Import the audio into your DAW and begin mixing.
  • Apply EQ, compression, and other effects to enhance the sound of the mix.
  • Balance the levels of different tracks and create a cohesive overall sound.
  • Export the final mix in a high-quality format.
Assist with Live Sound Engineering
Gain practical experience and apply your mixing skills in a live setting.
Show steps
  • Contact local venues or event organizers.
  • Offer your assistance with live sound engineering.
  • Work with musicians and sound technicians to set up and mix the sound.
  • Troubleshoot any technical issues that arise.
Explore Advanced Mixing Techniques
Expand your knowledge by following tutorials on advanced mixing techniques beyond the scope of the course.
Browse courses on Mixing
Show steps
  • Identify areas where you want to improve your mixing skills.
  • Search for tutorials that cover specific advanced mixing techniques.
  • Follow the tutorials and apply the techniques to your own projects.
  • Experiment with different approaches and settings.

Career center

Learners who complete Mixing and Completing Your Music Production will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We've selected 50 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Mixing and Completing Your Music Production.
This is the seminal work that popularized the concept of Emotional Intelligence. It provides a comprehensive overview of the five key components of EQ and argues for its importance in personal and professional success, offering foundational knowledge for all levels. It is considered a classic in the field and is frequently referenced.
A highly practical guide that offers a step-by-step program for increasing your EQ. It includes strategies targeting the four core EQ skills and provides access to an online emotional intelligence appraisal. is particularly useful for those seeking actionable steps and self-assessment.
Comprehensive guide to music production, covering everything from the basics of sound and music theory to using specialized software and equipment.
Tailored for those working in home or project studios, this book provides practical techniques for achieving professional-sounding mixes with limited resources. It focuses on fundamental concepts and offers clear, actionable advice. is highly recommended for beginners and those with small studio setups.
Provides a comprehensive overview of collaborative intelligence and how it can be used to create knowledge, value, and action. It is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to learn more about collaboration and how to use it effectively.
Focuses on the crucial role of emotional intelligence in effective leadership. It explores how leaders can use EQ to create resonance and drive positive results within organizations. It is highly relevant for undergraduate students interested in leadership, graduate students, and working professionals.
This comprehensive book delves into the theory, concepts, and practices of audio mixing. It covers a wide range of topics from basic principles to advanced techniques, making it a valuable reference for students and professionals. The book is known for its depth and detailed explanations, often serving as a core text in audio engineering programs.
Practical guide to collaboration that provides insights into how to build trust, resolve conflict, and achieve common goals. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to improve their collaboration skills.
Goleman specifically addresses how emotional intelligence applies to leadership in this book. It offers insights and strategies for leaders to enhance their effectiveness through EQ, a valuable resource for professionals and graduate students in leadership roles.
A collection of essential articles from Harvard Business Review on emotional intelligence in the workplace. It covers various aspects of EQ and its application in leadership and professional settings, making it a valuable resource for professionals and graduate students.
A follow-up to Emotional Intelligence 2.0, this book focuses on small, everyday habits that can significantly enhance EQ. It offers easily implemented micro-habits to reinforce foundational emotional intelligence skills, practical for all audiences seeking continuous improvement.
Specifically addresses the challenges and techniques of mixing and mastering entirely within a digital audio workstation ('in the box'). It's highly relevant for contemporary workflows and provides practical advice for those working in a software-based environment.
Written by the founder of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, this book emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and understanding our emotions. It presents a framework for emotional literacy and provides tools for developing emotional intelligence, relevant for all audiences.
This practical guide focuses on a streamlined approach to mixing using a core set of effects. It's ideal for beginners who want a clear workflow and to understand the essential tools of mixing without being overwhelmed by options. It provides actionable steps for improving mixes.
Specifically addresses the application of emotional intelligence within teams. It provides strategies and a framework for increasing team EQ, essential for professionals working in collaborative environments and graduate students studying organizational behavior.
Practical guide to mixing audio in a small studio environment. It covers a wide range of topics, from room acoustics to microphone techniques to EQ and compression.
Emphasizes the musicality of mixing and how to make choices that serve the song. It balances technical knowledge with artistic considerations, helping engineers develop their critical listening skills and make impactful mixing decisions. It's suitable for those looking to deepen their understanding beyond just the technical.
Written by a Google engineer, this book combines mindfulness practices with emotional intelligence principles. It offers practical exercises for developing self-awareness and managing emotions, particularly relevant for professionals and those interested in the intersection of mindfulness and EQ.
Provides practical tools and techniques for improving emotional intelligence and building stronger relationships. It focuses on communication and understanding emotions in interactions, useful for all audiences looking to enhance their interpersonal skills.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the role of technology in collaboration. It covers everything from how to choose the right collaboration tools to how to measure the success of collaborative projects.
Provides a comprehensive overview of online collaboration tools and techniques. It is an essential read for anyone who wants to learn how to use technology to collaborate more effectively.
Presents a powerful framework for compassionate communication, which fundamental aspect of emotional intelligence and relationship management. It provides practical tools for expressing yourself honestly and listening with empathy, beneficial for all audiences.
Tailored specifically for students, this book explores how emotional intelligence contributes to academic and personal success. It provides a roadmap for developing EQ skills relevant to the student experience, an excellent resource for high school and undergraduate students.
Offering a less technical and more philosophical approach, this book delves into the artistic and psychological aspects of mixing. It provides valuable insights into the mindset and workflow of a professional mixer, complementing the more technical guides. It's a good read for gaining perspective on the craft.
Focuses on applying emotional intelligence principles specifically in a sales context. It provides strategies for sales professionals to build relationships, navigate challenges, and improve performance through EQ, highly relevant for professionals in sales roles.
Focuses on the specific techniques and workflows used in electronic dance music production, including mixing within this genre. It's valuable for those interested in or working with electronic music, offering genre-specific mixing strategies.
Understanding acoustics is fundamental to accurate monitoring and mixing. This handbook provides a comprehensive guide to the principles of acoustics and room treatment, essential knowledge for creating a reliable mixing environment. It's a key reference for anyone serious about audio engineering.
This highly technical and comprehensive reference covering a vast range of audio topics, including acoustics, electronics, and various areas of audio engineering. While not solely focused on mixing, it provides deep technical background that can enhance an advanced mixer's understanding of the underlying principles of sound and audio systems.
This academic text provides a deep dive into the science of how humans perceive sound. Understanding psychoacoustics is crucial for making informed mixing decisions that translate well to listeners. is highly technical and suitable for advanced students and professionals seeking a thorough understanding of auditory perception.
Explores the application of artificial intelligence and machine learning in music production, including mixing. It delves into contemporary topics and the future of audio engineering, suitable for advanced students and professionals interested in the intersection of technology and mixing.
While aimed at a younger audience, this book provides valuable, research-based activities for building foundational EQ skills. It can be a helpful resource for high school educators or parents looking for practical ways to introduce and develop emotional intelligence in teenagers.
Offers a comprehensive and accessible introduction to emotional intelligence for a broad audience. It covers the fundamentals of EQ and provides practical exercises for development, suitable for high school students and anyone new to the concept.
Provides a practical guide to metadata implementation. It covers topics such as metadata tools, technologies, and best practices.
Provides a guide to metadata management for managers. It covers topics such as metadata strategy, metadata governance, and metadata ROI.
Accurate metering is vital for achieving professional mixes and adhering to delivery specifications. provides a detailed understanding of audio metering principles, standards (including LUFS), and practices, crucial for ensuring mixes translate well across different playback systems. It's a technical but important read for those focused on detail and standards.
Although focused on live sound, this classic handbook contains fundamental principles of audio that are applicable to studio mixing, particularly concerning signal flow, processing, and system design. It's a valuable reference for understanding how sound behaves in different environments.
Specifically addresses high school students navigating the college admissions process, focusing on using emotional intelligence and mindfulness to reduce stress and improve the experience. It's a niche but highly relevant resource for college-bound high schoolers.
Provides an overview of metadata for archives. It covers topics such as metadata standards, metadata creation, and metadata management.
While not solely a mixing book, this collection of interviews with renowned producers and engineers offers insights into their workflows, philosophies, and techniques, including their approaches to mixing. It provides valuable real-world perspectives and inspiration.
Focused on the specific requirements and techniques of mixing audio for video games, this book covers interactive mixing, spatial audio, and the unique challenges of game audio workflows. It's a specialized text for those interested in or working in the game industry.
Provides an overview of metadata for geospatial data. It covers topics such as metadata standards, metadata creation, and metadata management.
A memoir from a legendary audio engineer, this book offers historical context and anecdotal insights into classic recording and mixing sessions. While not a technical guide, it provides inspiration and a sense of the artistry involved in iconic mixes.

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