Recording, Editing, and Mixing

This unit develops practical studio skills for capturing performances, refining recorded and MIDI material, and shaping a cohesive mix using signal processors and workflow best practices. Students will move from tracking through editing into mixing-ready sessions, building on foundational DAW and signal path knowledge and preparing projects for final polishing and delivery in Unit 4.

Learning Objectives

• Demonstrate professional recording workflows for audio and MIDI by selecting and positioning microphones, setting gain structure, configuring inputs/routing, and capturing clean MIDI data in a DAW
• Apply audio and MIDI editing techniques to comp takes, correct timing and pitch, edit note data and velocities, and create seamless transitions using crossfades, quantization, and automation
• Analyze and dial in signal processors (EQ, compression, reverb, delay, and modulation) on tracks and buses to solve frequency masking, control dynamics, and craft tonal character while maintaining proper gain staging
• Evaluate and construct balanced mixes by setting levels, panning, frequency placement, and send/return effects, and prepare mix sessions for final review or mastering