Mixing, Editing, and Session Prep

This unit develops intermediate home-recording skills focused on editing, mixing, signal processing, session organization, and preparing projects for mastering and delivery. Students will learn practical DAW workflows, microphone/miking considerations for overdubs, use of EQ/compression/reverb/delay, automation, and final export options including CD and online distribution.

Learning Objectives

• Apply DAW session setup, tempo mapping, and file-management procedures to organize multitrack projects, safely save data, and prepare for overdubbing and mixing
• Demonstrate precise editing techniques for audio and MIDI—including loop selection, cutting, quantizing, layering drum parts, and improving performance takes—to produce clean, musical tracks
• Apply equalization, dynamics processing (compression and limiting), time-based effects (delay and reverb), and automation to balance tracks, control dynamics, and create spatial depth in an in-the-box mix
• Evaluate mix readiness and prepare deliverables by finalizing levels, choosing an appropriate mastering path (software or external master deck), and exporting formats for CD and online music-host sites