COURSE NOTES:

Creating a template:
-Set up folders for instrument sections.
-Set up reverb sends (convolution & algorithmic) –send output to buses.
-Set up stereo group buses for sections (with processing chains).
-Save as template for use on projects.

Mix session preparation:

-Import audio tracks.
-Sort tracks by folders and color.
-Edit silence (cut silence).
-Send tracks outputs to corresponding group bus (I.E. Strings, Woods....)

Mixing process:
-Tracks level balance & gain staging first – Create a good starting point.
EQ processing individual tracks:
-Cut unwanted frequencies, DON’T BOOST.
-Frequency spotting – narrow Q, boost by 3-6dB and sweep for
unwanted frequencies, then cut by 3dB (unless the frequency is really
bothering, then cut by 6dB).
-Pay attention to 2-3kHz range for harshness of strings and brass.
-Pay attention to 800-1800Hz for resonances of woodwinds.
-Pay attention to 200-400Hz mud on all section and percussion.
-Pay attention to range around 800Hz and around 2kHz on choirs.
-If compressing something, do it only by -3dB maximum.

Reverberation:
-Use convolution to place instruments into scoring stage room.
-Use algorithmic reverb for tail.
-Longer tail (around 2 sec) for long articulations.
-Shorter tail (around 1.2 sec) for short acrticulations.
-Roughly 1.5 seconds tail for percussion.

Bus group processing:

-First, clean up a bit of the summed content prior to hitting channel
strip.
-Use console channel strip for analog summing. Tape for orchestral bus.
-If compressing , -1db for orchestral & choirs, -2db for percussion.
- Vari Mu type of compressor on orchestra (Fairchild,Manley Vari Mu),
relatively short attack and release
- VCA type of compressor on percussion (SSL bus compressor),
relatively medium attack and auto release.
-Balance levels between group busses.
-VCA automation for adding more dynamic movement on certain
sections of the track.

Mastering:
-EQ the main output to control some unwanted frequency build-up.
-Compress with either a Vari Mu or VCA type of compressor.
-Medium attack time, fast release on Vari Mu, automatic release on
VCA compressor.
-Use limiter to boost the mix by a couple of dB, make sure it doesn clip
and flatten the output.
-If using Ozone, use the automatic setup, and tweak by desire. Make
sure the input and output have the same levels.

AND REMEMBER: BE CREATIVE, AND YOU NEED 20% LESS THAN YOU
ACTUALLY SET UP!