This course delves into the art of music mixing, covering both technical and creative aspects. You'll learn to manipulate audio signals, apply effects like reverb and delay, and master techniques like equalization, compression, and automation. The course explores various mixing plug-ins, and provides hands-on experience through weekly mix assignments using professional recordings. By the end of the workshop, you'll be equipped to mix & master multi-track recordings to a professional standard, understand industry trends, and critically analyze your own work.
This workshop will equip you with the skills to become a competent mix engineer, covering the processes, equipment, considerations, and techniques involved in creating professional-sounding commercial mixes. You'll gain a deep understanding of the crucial final stage, mastering, through the perspective of a mastering engineer. This module will explore how mastering has evolved in the digital age, including considerations for different audio platforms. You'll learn to apply digital audio processes to maintain the highest sound quality throughout production, ensuring your mixes are ready for mastering. Throughout the workshop, critical listening skills, essential for every stage of production and mixing, will be honed.
● Mixing procedures and Techniques
● Critical Listening
● Signal Paths and Routing
● Aux Sends vs Insert Processing
● Stereo Width
● Dynamic Processing
● Corrective and Creative Equalisation & Filters
● Timbre and Harmonics
● Creating Depth through Reverberation and Delay Effects
● Modulation Effects & Distortion
● Creative Mixing techniques
● The role of the mastering engineer
● The physics of sound
● Monitoring
● Basic acoustics
● Critical listening
● Digital audio key issues in relation to mastering
● Metering
● Types of EQ and techniques in mastering
● Loudness versus quality
● Advanced dynamic processing
● Mid/side techniques
● Mastering for Streaming Platforms
● Audio RestorationTechniques
Alaa El Kashef is a renowned Egyptian sound engineer, music producer and composer. His dedication to music has earned him international acclaim, including a Grammy Award win in 2004 with Fathy Salama and Youssou N'Dour. El Kashef's artistry has transcended borders, collaborating with some of the most celebrated artists of our time, both in Egypt and internationally. He has worked alongside international musicians and stars like Shakira, Ricky Martin, Steve Hillage, Sheb Khaled, Rachid Taha, Youssou N'Dour, Hossam Ramzy, Fathy Salama, Sami Yusuf, Tarkan, Çelik and others, bringing his unique touch to their music. He has also collaborated with Arabic music icons like Baligh Hamdi, Warda, Mohammed Mounir, George Wassouf, Cairokee, Massar Egbari, Abdul Majeed Abdullah, Nagwa Karam, Aida El Ayoubi, Rabeh Sager, Abbady El Gohar, West El Balad, Ghalia Benali, Hisham Abbas, Mohamad Foad and many others. Alaa El Kashef is a true master of sound, understanding the magic of music to evoke emotions, tell stories, and transport audiences to different worlds. He is a visionary who pushes boundaries, constantly seeking new ways to enhance the music experience.
Alaa El Kashef is also an internationally renowned sound designer and mixer, with over three decades of experience in the film and television industry. His technical expertise and creative approach to sound design have made him a sought-after collaborator, earning him recognition for his contributions to the field. El Kashef's career began in the music industry and then expanded to film, where he brought his exceptional skills to a diverse range of productions. He has worked on over 100 film and TV projects, including "El Basha," "Edhak El Soora Tetlae Helwa," "Hob El Banat," "Aboud Al Hodood" (the first film to be entirely mixed on Pro Tools), "El Nazer" (the first Egyptian film to be made in surround sound), "Wahed Men Al Nas," "Bentein Men Masr," "Bab El Wadaa," "Hawi," "Ahl Cairo," "Al So3louk," and many others. El Kashef's contributions to the film industry have earned him widespread recognition and numerous awards. He is a maestro of sound, a passionate advocate for the development of the Egyptian film scene, believing in the power of film to inspire and connect people.