Mixing and Synthesis Tools
24 sessions · Mondays, Wednesdays · 1hr each
What does this button do…
Every effect, every synth, and every mixer channel shares the same core language. This course teaches that language — from the physics of sound through EQ, compression, reverb, synthesis, and gain staging — so the tools make sense instead of requiring memorization.
26 chapters of ground covered
- How sound works — frequency, amplitude, harmonics, and why timbre matters for every mix decision
- Subtractive synthesis — oscillators, filters, envelopes, modulation. We use a synth as a laboratory because every effect you’ll ever touch uses the same building blocks
- EQ and filtering — low-pass, high-pass, shelves, notches, and the subtractive approach that separates clean mixes from muddy ones
- Compression and dynamics — threshold, ratio, attack, release, parallel processing, sidechain, multiband. Several weeks on this because compression is where most people get lost
- Reverb, delay, and spatial effects — stereo imaging, mid-side, placing sounds in a space
- Signal chain and gain staging — headroom, routing, metering. Level is your most powerful mixing tool and the one people underuse
- Mastering fundamentals — reference tracks, loudness, preparing a mix for release
These concepts apply in your DAW, on a hardware synth, behind a console, on a stage. The course covers how sound and audio processing work — platform doesn’t matter.
Prerequisites: None. This is where most people start after DAW Core Skills.
Ready for more? The Mixing Masterclass picks up where this course leaves off.
Oct 21, 2026 – Jan 25, 2027
Mondays, Wednesdays, 6 PM Pacific | 9 PM Eastern | 2 AM UK
What's a residency?
Residency is your Beat Kitchen membership —$85/mo or $700/yr. It includes office hours, gyms, beat challenges, and a community of producers on Discord.
Non-residents can take any class — residency months are bundled into the price. If you're already a resident, check the box above and you'll see the lower class-only price.
Other start dates and times (3 more)
Want this class at a different time? Seats aren't on sale yet — raise your hand and we'll build it around your availability.
The more times you select, the more likely we are to build a class that works for you.
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