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Course Primary Skills bk-MIX_p

Mixing and Synthesis Tools

12 sessions · Mondays, Wednesdays · 2hr 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.

Apr 22, 2026 – Jun 3, 2026

Mondays, Wednesdays, 10 AM Pacific | 1 PM Eastern | 6 PM UK

12 × 2hr classes · 8 seats

$620.00

Price includes 2 months BKS Residency

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.

Learn more about residency →

Other start dates and times (3 more)
More Dates
Oct 21, 2026 – Jan 25, 2027 Mondays, Wednesdays, 6 PM Pacific | 9 PM Eastern | 2 AM UK
Nov 10, 2026 – Dec 22, 2026 Tuesdays, Thursdays, 4 PM Pacific | 7 PM Eastern | 12 AM UK
Nov 29, 2026 – May 23, 2027 Sundays, 10 AM Pacific | 1 PM Eastern | 6 PM UK
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What students say
I took the “FX, Synthesis, and Mix Primer” class, and it was amazing! This class covers all types of effects, such as EQ, reverb, delay, compression, tremolos, phasers, etc. Not only does the class teach what the effects are and how to use

—Eric, Wisconsin


This was an awesome music theory fundamentals class. Nathan was a very thoughtful, thorough teacher who offered up time and energy outside of class to help his students in a myriad of ways from answering questions to providing feedback on

—Lizzie, New York, NY


Great class. Nathan is a great instructor. I would definitely recommend Beat kitchen to friends.

—James, Bishopville, SC


Had an amazing time at the workshop! Nathan is really passionate teaching and talking with others. Really recommend taking their classes.

—Anthony, New York, NY


Awesome interactive/ accessable class, Nathan really cares and has a great way of teaching.

—Em, Portland, OR


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