Course overview
If you’re a Logic Pro or Ableton Live user you’re looking to polish off your tracks, then this hands-on course is for you. Developed by professional sound engineers, this 6-month programme will teach you all the skills you need to mix and master your music to a professional standard, no matter what genre of music you make. Whether you’re a beginner or professional, this course will help improve the quality of your work, and further your career.
After completing a professional course at Point Blank, you’ll gain exclusive discounts and credit towards a range of other courses.
We are proud to be ahead of the curve in delivering a fantastic student experience whether on campus or online and are happy to include all the exclusive features for students.
Course spaces are limited to ensure every student receives ample 1-2-1 time with their tutors.
Job outcomes
- Music Producer
- Recording Engineer
- Mix Engineer
- Sound Designer
- Sound Editor
- Music Arranger
- Film/TV Music Composer
- Remixer
- Artist/Performer
- Singer/Songwriter
- Studio Manager
- A&R/Label Manager
Study method
- Online
- Blended
- In-class
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Duration study load
- 6 months
What is My Schedule?
Each module requires your attendance in one weekly masterclass which will be 2 hours long. The masterclasses take place between 7-9 pm UK time and will be on the same day each week. The masterclass day will be confirmed a week before the start of each term, but all classes are recorded and archived, so you can watch them back whenever it suits you if you can’t attend live. You will also be able to book five 1-2-1 sessions with your lecturer per module per term for additional support – these take place in weeks 2, 4, 6, 8 and 11 of your course.
Entry requirements
Are there academic entry requirements?
No. There are no academic requirements for this course. This course or programme is practical, and therefore aimed at those who wish to develop their skills to a professional standard.
Is this course suitable for beginners?
No. This course is intended for intermediate/advanced users who already have considerable experience with Logic Pro.
Materials
- Over 20 hours of high-quality video tutorials
- 20 Live Group Masterclasses with your instructor and the whole class
- 8 Live 1-2-1 Tutorials with just you and your instructor
- Comprehensive well written course notes
- Exclusive audio resources created by Point Blank: downloadable projects, channel strips, bespoke plug-ins, samples, acapella and more
- 2-year access to all of the above
- 24/7 access to forum
- Submit your tracks to our record label, Point Blank Recordings, distributed by Beatport, iTunes, Juno Download and Amazon
Testimonials
-
Damien, Mixing & Mastering studentMixing & Mastering In Depth (Online)"Mixing was my favourite module this term. My lecturer was great - so helpful and engaging with his explanations about proper mixing techniques throughout the course. The Mastering module was also very helpful! Down the line it should prove to be very cost-effective when looking to self-release music for all manner of reasons and on all manner of platforms in the future. "
Global Alumni
- Aluna Francis
- Claude VonStroke
- Leona Lewis
- Pete Tong
- Goldie
- Patrick Topping
- Madam X
- Arjun
- Spoony
Delivery
As part of your course, you will get access to a range of Online Learning features to help you in your studies. We’ve enhanced our exclusive 1-2-1 sessions in order to provide you with individual time to speak to your lecturers and share your projects so you can get advice and guidance on specific areas of your assignments. You’ll get advice on your 1-2-1 tutorial exercises, course materials, academic assistance and carer/industry tips, and be able to ask any questions you want. You’ll also benefit from our purpose-built Virtual Learning Environment, which allows you to connect with the wider Point Blank community, and study at the time and place that suits you.
What equipment do I need to take this course?
- Either Ableton Live 11 Suite or Logic Pro X (please contact us for more details)
- Computer – please check the minimum requirements for your chosen DAW
- A MIDI keyboard (recommended)
What support do I get during this course?
Throughout your course, you will be instructed and supported by our expert team of professional music producers. You will be able to contact them via the student forum, raise any issues that you may encounter on your course, and receive a timely response. All of the instructors are highly experienced in making music and/or have in-depth knowledge of the music business and will be able to offer valuable advice and guidance. You will also be able to participate in a weekly online masterclass where you can raise specific questions related to the module you are currently taking.
Subjects
Mixing is a crucial stage in the production process and this module aims to develop your skills as a competent mix engineer.
What are the processes, equipment, considerations, and techniques involved in creating professional-sounding commercial mixes?
Critical listening will be developed alongside technical and creative skills which are essential to successful mixing and production. Mixing is a key skill for producers and offers a variety of potential career paths.
- 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
Mastering is the final stage before commercial release and this module will give you a perspective on these processes through the lens of a mastering engineer – how this process has developed in the digital age and the considerations across different audio platforms.
You will develop knowledge of digital audio processes to maintain the highest sound quality throughout the various stages of the production process, gaining an insight into the requirements for producing suitable mixes ready for mastering.
Critical listening skills which are crucial to every stage of the production and mixing process will be further developed.
- 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 Restoration Techniques
About Point Blank Music School
Point Blank's global network of schools is world-renowned for music education, and has now taught over 50,000 students how to make their mark in music. Our studios feature top industry-standard equipment including SSL mixing consoles, Ableton Push 2 controllers, Novation and Native Instruments keyboards, various outboard equipment, the latest Roland gear and Pioneer DJ devices, and a lot more.
If you want access to the best instructors, the best facilities, and the best connections out there, then join Point Blank’s global community now and step inside the music industry.
