AE 303 - Music Mastering

Through classroom instruction and practical experience utilizing lab time within the audio complex’s professional mastering studio, the student will learn the process and art of preparing final music mixdowns for various end consumer formats. Techniques to be covered will include stylistically dependent equalization, compression and limiting techniques, matching the sound of multiple mixes for album program uniformity, balancing stereo mixes through frequency and dynamics analysis, using unique hardware and software mastering tools, analysis of unmastered vs mastered songs, referencing current and historic released records for comparison, learning dedicated mastering software applications, indexing standards, the physical preparation of a mastered CD and other audio delivery formats, and communication/client relations skills.
Prerequisite(s): AE 302
Lecture Hours: 2 Lab Hours: 2 Credits: 3