This page gives more details about the assignments, and includes several collections of audio tracks for mixing and processing.
Mix Graph
A Mix Graph is a qualitative analysis of a broadly distributed recording of music (a single track, song, movement, or piece). The main analysis is a grid or chart of numerical evaluations about the parameters of each sound source. The primary task is to identify every audio source (each track, instrument, voice, effect, or microphone capture) and evaluate (at least) (a) the relative amplitude (between 0 and 1), (b) the relative pan position (between -1 and 1), and (c) the estimated predominant frequency response range (in Hz). Dynamic changes in these features, as well as mention of general sonic and production characteristics, should be described in a short prose paragraph.
Three mix graphs are assigned during the term, and due after sessions 3, 5, and 7.
Processing Report
A processing report requires processing a number of audio files with a specific selection of audio tools, including equalizers and dynamics processors. For each file, the processors and parameters used must be documented, and the processed audio file must be submitted. Additionally, for each audio file processed, a brief paragraph must be provided describing the particular challenges of working with the audio file and the sonic goals in the processing performed.
Two processing reports are assigned during the term, and due after sessions 9 and 13.
Audio sources for the processing reports are provided in the following table, courtesy of Towson University (recorded at the Recording Studio of the Towson University Department of Music, © Towson University).
| AUDIO SOURCE FILES | TRACKS |
|---|---|
| Processing Report 1 (ZIP - 22.9MB) (This zip file contains: 5 .aif files.) | bass amp, electric guitar, female voice, kick, snare |
| Processing Report 2 (ZIP - 21.9MB) (This zip file contains: 4 .aif files.) | acoustic guitar, piano, table, tambourine |
Mix Report
A mix report includes a complete mix of one or more bundles of audio files. All channels should be optimized with proper channel-strip processing. Mixing should optimize the presentation of the material in a stylistically suitable and creative manner. The submitted mix must include a short report (at least 500 words, or about 2 double-spaced pages in a 12-point serif font with one inch margins) describing the general approach taken, the specific processors and parameters used, and opportunities for improvement (in the recording and/or mixing).
Two mix reports are assigned during the term, and due after sessions 16 and 25.
Selected audio sources for Mix Report 1 are provided in the following table, courtesy of Towson University (recorded at the Recording Studio of the Towson University Department of Music, © Towson University).
| SAMPLE AUDIO SOURCE FILES for MIX REPORT 1 | TRACKS |
|---|---|
| Jazz quartet (ZIP - 194MB) (This zip file contains: 11 .aif files.) | bass acoustic, bass direct, bass amp front, hi hat, kick, snare, OH left, OH right, piano high, piano low, trumpet |
| Trio of voice and two guitars (ZIP - 75.3MB) (This zip file contains: 7 .aif files.) | guitar A (4041), guitar A (4050), guitar B (4041), guitar B (4050), vocal (U87), vocal overdub 1, vocal overdub 2 |
| Duo of voice and piano (ZIP - 98.8MB) (This zip file contains: 6 .aif files.) | piano inside, piano left, piano right, room left, room right, vocals |
Track Sheet Log
The track sheet log is your collection of all track sheets for each in-class recording session, fully completed with all recording parameters.