Teaching the Mixing Console
Matthew Wehr
[email protected]
Northern Lehigh HS
TI:ME Technology Areas Addressed:
Sequencing
Multimedia/Digital Media
Information Processing
Level:
High School
Class:
Music Technology
Equipment:
Software sequencer such as Digital Performer
Computer (Mac or Win)
Duration:
15-20 Minutes
Prior Knowledge and Skills:
Students will practice using a mixer by finding the best audio solution for balance and other controlling factors on a file of music.
NAfME Standards of 1994 Addressed:
NAfME Standards of 1994: Listening to, analyzing and describing music.
NAfME Standards of 1994: Evaluating music and music performances.
NAfME 2014: Responding
NAfME Standards of 1994: Understanding relationships between music, the other arts, and disciplines outside the arts.
NAfME 2014: Connections
Materials:
Materials listed above
Sequenced file of music which has several tracks requiring balancing among them
Objectives:
The lesson involves training high school students to properly run a mixing console and developing an ear for proper audio sound. This is particularly appropriate for training students to work in the sound booth for theatrical productions. It give students time to familiarize themselves with a console. Students will save their recordings and settings and play them for the instructor in order to evaluate.
Procedures:
Students will open the sequencer program and select a sequenced file.
Students will then spend time working on balancing the tracks throughout the entire piece.
They will also apply/consider the other controlling factors such as reverb and pan.
Students will save their settings when they feel a successful mixing job has been achieved.
Evaluation:
Students will either play the piece immediately for the instructor or save it so he/she may listen later.
The teacher will critique any areas where balance is off or clarity is not as high as could be.
Follow Up:
Repetition of the same file
-or-
Choose a different file and attempt the same lesson
Items to Purchase:
None
When budget should be submitted:
N/A
