Teaching the Mixing Console

Matthew Wehr
mwehr@nlsd.org
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.

MENC Standards Addressed:

MENC 6: Listening to, analyzing and describing music.
MENC 7: Evaluating music and music performances.
MENC 8: Understanding relationships between music, the other arts, and disciplines outside the arts.

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