I’m nearly done composing a 15-track traditional orchestral album. Per piece, stems will range from 35-50. I estimate the price with a professional mixer will range $400 - $800 per piece. Therefore, I’m looking at paying between $6,000 to $12,000 for mixing alone. While I might still do that, I’d like to give a crack at learning about mixing beyond the preliminary level. However, in order to do that, I would need a quality online Cubase mixing course.
Which one(s) do you recommend? While you consider your suggestion, please take into account I am first and foremost a composer. I do not know much about EQ, gain staging, etc. Yet, I’m open to learn. Maybe I could get somewhere good enough to, at least for now, mix this first album myself … or not.
Hi,
as you said yourself, you would need to learn basic techniques first. So, do you like someone who is getting straight to the point or do you prefer lengthy introductions which set the mood and explain everything in detail?
If you want to go for the first option I would take a look at Mixdown Online (Chris Selim). I haven’t taken any courses myself but I’d expect them to be pretty much straight forward judging on his YouTube content which is solid from a didactic point of view and hands on. I would also explore different types of EQs, compressors, reverbs, delays, modulation effects etc. You can learn a lot by reading the manuals of 3rd party plugins (the Steinberg manuals usually fall short in that regard).
After you’ve learned the basics there will be loads of different ways to get from A to B. The good news: By then, you will have gained more insights and know much better what you are looking for.
But first things first - getting to know the basics is of the essence. It can be overwhelming at times but it’s also a lot of fun and it’s absolutly worth it. You will start to hear many many precious details in every single production that you’ve missed before. It’s like gradually growing a new set of ears.
