FINAL REFLECTION
AUD176: FOUNDATIONS OF RECORDING & MIXING

LOOKING BACK...

Coming into the Bachelor of Audio, I was green with no experience in anything to do with mixing and recording and had very basic music production experience. To be honest I hadn't actually completed a personal project in almost half a year before coming to SAE. So coming here, I was worried that I wasn't going to be able to grasp much of what was going to be taught due that very reason and my inexperience. This is also the first time since 2013 I had committed to tertiary learning. Even with all those fears and worries, I was also excited to be studying a field of education I had a very sizable interest in, as well as being in such a creative and interesting environment that could completely change my perception on the way I view the industry and listen to audio.

I didn't really understand the difference between producing and mixing and I knew virtually nothing regarding recording anything before coming to SAE. It wasn't until week 3 that I started to realize there was a difference, and it wasn't until about week 4 or 5 that I started to realize what mixing really entailed. The studio workshops were daunting for me and I felt I faded into the background a fair bit in the beginning due to how overwhelming and new everything was.

Around week 7 or 8 I started to feel comfortable with the console and how to confidently get a signal to come through the desk and record it on Pro Tools. This was around the time we were finishing our recordings and starting to mix our second projects, so it was a fair amount of time into the module. Pro Tools was at first confusing and a bit daunting, but I had experience with another DAW, Ableton, I found the learning curve to be a little more acceptable compared to setting up the equipment and recording a signal through the desk.

Like I previously mentioned, I definitely think week 7 and 8 were the most beneficial to me regarding mixing on Pro Tools and on the console. Prior to SAE I had always had an issue with understanding and using equalization, dynamic processors like compressors, and how to properly apply and manipulate time based effects like reverb and chorus. During the the computer lab sessions when we were about them, I had the thought I wasn't going to be learning anything new or substantial and was waiting for some profound method that was going to help me look at them from another angle. But looking back I realized that by actually doing the exercises in class, applying them to my project and any extra research actually helped significantly with understanding them. I felt confident in applying these to my projects this trimester, but I feel more confident in applying them to my own projects.

In week 8, I feel that was the studio workshop the penny really dropped for me when operating the desk in the control room. We mixed Marvin Gaye's - Heard It Through The Grapevine and elevated the mix from and an old mix into a current mix using the EQ shelves, the analog compressors, and crafting a full stereo image. Another notable workshop of the trimester was Sam's studio workshop in week 9. That studio workshop was really informative to me regarding top down mixing and preparing a pre-mix before the mix. I can see myself buying my own mixer down the road and applying this mixing style to my future projects, as I feel one of my biggest struggles when it comes to the production and mixing of music and sound is my lack of workflow and the speed in which I work. It's also a great skill to have if clients are coming to you to mix for them.

It's only been 13 weeks and I've learnt a wealth of knowledge. So much so, that if I were to drop out of SAE today I could use what I've learnt in my creative practice and projects. Some teachings that come to mind are the importance of stereo and mono mixing, how to use the equalization processing, dynamic processers and time based effects properly to achieve at the very least, a decent mix. Before this module I had no clue about recording instruments and vocals with microphones or how to mix and process them.

Having the project deadlines has helped me in understanding the importance of working efficiently and fast while under pressure. After experiencing just a taste of how music is recorded and mixed, I can honestly say it has altered the way I hear, reference and experience sound. I still need to experiment with the console more, have more experience with setting up a recording session, and some more experience with Pro Tools but that can be achieved at home over the break. The 15 mixing tips of Dave Pensado that was part of week 12's pre class activities I found really beneficial and want to apply to my practice over the break and the years to come.

THE PROJECTS

Project 1 was just a simple recording of Bryce's friend playing some guitar over a couple of backing tracks. We applied a small amount of effects to the guitar and bounced the mix with the backing track we enjoyed the most.

For the second project we wanted to challenge ourselves as we had a fourth member in our group this time around, Fletcher. The idea of the project was to record Bryce reading an audiobook, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, with accompanying sound effects which we mixed and bounced.

Our final project went through a metamorphosis of sorts, if that's the right word. As we were instructed to elevate our recording process, we first chose to do a podcast with a recording of some instruments to accompany it. However, we then decided to try and record a band as we didn't want to be as stressed out like our previous project The only problem was Bryce's friend, who we were going to record, wasn't able to organize a decent time to come in and record.

Fletcher stepped up to the plate and proposed that we record a Bill Wither's - "Lean On Me" cover of Fletcher on playing the drums, keyboard and the vocals with Bryce playing the bass. When it came time to record we didn't have the drums however, so we couldn't really record the song that studio session.

So we decided to go back to the podcast idea with a live jam. We recorded a jam of Fletcher and Bryce that recording session, Kieran and mine vocals the next session, and mixed it that following week right before submission. 2 DI's were used, one for Fletcher's keyboard and one was for Bryce's bass guitar.

The main aspect of the projects that I enjoyed was working with Kieran, Bryce and Fletcher, as we all encouraged each other and most of the time had an equal load to share. We all had pretty strong interpersonal skills like good communication as well as the ability to collaborate. The recording process for 2 and 3 was also enjoyable because that's where we were really able to have fun being creative. Project 2 was very light-hearted and comedic so recording the sound effects and Bryce was a bit of a hoot. Project 3 was a rollercoaster but recording Bryce and Fletcher jamming was definitely a highlight of the trimester.

When it comes to issues, probably the most common issue we had, and I can guess probably a lot of others can relate to is as well, was bad time management issues. This was mainly due to a lot of us having very busy schedules with work and other personal commitments. I think for me I should of been more forward with trying to push communication from the start of the projects rather than wait halfway through.

At the beginning for Project 1, because I wasn't confident with using the console and was feeling pretty insecure about it, I felt I took a back seat while Bryce and Kieran did most of the recording. I think I should of definitely voiced my confusion, concerns and asked for an explanation with recording as they were both willing to help. This was addressed during the reflection and to both of them after the Project 1 was submitted and. For the following projects I definitely stepped up but for Project 2, I think I should of started my mix a lot earlier which would of alleviated some of the stress, as I had issues with saving my session and essentially mixed my entire project on the day of the project submission.

LINK TO EACH PROJECT PAGE BELOW
PROJECT 1
PROJECT 2
PROJECT 3

Kieran and Bryce have been exceptionally helpful from day one and Wayne also helped me personally on the day I was mixing my Project 2. I also have to say thankyou to Fletcher for his ideas and making the sessions when he had lots going on. Project 2 and 3 gave us the most creative freedom. For project 2, I was happy how we did manage to capture the humor and cheesiness of the audio book. If we were able to book more time in the studio to record we might of been able to record more takes of some of the vocals, sound effects and maybe some additional ones which could of improved the final project.

Considering we formulated the plan and plan of attack for Project 3 a week before it was due I think we did an incredible job. Sure some more takes of the vocals and maybe some other recordings could of elevated it but personally I think that was our best project as it involved everyone of us. And for me personally, Project 3's mix was my favorite out of the 2 mixes I've done this trimester.

BOUNCED MIXES

Guitar with Fx .mp3

Project 1: What is a mic? DAW? Studio? Preamp? (unmixed)

Project 2 un mixed.mp3

Project 2: Multitrack Recording & Mixing.
(unmixed)

Project 2 Nicholas Miller.mp3

Project 2: Multitrack Recording & Mixing.
(mixed)

Project 3 Lean on me cover.mp3

Project 3: Final Audio Production.
(unmixed)

Project 2 Nicholas Miller.mp3

Project 3: Final Audio Production.
(mixed)

TRANSFERRABLE SKILLS

Self Reflection: As I tend to overthink every single thought that goes through my head, this was actually a blessing in disguise as I was able to tear myself open and had great reflective practice. This is definitely my most developed skill coming into SAE; I take pride in writing my reflections. A technique I developed for writing my reflections was to write them straight after class before I leave campus while everything is fresh in my head.

Deliberate Practice: In my project journal entries and my weekly learning journal entries you can see clear planning and processes. Same goes for feedback that is given to me by a lecturer. These have only improved during the trimester.

Time Management: This is probably one of my biggest weaknesses and I've struggled with it since the very beginning. I have noticed as the trimester progressed I was able to manage my time a little better in some cases and I can see an improvement but much is left to be desired. This will be one of my primary focuses for next trimester

Strong Work Ethic: Taking pride in my work is something I have always strived for and there have been times during this trimester where I felt like just submitting something subpar, late or worse, throwing the towel in. You can tell I put hours and hours into my learning journal and my projects because of how detailed they are. This is possibly because I am a perfectionist and is something I was very surprised by myself, as I usually give up.

Works Well Under Pressure: Again, another skill I am surprised I have acquired. When things come push to shove, I managed to break down how I am going to overcome the issue with meticulous planning. Some of my best work is done under pressure like the third and final project mix. I was under the pump but I was able to produce my favorite quality of work.

Communication Skills: I can provide good feedback but I think some of my active listening skills needs work, it is something I have struggled with for a while. My oral communication can sometimes be botched and same with my written communication but I am seeing an improvement. I think my communication skills with my team is great. Infact I think our entire group's communication skills are great, we are constantly messaging each other in the group chat.

Team Player/Ability to Collaborate: I've become a better team player over the trimester. I can see an improvement now comapred to the very first project where I lacked the confidence to even speak up and collaborate. There are still times where I feel I could of been a little more active as a team player but definitley an improvement. This will only get better in time.

Problem Solving: This is ok, I've managed to fix most of the problems I've encountered. This could be when mixing on Pro Tools or on the studio desk. I will admit when I encounter some problems I do have the tendency to instantly ask for help in the group chat or to my group if they are with me, to which Bryce replies "what do you think"? I need to start using my wits and instincts when it comes to problem solving next trimester.

Critical Thinking: I would say that I haven't done much critical thinking, not many situation have arisen. But maybe they have and because I wasn't thinking critical I haven't actually encountered them. This is something I think I need to be more aware of, by active listening and not taking everything at face value

Cognitive Outsourcing: I've shown few examples of this during my projects and I think it's a skill that I am slowly developing and demonstrating. There hasn't been as many instances where I feel I have used this skill however.

Self Confidence: This was the one skill I was severly lacking when I first started at SAE. It's also the skill I have seen the most improvement and development with. As I slowly came out of my shell during class and saw that the work I was doing was of quality , my self confidence grew. I'm still nowhere near as confident as I want to be with audio, sound and music but I am on the right path. I am very proud of myself.

Positive Attitude: I like to think my attitude has been mostly positive during the trimester, you can ask my group memebers if that's true or not. There have been some stressful and low times for me but I feel I have mostly kept a positive attitude when challenged. I tend to remind myself that I am lucky I am here and doing something I am passionate about than focusing on the negatives of the situation.

Ability to Accept and Learn From Criticism: This is something I struggle with and have always struggled with, I don't like to take criticism unless its warm feedback or from a mentor or teacher. I definitely have seen some improvement in this during this trimester but it is one of the skills I am probably going to have to work on developing next trimester, and try not to take everything so personally, this ties into my overthinking.

Flexibility and Adaptability: A skill I wasn't sure I would be good at, but this trimester has shown I have been very flexible and adaptable. If I am not at work or have a dire commitment then I am very flexible. The final project is a great example of that as we had to work with the lots of booking issues, timing constraints and scheduling. I also encountered a plethora of technical and availability issues when trying to complete my mix in a week the project was due but managed to complete the project on time if only by the skin of my teeth.

WHAT HAVE I LEARNT ABOUT MY OWN PRACTICE?

This trimester I've learnt the following about my practice,

I am a lot more capable than I thought I was, and that I work better under pressure in group situations but even more better during solo work; I didn't believe this before I started SAE.
I am a perfectionist and I like to make sure the work I am producing is the best it can be, this can be a double edged sword however, because it can back fire on me as perfection is rare which can make me frustrated.
I should be striving for efficiency, productivity and quality at the same time. For example when I was mixing my project in the control room 6-7 hours out from when it was due I should of probably wrapped up mixing but I stayed there making sure every detail sat well in the mix. Although I did submit on time I could of saved myself stress by not adding in those final sound effects.
I am a visual learner and that I need to be hands on and completely involved to properly absorb a process or technique.
I am not someone who can just wing it, I need to plan and have thought out process. Although I work well under pressure I like to save time and cut corners where I can to lessen the workload at the end while still retaining the quality (like writing up my project as I go along with it).
Although I am creative, I thrive off both the creativity and the technicality and knowing both is how I am going to progress. Finding the balance between the two will be something I need to figure out over my time here at SAE. For example, I was so wrapped up in the technical side of project 3 that I forgot how good it was to be creative and so I combined the two, include paragraph under creative ideas.

I would say I have had a couple of creative ideas for personal projects I'd like the tackle in the future during future trimesters. However, I would say it's more the creative ideas I had before I started now having the ability to be more fleshed out as well as seeing the ability to create them as before they were ideas but was unsure how to create them. That's what this Trimester has taught me. I am seeing the technical side to my creativity.

MOVING FORWARD...

This trimester has been great and I've learnt so much about the audio, the industry, but more importantly about me. It's opened my eyes to so many possibilities, which is kind of daunting, but also exciting to see what I am capable of and where this can take me.

There are definitely aspects about myself and my practice I need to improve such as:

Being more hands on and actively involved in the class (asking way more questions, being curious, be adventurous).
Being better prepared, harnessing my time management and, learning to be more accepting of other criticisms and opinions.
More research to be conducted during each week on terms, techniques and concepts that were discussed in class. I have shown evidence of that in some of the weeks but not consistently.

Looking to the future, I'm fondly anticipating more time in the different recording studios and their console desks. Seeing where film and audio cross over as well as sound design and more creative projects to do with different types of music, are all parts of next trimester I am looking forward to.

A couple of my goals to achieve next trimester would be,

To be a lot more proficient when recording audio and using the console.
Try to condense my writing as I tend to write way too much.
Mastering Pro Tools and other software to help my audio journey.
Bouncing ideas for creative projects off the lecturers.
To visit the library to expand my knowledge, as there are many books I can use to expand my knowledge and skill base.

Some of these goals are not attainable to work on during the break, but goals such as mastering Pro Tools and becoming more confident recording on the console can be worked on over the break by buying Pro Tools and coming in for studio time during the break.

Leading up to this final week I had manifested and foresaw a high distinction or a distinction and for the most part I do think I am in line to get a distinction or a credit but after reviewing and reflecting back on my some of my practice and my journal as a whole, I'm not confident I should receive a high distinction although my reflections and projects exceed specification.

My reasoning behind this is that I have shown a considerable amount of growth and I have put in, what I believe to be, a high distinction amount of effort into my studies. Yes, I feel I might not have absorbed as much as I wanted compared to other students, but I've shown that I am eager and hungry to learn more. I think a credit is acceptable although if Wayne is feeling nice and wants to give me a distinction, I won't refuse it.

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