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A young mastering engineer is checking his levels in a mastering studio

Audio Mastering Principles

Method: Online + On-campus practical workshops + Virtual mentor sessions
Duration:  6 Weeks
Minimum entry requirement: Grade 10
Intakes: January & June
Accreditation: PAS Media Academy

R1,450.00 p/m for 3 months

Course Objectives

This 6-week course is designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of music mastering. The curriculum covers the fundamental differences between mixing and mastering, mastering chain essentials, mastering with EQ, dynamics processing, and preparing mastered tracks for various delivery formats. The course aims to provide learners with the skills to confidently master their music for professional release

 

Course Duration

6 weeks (1.5 months) 

 

Course Format
Blended learning approach with online video lessons on the PASMA learning platform and contact workshops at the PASMA campus for each module. 

 

Face-to-face Practicals: 
Monthly practical contact workshops at PASMA’s flagship campus with experienced mentors.

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Online theory: 

  • Virtual mentor classes with experienced mentors 

  • 5 hours of weekly video lessons

  • Home activities/projects.

 

*All contact workshops are streamed from the PASMA studios for learners that cannot be on-campus.​

Curriculum Overview

Module 1: Mastering Essentials (Week 1)

  • The role and importance of mastering in music production

  • Understanding the mastering mindset and setting up your mastering environment

  • Comparing mixing and mastering: The key differences and transitions

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Module 2: Mastering Chain Basics (Week 2)

  • Understanding the mastering chain: Order of processing and why it matters

  • Basic tools of the mastering chain: Equalizers, compressors, limiters, and more

 

Module 3: Mastering EQ (Weeks 3-4)

  • Mastering with EQ: Adjusting tonal balance for clarity and consistency

  • Stereo Field Enhancement: Width and Depth considerations

  • Using Mid/Side processing in mastering

  • Introduction to dynamics in mastering: Compression, limiting, and expansion

  • Understanding and applying loudness standards

Contact Workshop 1: Mastering Chain Fundamentals and EQ (end of Week 4)

  • Hands-on session on setting up and using a mastering chain

  • A practical session on using dynamic processing for mastering

  • Practical application of mastering with EQ and stereo field enhancement

Module 4: Dynamics Processing in Mastering (Weeks 5-6)

  • Understanding dithering and when to use it

  • Sequencing and spacing: Creating the final album flow

  • Preparing your mastered tracks for various delivery formats

Contact Workshop 2: Finalizing (end of Week 8)

  • A practical session on using dithering and file exporting

  • Practical execution of sequencing and spacing

  • Hands-on session on finalizing the mastered track and preparing it for various delivery platforms

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