THE MIXING WORKSHOP
The Mixing Workshop™
Professional Ear Training & Mixing Certification
Shave years off your learning curve with this intensive audio engineering bootcamp
View Pricing See Curriculum
Meet Your Instructor
After years of touring and studio work, founder Sean Shannon created The Mixing Workshop mixing and ear training course in 2007 to teach people how to make better mixes. The course has proven to be extremely effective, as it combines lectures, tutorials, critical listening and ear training with mixing practice and mentored critiques, leading to a full rounded experience. Originally only available in the studio, the course is now available for download, so you can learn at your own pace and practice in your own studio.
- 30+ hours of focused training, mentored by a skilled engineer
- 10 progressive classes with hands-on mixing
- Professional Ear Training throughout the training
- 10 Song Portfolio mixed and mastered by you
- Lifetime access to course materials
Why This Workshop Works
Traditional audio education can take years and cost tens of thousands, and usually focuses on gear training, not ear training. The Mixing Workshop delivers professional results faster by teaching the most important skills and no fluff. You learn the art and science of mixing audio, and the included ear training helps you learn how to listen. We provide the tools and the professional guidance. Here’s what’s included for you:
Mentored Training
Learn from an award winning engineer who’s currently making records – not just theoretical knowledge.
Ear Training Focus
Develop the critical listening skills that separate amateurs from professionals.
Real Multitracks
Practice with professional recordings and mix and master your 10 song portfolio.
Structured Curriculum
Progressive lessons take you from fundamentals to advanced techniques.
Career Preparation
Build a portfolio and gain skills that translate to studio, live sound, and broadcast work.
Sponsor Discounts
Eligible students may qualify for educational pricing on select professional audio tools used in the program.
Professional audio tools used in the program
Examples of professional tools used in the program (availability and policies set by each manufacturer)
Course Curriculum
10 intensive modules that take you from fundamentals to professional mixing, plus bonus live sound classes. Click any module to see details:
Fundamentals of Sound, Setup, and Digital Audio
Build your foundation with essential knowledge about how sound works, proper studio setup, and digital audio principles that every professional needs to know.
Topics Covered:
- Physics of sound and hearing
- Acoustics and monitoring setup
- Digital audio theory (sample rates, bit depth)
- DAW configuration and optimization
- Monitoring setup
- Analog and digital mixing
- Mix Song 1
Includes lecture, tutorials, multitrack session, ear training drills, mix critique, and exam
Purchase Module 1or enroll in full course to save
Setting Up the Basic Mix
Learn professional signal flow and session organization techniques that will streamline your workflow and give you more creative control.
Topics Covered:
- Track setup and gain staging
- Bus routing strategies
- Subgroup organization
- Parallel processing setups
- Organization and template creation
- Balancing the mix
- Printing your mix
- Mix Song 2
Includes lecture, tutorials, multitrack session, ear training drills, mix critique, and exam
Purchase Module 2or enroll in full course to save
Spectral Balancing (How to Use an EQ)
Master frequency identification and both corrective and creative EQ techniques that will transform your mixes.
Topics Covered:
- Frequency identification
- Identifying problem frequencies
- EQ types and when to use them
- Corrective and creative EQ techniques
- EQ starting frequencies
- Using your spectrum analyzer
- Finding and removing hidden energy
- Mix Song 3
Includes lecture, tutorials, multitrack session, ear training drills, mix critique, and exam
Purchase Module 3or enroll in full course to save
Understanding Dynamics Processing
Demystify compression, limiting, gating, and expansion to gain complete control over your dynamics.
Topics Covered:
- Compressor types and characteristics
- Setting attack and release times
- Parallel compression techniques
- Multiband compression
- Sidechain applications
- Creative dynamic effects
- Mix Song 4
Includes lecture, tutorials, multitrack session, ear training drills, mix critique, and exam
Purchase Module 4or enroll in full course to save
Understanding and Applying Effects
Master reverb, delay, modulation, and other time-based effects to add depth and dimension to your mixes.
Topics Covered:
- Reverb types and applications
- Delay timing and synchronization
- Modulation effects (chorus, flanger, phaser)
- Creative effects chains
- Automating effects parameters
- Effects bus strategies
- Mix Song 5
Includes lecture, tutorials, multitrack session, ear training drills, mix critique, and exam
Purchase Module 5or enroll in full course to save
Vocal Production
From recording techniques to mixing lead and background vocals, learn the secrets to professional vocal sound.
Topics Covered:
- Vocal recording techniques
- Comping and editing vocals
- Vocal tuning and timing
- EQ and compression for vocals
- De-essing and breath control
- Background vocal arrangements
- Mix Song 6
Includes lecture, tutorials, multitrack session, ear training drills, mix critique, and exam
Purchase Module 6or enroll in full course to save
Mixing Drums
Professional drum mixing techniques that will make your mixes punch like a heavyweight.
Topics Covered:
- Drum bus processing
- Shell enhancement
- Overhead and room mic techniques
- Parallel drum processing
- Drum replacement strategies
- Genre-specific drum mixing
- Mix Song 7
Includes lecture, tutorials, multitrack session, ear training drills, mix critique, and exam
Purchase Module 7or enroll in full course to save
Mixing Guitar, Bass, and the Rest of the Band
Learn instrument-specific processing and blending techniques and concepts for a big, balanced mix.
Topics Covered:
- Electric and acoustic guitar processing
- Bass guitar enhancement
- Keyboard and synth mixing
- Brass and woodwind treatment
- String section balancing
- Instrument bus strategies
- Mix Song 8
Includes lecture, tutorials, multitrack session, ear training drills, mix critique, and exam
Purchase Module 8or enroll in full course to save
Advanced Mixing: VCAs, Automation, and Mix Tricks
Professional workflow concepts and advanced techniques that will take your mixes to the next level.
Topics Covered:
- VCA and group strategies
- Advanced automation techniques
- Mix bus processing
- Reference track matching
- Professional mix templates
- Session recall procedures
- Mix Song 9
Includes lecture, tutorials, multitrack session, ear training drills, mix critique, and exam
Purchase Module 9or enroll in full course to save
Mastering Session and Final Exam
Prepare your final mixes for release and learn mastering skills to earn your certification.
Topics Covered:
- Mastering preparation
- Loudness standards
- Master your mixes for your portfolio
- Delivery formats
- Metadata and ISRC codes
- Certification requirements
- Mix Song 10
- If you have mixed all 10 songs, Master the 10 song album
Includes lecture, tutorials, multitrack session, ear training drills, mix critique, and exam
Purchase Module 10or enroll in full course to save
Monitor Mixing With Wedges
Bonus Live Sound Class – Coming Soon!
Master the art of monitor mixing to deliver crystal clear on-stage sound for performers in any venue without monitor feedback.
Topics Covered:
- Monitor console setup and routing
- Creating custom mixes for different performers
- Feedback prevention and management
- Wireless in-ear monitoring systems
- Stage volume considerations
- Communication with performers
Includes lecture, tutorials, multitrack session, mix critique, and exam
Purchase Monitor MixingAvailable as à la carte purchase only
Getting A Great Front of House Mix
Bonus Live Sound Class – Coming Soon!
Learn professional FOH mixing techniques to deliver powerful, balanced sound for your audience.
Topics Covered:
- FOH console setup and optimization
- Basic Room tuning and alignment
- Mixing for impact and clarity
- Managing dynamics and levels
- Matrix routing and loudness
- Feature the feature
Includes lecture, tutorials, multitrack session, mix critique, and exam
Purchase FOH MixingAvailable as à la carte purchase only
What Students & Professionals Say
“The Mixing Workshop shaved years off my learning curve. Within months I was getting paid mixing work that I previously would not have qualified for.”
– Brad Johnson, Imagination House
“This course went along great with my music schooling, so now I’ve got my own studio.”
– Alex, Band Leader and Musical Director
“Thanks for getting me light years ahead!”
– Keith Tannoya, Recording Guitarist
Pricing & Enrollment
Choose the option that fits your goals and budget:
Certificate Course
- Full 10-module course
- All 10 video lectures & tutorials
- Mix 10 songs from provided multitracks
- All 10 Mixes Professionally Critiqued
- Ear Training Kit™
- Spectral Balancing eBook
- Certificate upon completion
- Sponsor discounts
All Access
- Everything in Certificate Course
- Bonus Classes for live sound
- 2 More multitrack sessions for mix practice
- 2 more mix critiques
- Extended sponsor discounts
- Lifetime course updates
Need just one module? Individual Classes
Bonus live sound classes (Modules 11-12) available as à la carte purchases only.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is this different from audio school?
Traditional audio programs cost $50,000+ and take years to complete. The Mixing Workshop focuses specifically on ear training and mixing skills you’ll actually use, delivered in months not years, at a fraction of the cost.
What equipment do I need?
You’ll need a computer, DAW software (any major platform), headphones or monitors, and an internet connection for downloading tracks and videos and uploading your mixes.
Can I take the course at my own pace?
Yes! While we recommend completing one class right after the other, some people take 1 class a month around their schedule, others do the whole course in one month. You have lifetime access and can progress at whatever speed works for you.
What if I get stuck?
You can submit questions any time, and order mix critiques feedback through the website.
How do I get a Certificate
Once you’ve completed The Mixing Workshop’s 10 classes and exams and turned in your 10 song mastered album, you will receive the Certificate.
Are the live sound classes included in the certification?
The live sound classes (Monitor Mixing and FOH Mixing) are bonus modules available as à la carte purchases only. They complement but are not required for the studio mixing certification.
Ready to Transform Your Mixes?
Have questions before enrolling? Get in touch:
