Lecture | Topics
The lecture and workshop will be held by Michele Gaggia in German and English language.
- Digital Audio Formats
WordClock, ADAT, TDIF, AES-EBU, MADI, Dante. Complete reading about: audio drivers plugin formats - Audio Effects 1
Equalizers (digital / analog passive / analog solid-state); dynamic EQ; synthesizer-type filter. Compressors (digital / opto / FET / VCA); transient designer; expander/gate; multiband compressor. - Audio Effects 2
Reverbs (spring / plate / digital algorithmic / digital IR). Delays (digital / analog / tape), ping-pong, multitap. - Audio Effects 3
Guitar amp and speaker cabinet simulation; distortion and saturation effects; modulation effects (chorus, phaser, flanger). - Recording and Microphone Techniques 1
Stereo recording setups; examples of stereo recordings. - Recording and Microphone Techniques 2
Multitrack recording setups; examples of large multitrack recordings. - Room Acoustics and Studio Design 1
Sound insulation vs. optimization of the room acoustic properties. - Room Acoustics and Studio Design 2
Different types of Control Room design: LEDE, RFX, Non-Environment. - Audio Effects 4
Master chain effects (tape saturation, master EQ and compressor, multiband limiter, clipper, TP limiter). - Theory Exam
Recapitulation of topics and questions - Mixing and Mastering
Master chain, tips & tricks, recommended Loudness levels for different music styles and delivery platforms. - Recapitulation and written Theory Exam
Downloads
Workshop | Topics
- Nuendo Basics
- Mixing Excercise 1
Setting up the mixing session in Nuendo; importing and organizing Audio Tracks; folders and Group Tracks; track and object colors. - Mixing Excercise 2
Setting the basic balance in the mix; stereo image: pan and balance; using the Nuendo channel strip; effect and mixing settings for the drums, bass, keys and guitar groups; using dynamic and EQ effects in Single and Group Tracks. - Mixing Excercise 3
Improving the mix balance; adding depth to the mix; FX Channels and send effects (reverbs, delay); effect and mixing settings for the brass solo, brass ensemble, lead and backing vocal groups. Mixing automation; basic master chain effects, loudness adjustments. - Quest 1: The Cinematic Orchestral Score
Objective: Compose and arrange an orchestral score featuring a clearly recognizable main theme - Quest 2: Atonal and Free-Rhythmic Music – Orchestral + Electronic
Objective: Compose and arrange a non-tonal piece, in the style often used for horror/thriller soundtracks - Quest 3A: Chiptune
Objective: Choose one of your favorite songs/themes and rearrange it in “chiptune” style - Quest 3B: Synthwave / Retrowave
Objective: Write a Synthwave track with a clear intro, A and B theme. Use reamping to add a special touch to your electronic sound sources. - EOSP 1
Requirements and ideas. - EOSP 2
Presentation of the first draft – Feedback. - EOSP 3
Presentation of the full arrangement (including live vocals and/or instrumental parts) – Feedback. Further optimizations; focus on mixing and mastering. - EOSP: Project presentation
Downloads
Handouts
Digital Audio Production Tools
- DAW Overview - Michele Gaggia (PDF download, updated 29.01.2017)
Acoustic Basics and Digital Audio Recording
- Acoustics Basics and Digital Audio - Michele Gaggia (PDF download - updated 23.12.2025)
- Digital Audio Formats - Drivers - Plugins - Michele Gaggia (PDF downlaod - updated 29.01.2017)
- Acoustic and Vibration Animations - Dan Russel
- Musical Acoustics - Links - University of South Wales, Australia
- Digital Recording - Wikipedia
- Digital to Analog Converter - Wikipedia
Microphones and Stereo Recording Techniques
- Microphones and Recording Techniques - Michele Gaggia (PDF download - updated 29.01.2017)
- Microphones - Wikipedia
- Stereophonic Sound - Wikipedia
- Surround Sound - Wikipedia
Rhythm and Musical Form
- Rhythm, Beat, Drum Pattern - Michele Gaggia (PDF download - updated 19.01.2026
- Musical Form - Michele Gaggia (PDF download - updated 21.06.2026)
Sound Synthesis
- Sound Synthesis 01 - Michele Gaggia (PDF download - updated 29.01.2018)
- Sound Synthesis 02 - Michele Gaggia (PDF download - updated 09.06.2018)
- http://www.vintagesynth.com (Vintage Synthesizers and their History)
Effects, Mixing and Automation
- Audio Effects - Michele Gaggia (PDF download - updated 29.01.2017)
- Mixing and Mastering Tips - Michele Gaggia (PDF download - updated 29.01.2017)
- Mixing Automation - Michele Gaggia (PDF download)
- Loudness Levels on Streaming Platforms - masteringthemix.com
Room Acoustics and Design
- Studio Design - Michele Gaggia (PDF download - updated 29.01.2017)
- Amroc Room Mode Calculator
- Room sizes compliance with international standards and recommendations
Recommended Literature
Books
- Henle, Hubert (2001) Das Tonstudio Handbuch.
GC Carstensen Verlag: München. ISBN 3910098193 - Pieper, Frank (2004) Das Effekte Praxisbuch.
GC Carstensen Verlag: München. ISBN 3910098274 - Owsinski, Bobby (1999) The Mixing Engineer's Handbook.
Artist Pro - Mix Books: Vallejo (CA). ISBN 0872887235 - Owsinski, Bobby (2000) The Mastering Engineer's Handbook.
Artist Pro - Mix Books: Vallejo (CA). ISBN 0872887413 - Gervais, Rod (2011) Home Recording Studio: Build it Like the Pros
Course Technology CENGAGE Learning, Boston (USA). ISBN 1-4354-5717-X
Magazines
- Keyboards - http://www.keyboards.de
- Production Partner - http://www.production-partner.de
- c't (Magazin für Computertechnik) - http://www.heise.de/ct
- Computer Music - http://www.computermusic.co.uk