Outline

Overview

In this practice-focused unit, students will explore studio-based sound production and post-production. Students will learn current industry technologies, production standards and workflows, post-production, mixing, spatial applications of sound, mastering and delivery standards in a studio environment. Students will explore methods with a range of analogue, digital, and hybrid tools, and in a range of genres and sound contexts.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Composition and Music Technology
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	MUSC3603 or CMPN2631 or CMPN1014
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	CMPN2007
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Damian Barbeler, damian.barbeler@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 August 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Portfolio or journal	Mixing Task 1 - Stem Set 1 Mix a set of given stems.	5%	Week 02 Due date: 13 Aug 2026 at 23:59	2-5mins	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Early feedback Quiz Quiz on DAW, Digital Audio, Sound and Filters basics.	0%	Week 03 Due date: 21 Aug 2026 at 23:59	30mins	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Mixing Task 2 - Stem Set 2 Mix a given set of stems.	5%	Week 03 Due date: 20 Aug 2026 at 23:59	2-5mins	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Mixing Task 3 - Stem Set 3 Mix a given set of stems	5%	Week 04 Due date: 27 Aug 2026 at 23:59	2-5mins	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Mixing Task 4 - Stem Set 4 Mix a given set of stems.	5%	Week 05 Due date: 03 Sep 2026 at 23:59	2-5mins	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Mixing Task 5 - Stem Set 5 Mix a given set of stems	5%	Week 06 Due date: 10 Sep 2026 at 23:59	2-5mins	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Mixing Task 1 - Free Stem Set Mix a set of stems chosen by the students.	10%	Week 07 Due date: 17 Sep 2026 at 23:59	3-6mins	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Interactive oral	Mix Diagnosis Listening Task Listen to a given mix and say what is wrong and how you would fix it.	10%	Week 08 Due date: 21 Sep 2026 at 10:00	10 mins	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Portfolio or journal	Choose 4 Mixes for a Final Portfolio Choose your best 4 mixes from the previous mixing stem sets and clean finish them to create a professional portfolio.	30%	Week 08 Due date: 04 Oct 2026 at 23:59	12-30mins	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Creative work	Track Master and Mastering Notes Master a track and do accompanying mastering notes.	25%	Week 13 Due date: 08 Nov 2026 at 14:20	4-7mins	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Assessment requirements

All assessment tasks must be attempted. Failure to submit or attend any assessment task will normally result in an Absent Fail (AF) or failure of the unit.

If a task is specified as a hurdle requirement, you must obtain a minimum mark of 50% in that task to pass the unit, even if your overall mark is higher.

Assessment criteria

PORTFOLIO MIXES and MASTERS

HD (85-1005%)	Outstanding standard of mixing and mastering across a range of genres that is a broadcast standard and highly emotional. Mixes are balanced, clear and engaging. Masking effectively controlled. Compression, EQ, imaging etc, used with confidence and restraint. Creative decisions consistently support the artistic intent of music work and demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of genre-specific production approaches. Excellent judgement, technical control and attention to detail throughout. Mix notes, supporting images and documentation are professional, thorough and provide clear evidence of the production process and the techniques developed during the unit.
DI (75-84%)	Very good standard of mixing and mastering across a range of genres. Mixes are well balanced and controlled, with effective use of EQ, compression, ambience and stereo imaging. Masking well managed. Choices support artistic intent of the work. Genre conventions are understood and applied appropriately. The documentation is clear and professional, with mix notes and supporting images providing good evidence of the student's workflow and application of techniques from the unit.
CR (65-74%)	Sound standard of mixing and mastering near broadcast but with weakness. Mixes generally achieve appropriate balance, clarity and dynamic control, although some technical or creative decisions could be refined. Frequency masking is mostly addressed and processing is generally appropriate, though it may occasionally be overused or inconsistent. The mixes demonstrate an understanding of genre conventions and the artistic aims of the recordings. Mix notes and supporting documentation provide adequate evidence of the production process and techniques used.
Pass (50-64%)	Basic level of mixing and mastering competency. A bit rough. Mixes achieve an acceptable result but may contain issues with balance, masking, dynamics, imaging or the use of processing. Creative decisions are sometimes inconsistent or do not fully support the style of the work. The documentation provides basic evidence of the production process and demonstrates a satisfactory application of techniques covered in the unit.
FA (0-49%)	Rough or incomplete. Mixes contain significant technical or creative problems that limit effectiveness. Balance, dynamics, frequency control, imaging are poorly managed. Little evidence that genre conventions or artistic intent have been considered. Documentation is incomplete or insufficient to demonstrate the production process, academic integrity or the application of techniques taught in the unit.

MIX DIAGNOSIS In-Class Oral:

HD (85–100%)

Demonstrates outstanding critical listening skills. Diagnoses technical and artistic issues accurately, prioritises them effectively and proposes appropriate solutions that support the artistic intent of the mix. Communicates confidently using appropriate audio terminology.

DI (75–84%)

Demonstrates very good critical listening skills. Accurately identifies most technical and artistic issues and proposes appropriate solutions. Communicates clearly using appropriate audio terminology.

CR (65–74%)

Demonstrates sound critical listening skills. Identifies the major technical and artistic issues and suggests generally appropriate solutions. Uses appropriate audio terminology.

PS (50–64%)

Demonstrates basic critical listening skills. Identifies some technical issues and suggests satisfactory solutions. Demonstrates a basic understanding of audio terminology and mixing concepts.

FA (0–49%)

Demonstrates limited critical listening skills. Fails to identify key technical or artistic issues or propose appropriate solutions. Shows insufficient understanding of audio terminology and mixing concepts.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Industry Studio Practices and The Human Mind and Mixing, Mixing Session Starting Points, Acoustics, Monitoring, References, Coherence.	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 01	Studio Orientation	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 02	Space, Body and Shimmer: goals and workflows around mixing, Deep dive into limiters and compression.	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 02	Practical Mixing Task 1	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	Foreground Signal Chains. Parallel Processing, including hybrid hardware solutions.	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 03	Practical Mixing Task 2	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	Solving complex masking problems from background sources: reverb and pads.	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 04	Practical Mixing Task 3	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Famous tricks of the masters: Gated Snare and The Bob Powers Bass	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 05	Practical Mixing Task 4	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 06	Side Chains then and now.	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 06	Practical Mixing Task 5	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 07	Mid Side and Mix Bus Finishing	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 07	Practical Mixing Task 6	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	In Class Mixing Diagnosis	Assessment (3 hr)
Week 09	Mastering goals, industry practices and tools. History of mastering	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 09	Mastering Tools Orientation	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 11	Mastering Techniques	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 11	Listening Check List practice, writing studio documentation.	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 12	Mastering Techniques - using compression to give energy	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 12	Mastering Compression Practical	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 13	Industry Delivery standards	Lecture (1 hr)
Week 13	Industry Delivery Standards Practical	Tutorial (2 hr)

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Apply industry-standard mixing and mastering techniques to create professional-quality audio outcomes across a range of musical and media contexts.
LO2. Evaluate and employ appropriate studio equipment, software, signal-processing tools and monitoring systems to support informed audio production decisions.
LO3. Analyse sonic, technical and aesthetic characteristics of contemporary and historical recordings to inform mixing and mastering practice.
LO4. Collaborate effectively to improve listening anf practical skills and quality outcomes.
LO5. Demonstrate autonomous and context-sensitive decision-making in the preparation, refinement and delivery of finished audio productions.
LO6. Apply professional workflows, technical standards and quality-control procedures relevant to contemporary music and media industries.
LO7. Critically reflect on creative and technical processes to support ongoing professional development and problem-solving in audio production.
LO8. Integrate technical, creative and critical listening skills to work successfully across diverse musical styles and production contexts.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

N/A

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

CMPN2634: Sound Mixing and Mastering

Semester 2, 2026 [Normal day] - Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links