DC Beats - Training.

Training

DC Beats offers hands-on training in several areas related to audio and music production. All classes include one-on-one training sessions in comfortable environments (generally the client's home or a public meeting place) complete with reading materials, terminology tip sheets and recommendations on gear, both hardware and software. The staff at DC Beats is knowledgeable and friendly. We'd like to help you in your quest for music knowledge, too!

Whether you've purchased gear already or are looking for advice on reinventing your current setup, DC Beats can help. If you'd like to learn a particular device or hardware, let us know ahead of time. Our expert tweaker, Thynctank, will learn the gear you need to learn in no time, if he doesn't know it already. Topic depth and organization are customized per client, so whether you're a beginner or just looking to amp up your existing skills/knowledge, we can accomodate you and not waste your time with unnecessary details. Let us know your needs to we can help you!

Classes are available in the following areas:

Synthesis and Sampling

Topics include Subtractive, FM, and Sample-based synthesis, as well as multisampling and associated techniques. Other synthesis techniques will be briefly covered, such as physical modeling and additive techniques. The history of synthesis and sampling will be covered, as well as the current state of technology and how it relates to musical composition and workflow. Various techniques for innovative sound design and effects work are covered, and creativity is highly encouraged in this course.

Sequencers

The world of MIDI is a big one. There is much to learn and many hurdles to overcome! Learn about MIDI note recording and editing, channels, multitimbral sound sources, and more! This class covers all the basics of MIDI sequencing, from concept to execution, and will show the student how to produce a simple composition from start to finish. Also covered: Standard MIDI file formats, import/export between popular sequencers, and more. If you need to learn a specific sequencer, please let us know ahead of time! We can teach you how to make the best use of your Akai MPC, Korg Triton or Karma, or Steinberg Cubase sequencer!

Digital Recording Studio

Covers topics from basic terminology (mixers, multitracking, DAWs, ADAT...) to intermediate topics in usage. Covers usage of PDS, DAW and traditional mixer setups. Learn the complex workings of your mixing board quickly! Learn to mix in the box or out of it. Monitors, audio/MIDI interfaces, and controllers are all covered. Benefits of hardware vs. software are also discussed and various tools of the trade are briefly covered. Feel free to ask lots of questions and be as hands-on as possible!

Advanced Mixing

More advanced topics in mixing, this class is a how-to in producing a recording from start to finish more than an explanation of the underlying hardware/software. Covering topics such as proper use of delay and reverb for creating space in mixes, utilizing panning and levels, and proper EQing for separating tracks in the mix, the class gets fairly involved. Not for absolute beginner mixers. Insert and send effects, bussing, analog/digital differences, distortion and clipping, and dynamics are all covered in this course. Additional sessions may be required to complete a track that is taking longer than usual. Be sure to have source materials ready when our staff arrives. (guitarist/drummer/singer or already composed tracks that simply need to be mixed properly, any microphones and mixing gear) Note that extremely advanced topics such as mastering and highly technical engineering concepts are not covered.

Pricing

Standard pricing for training classes is $80 for one 2-hour session plus $50 for any additional sessions. If requested, a one-hour session can be arranged at the cost of $40 for the first or $30 for additional sessions. Note that a one-hour session will not accomplish nearly as much as a 2-hour session, but we understand our clients have tight schedules and can't always afford the time they'd like. Sessions that run slightly over will not incur any additional charges.