You will hear two versions of audio. Listen carefully to the differences.
Unprocessed — dry, flat, no effects applied
Mixed & mastered — EQ, reverb, compression, stereo width
Both versions play the SAME melody — the only difference is engineering (EQ, reverb, compression). Works offline, no internet needed.
On your index card, write:
1. Which version sounds "better"? Why?
2. What SPECIFIC differences do you hear?
3. What do you think makes the difference?
Captures the performance
Sets up microphones, adjusts levels, works directly with artists in the booth. Makes sure every take sounds clean.
Salary: $25K-$80K
(Source: Berklee Career Guide, 2024)
Balances the tracks
Takes all recorded tracks (vocals, drums, bass, etc.) and blends them. Adjusts volume, panning, EQ, and effects so everything works together.
Salary: $30K-$150K+
(Source: Berklee Career Guide, 2024)
Final polish for release
The last step. Optimizes the final mix so it sounds great on ALL speakers — earbuds, car stereo, stadium PA. Makes it radio/streaming-ready.
Salary: $40K-$200K+
(Source: Berklee Career Guide, 2024)
🎬 Video Player
▶ Open Video on YouTubeIf the embedded video does not load, click the button above to watch on YouTube.
Video: "Inside Mark Ronson's Studio — How Uptown Funk Was Recorded"
If video does not load: Open directly on YouTube
Click each term to reveal its definition
Gimel "Young Guru" Keaton is one of the most respected engineers in Hip-Hop history. He has been Jay-Z's primary mixing engineer for over two decades, shaping the sound of albums from The Blueprint to 4:44. Beyond mixing, he teaches music technology at NYU and MIT, believing that knowledge should be shared with the next generation.
Sources: Billboard, 2019 • RBMA Lecture Series • NYU Tisch School
Watch the producer isolate each layer, then hear them combined. Focus: Equipment visible? How does each track change the sound?
See how engineers boost or cut specific frequencies. Focus: What does each EQ adjustment do? Hear the before/after?
Watch the clips with your partner, then complete each section:
What equipment do you see? What does each piece do?
Which type of engineer is working? How do you know?
Listen to the raw track vs. the mixed track. What changed?
Could you see yourself doing this work? Why or why not?
Name the THREE types of sound engineers and explain what EACH one does in one sentence.
Young Guru said: "The engineer is the most important person in the room that nobody knows about." Do you agree or disagree? Explain your reasoning using something you learned today.
Multiple means of expression: Written • Verbal share with Mr. Mbagwu • Audio recording
How did Daddy Yankee build a global brand? How does an artist go from unknown to viral? We'll study the marketing playbook behind the biggest names in music.
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart."
— Colossians 3:23