WITH BIG BIG TRAIN AND SHAWN DEALEY

World-class Studio Recording with Progressive Rockers Big Big Train

Join us for three days of hands-on studio time with producer/engineer Shawn Dealey. Learn how to track, edit, mix, and more while Big Big Train unleashes their ‘70s-inspired progressive rock sound in the studio. With a seven-member band and full-steam-ahead sound, Shawn will teach you how to capture every dynamic note of Big Big Train — the 2019 Progressive Music Awards Album of the Year winner.

Classes fill up fast — reserve your spot today!

May 21-23

at Sweetwater

9AM–6PM
$995 PER PERSON
Plus! Get a free ticket to Big Big Train’s live performance at the Sweetwater Pavilion on May 23

Classes fill up fast – reserve your spot today!

Classes fill up fast
reserve your spot today!

Email studio@sweetwater.com or call (800) 386-6434 to register.

TOPICS & TECHNIQUES WE’LL COVER

DAY 1
THURSDAY

The Basics of Tracking a Session

Setting up a tracking session
Choosing mics and positioning them for the best sound
EQing instrument sounds in the studio
Choosing the right outboard gear and where to patch it in
Setting up headphone mixes
Keeping musicians inspired
Tracking session with Shawn and the band
Special meet-and-greet dinner with the band

DAY 2
FRIDAY

Overdubbing, Comping, and Preparing Tracks for Mixing

Auditioning different mics and processing chains
Overdubbing instruments, multiple takes, and more
Comping tracks — how to choose and assemble the best takes
Editing and finessing tracks with Pro Tools and third-party plug-ins
Prepping tracks for the mix session

DAY 3
SATURDAY

Mixing to Yield Professional-sounding Results

How and when to use compression, EQ, and effects
Setting up a mix, including routing and grouping in your DAW
Fine-tuning instruments and vocals with EQ and compression
Employing automation to enhance the mixing process
Connecting outboard gear across your mix bus
Getting the most out of bus compression/processing
Making the final tweaks: how to decide when the mix is done
Deciding whether or not you need professional mastering
Knowing what mixes and mix versions you need to send to mastering

MEET THE ARTIST – BIG BIG TRAIN

MEET THE ARTIST
BIG BIG TRAIN

From early ‘90s roots to an award-winning comeback, British band Big Big Train continues to astonish audiences with their epic progressive-rock sound and visually compelling live shows. BBT catapulted their ‘70s-inspired music to four Progressive Music Award wins, years of sold-out shows, and sent their Grimspound album (2017) to number one in the official UK rock charts. Their latest album, Grand Tour (2019), thematically combines the sound fans love with homegrown lyrics from across the pond — making it a quintessential British album. Big Big Train completed their first UK tour in 2019 and are heading to the US and Canada for their North American debut.

MEET THE INSTRUCTOR – SHAWN DEALEY

MEET THE INSTRUCTOR
SHAWN DEALEY

After taking a music production class in high school, Shawn began engineering for local bands and opened his first studio in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, when he was 20 years old. He played drums, produced, and engineered his way to a string of professional touring tech jobs with a host of big-name artists such as Counting Crows, Goo Goo Dolls, Avril Lavigne, Santana, All American Rejects, and Billy Talent. Now he works at Sweetwater Studios as a producer, engineer, and front of house mixer for several of Sweetwater’s venues, including the new Clyde Theatre.

Classes fill up fast – reserve your spot today!

Classes fill up fast
reserve your spot today!

Email studio@sweetwater.com or call (800) 386-6434 to register.

ABOUT SWEETWATER STUDIOS MASTER CLASS

Many of the world’s greatest engineers and producers were coached by mentors in the moment, learning their trade and tackling new techniques in live studio sessions. Sweetwater Studios Master Classes give us a chance to carry on that tradition and to impart our industry knowledge in a real-world setting that’s informative, exciting, and accessible to anyone who’s passionate about making great recordings.

We’re honored to host incredible performers from a wide variety of genres, to employ professional instructors with years of experience and lengthy lists of credits, and to invite you to this hands-on and ears-on learning opportunity in our world-class, multi-studio facility.