PRACTICAL RECORDING, MIXING AND MASTERING TECHNIQUES WITH KARL HEILBRON
(PEARL JAM, SOUNDGARDEN, JEEZY)
Feb 21/22, 2026 | 10am–5pm
KENNESAW STATE UNIVERSITY, ATLANTA
BOOK NOW — $669.00
In this forever online age, this is a rare an exciting opportunity to join an in-person practical weekend course in recording, mixing and mastering techniques with Karl Heilbron, one of Georgia’s finest music production professionals, whose credits include Kanye West, Jay-Z, TLC, Snoop Dogg and Rick Ross.
Over two full days in person you will learn tools, techniques and best practice first-hand from Karl who will show you examples of his own mixes and set you practical exercises for you to work on in our state-of-the-art tech lab where you will each have a terminal, MIDI keys, Protools DAW and headphones.
There’s also two opportunities to play your tracks to the room for shared practical advice and guidance from Karl and your peers as well as a Saturday night social down the pub!
Learn Music Industry Secrets from HITMAKERS AND LEGENDS
Karl Heilbron is a seasoned live and studio engineer based in South Carolina, with over 37 platinum albums to his credit and four Grammy nominations. He contributed to Soundgarden’s Grammy-winning hit “Black Hole Sun” and their acclaimed album, Superunknown.
Karl began his career in the early ’90s as chief engineer at Southern Tracks Studios in Atlanta, working with artists such as Pearl Jam, Rage Against the Machine, Kings X, STP, and Aerosmith (for the Wayne’s World 2 soundtrack). His collaboration with Keith Sweat led to his role as chief engineer at The Sweat Shop, where he engineered for 2Pac, LSG, Kut Klose, and Silk—mixing hit singles like “Freak Me” and “Nobody.”
Later he was artist Jeezys’ engineer for 8 years, recorded and mixed three albums with him. Also during that time, he worked with Kanye West, Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg and Rick Ross. In addition he was on tour with Jeezy recording his TM103 album on the bus studio.
His touring credits include work with NSync, Britney Spears, Brandy, New Edition, and Jeezy. More recently, Karl has served as FOH and tour manager for acts including Pain of Salvation, Klone, Carbon Leaf, Al DiMeola, and Adam Doleac (on Old Dominion’s “No Bad Vibes” tour). He has also worked with The Spinners, K-pop group; Kingdom, Miyavi, and Norma Jean.
Expanding into theater, Karl has worked FOH for Nutcracker! The Magical Christmas Ballet, New Jack City Live, and Superfreak: The Rick James Story. This summer, he returned to the road for the Happy Together Tour featuring The Turtles, with still an exciting 2025 season ahead.
Skills Required
This class will be taught in a tech lab with solo and group practical exercises using Protools DAW. To get the best out of this course it would be advisable to have some (but not advanced) working knowledge of Protools or another DAW and MIDI keys.
Course Outline
Saturday 21st February | 10am-5pm
Introduction, course layout, you and your work
Basic layout and Protools session layout
Break
Recording and tracking 1, vocal recording demo.
Lunch
Recording and tracking 2, vocal recording demo, editing & comping vocals
Break
Your music, track playback and practical critique
Group social at the pub
10:00
10:15
11:30
11:45
1:00
2:00
3:45
4:00
5:00
Sunday 22nd February | 10am-5pm
10:00
10:15
11:30
11:45
1:00
2:00
3:45
4:00
5:00
Recap and questions about day 1
Basic rough mix techniques
Break
Mixing 1, basics and advanced theory
Lunch
Mixing 2, Mastering (Human and AI), discussion about AI and its future.
Break
Wrap up, questions about your music and how to get work in the industry.
End