Who am I?
Aaron Hixon (@HixSound / HixStudios) is a BA Music Technology and Innovation undergraduate. Aaron has recently passed his postgraduate MA in Sound Design with a current standing of Merit (Final result pending until 28th November 2024). Aaron is a strong, unique character with a memorable personality. Aaron’s strengths are within practical workings of audio technology and sonic creativity. Aaron has a keen interest in technology and the ability to troubleshoot issues, fix them or adapt / repurpose them responsively and calmly. Aaron has good general knowledge of electronics and can solder or rewire å.
Aaron is a musician, composer and sound recordist with a "good ear," he has a strong sense of musical elements such as "perfect pitch" and strong attention to detail, Aaron's technological skillset therefore could be summarised as a strong sound recordist, Foley artist, Sound Designer and Producer. Aaron is trained and experienced in using both analogue and digital mixing desks as well as other audio equipment. Training and proficient in spatial audio and producing in 3D sonic landscapes, Aaron is passionate about immersion and where sound design fits in within this field as technology advances and where it will lead to in the future. Therefore his projects within his MA focused within surround sound mixing, Dolby Atmos and rendering for Apple spatial audio devices.
Aaron is a confident communicator, clear and concise with instructions, not afraid to ask for help or redirection if needed. Aaron therefore is also a brilliant team worker, dedicated to any role he must apply himself too.
Aaron knows his strengths and weaknesses, he is very approachable, his skills and qualifications allow him to be engaging and passionate when teaching others. Aaron is willing to take the time out of his day to assist those that require additional help.
Aaron has a down to earth personality, enjoys a good sense of humour while still retaining his professionalism and is always keen to learn himself. Aaron feels that you can never know too much, that all knowledge should be shared where appropriate and necessary. Aaron is a firm believer in helping others to achieve their goals and will do his utmost to assist.
Aaron believes equality, diversity, collaboration, love, passion and willingness to keep striving for your goals makes anything a possibility.
Aaron most importantly believes that being unafraid of failure and that perseverance even in the toughest of times is the strongest and most paramount quality a person can develop and retain.
The destination may be obvious, it may even change, but it is the journey that will shape you.
Some Music
Education
Masters (MA)
Sound Design
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Manchester
Metropolitan
University
2023 - 2024
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Working collaboratively with other practitioners including games designers, photographers, games artists, animators and film makers. Adapting and enhancing skills as a practitioner in sound design, networking, collaborating on exhibitions, video games and working on personal goals. Exhibitions include spatial audio design for the Imperial War Museum, to high acclaim working within a team. Exploring new methods of sound creation and manipulation, enhancing my thinking as a practitioner, soldering and creating new instruments, reworking and remodelling sound in unique ways, adapting technology and repurposing it, creating my own sound design library, soundscapes and enhancing my portfolio with focus on the finer details. Mixing using Logic Pro X and other DAW’s / 3rd Party Plug Ins. Utilising apple spatial audio, surround sound, mixing in 2,1, 5.1, 7,1, 7.1.4 and Dolby Atmos. Working collaboratively on my final project, producing a video game demo, fully working and available to employers on request, as is my FMOD project, currently studying Wwise. I have finished the course, results expected 28th November, expected to pass with merit, key skills that have been recognised by my tutors are excellent engagement, verbal communication, teamworking and leadership. Strong mixing, recording attributes, excellent knowledge of equipment, both analogue and digital, troubleshooting, innovative ideas and a strong passion and drive for all things sonic related. Please see my portfolios for further evidence of my work.
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Diploma in Education and Training (Level 5)
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Macclesfield College
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2019 -2020
Macclesfield College
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Trained as a teacher for UAL Music Composition and Music Technology at Macclesfield College, Stayed on as a TA working with SEN students on the course to aid them through Level 2, 3 and L3 extended diploma. Every SEN student that stuck the course through that I assisted in those 4 years were offered a place at university. Something I am proud of playing a role in, however their dedication to overcome adversity is what I am most proud of, they deserved their placements regardless of my help.
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Honours (BA)
Music,
Technology
and Innovation
DeMontfort University
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Speaking more candidly, I came from a background of music performance, I am a self-taught guitarist. Entry into the course required me to adapt quickly to the technology at the time. I came from a working-class background, diagnosed late with dyslexia. Whilst my writing skills can be a struggle, they did not hinder me from diving headfirst into a new realm of sonic possibilities and I was enthused with excitement as I was guided through the world of analogue and digital recording. When I took this degree, I learnt how to mix on analogue and digital desks. Learning to listen to how sound is transformed rather than relying on presets and plug-ins. I was also able to equip myself with a bedroom studio which was priceless in terms of my progression. Composition for projects with unique briefs taught me to think both conventionally and non-conventionally about sound and mixing. The course was also a building block for learning how to work collaboratively, present to an audience and explore my mind and develop my ideas. I was introduced to sonic works that were out of my usual listening zone. I learnt to appreciate the works of others and the innovative techniques they used. My confidence at the time when working with new people was a fraction of what it is now, however the time I spent studying certainly ushered me in the right direction and lead me to a passionate drive, with determination to learn more, push myself harder, be more creative, try new things, explore opportunities and become who I am today.
Sound Design and SoundScapes
In progress
Unfortunately, the samples will likely only come through in stereo, good for those without surround sound, however a disappointment for anyone wanting to hear it as intended, I will seek a hosting site for the Atmos works and add it underneath.
A sample in Dolby Atmos, sent largely to the rear speakers and the LFE sub.
Had to be split in two due to size, a Dolby Atmos 5.1 eerie soundscape, part of my MA Project.
All Videos
Creative Sound Designer
With a deep passion for sound design, HIX brings a unique blend of creativity and technical expertise to every project. With AD-Hoc Experience, HIX has a proven track record of delivering innovative and immersive sound experiences that captivate audiences. From film to games, HIX's attention to detail and dedication to quality ensure that each project exceeds expectations.
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