I got the mixing blues!

[fodorski]

I mix down from my VS-840 to my Event 20-20's, get it sounding good, turn it into a wave file with CEP 1.2 normalizing to 94.99%. But, after putting it on CD with Easy CD Creator, the mix is out of whack and there's not much oomph! Luckily, I have no pops, hisses or squeaks. Any advice?

[Sabith]

U using an EQ between your VS and amp??? thats my guess, or it could be the normalizer.... listen to it before its normalized

Sabith

[Razor]

Check all connectivity.

Then phasing. - check your mix in mono. Especially after it gets to your hard drive. Different programs have varying methods of encoding your mix which often brings out aspects of the mix that you may not have intended.
Finding the mix that survives your transfer blues may lie in a cable that is out of phase

[fodorski]

I'm transfering with a 2 meter Monster Video cable that cost me $50, so I doubt it's the cable. I'll try the un-normalized version on CD. I'm not using EQ after the VS-840, should I?

Also, someone told me today that Easy CD Creator is junk; I should get Nero 4.0. True?

[Razor]

Are you monitoring all the steps in the process (VS, CEP, CD) the same way? Through the 20/20's the VS mix should sound the same as the wav once in CEP (or at least not all "out of whack").
How are you getting from the Roland into CEP?
If the mix sounds like it should after being converted and put into CEP as a wav, but then goes out of whack when put to CD, then I would say it's CD Creator. I have used that program, and while it's not my favorite fo audio, I never had any problems like yours
Make sure you get as strong a signal into CEP as you can without any overs, if the normalizer has to pull the levels up a lot, it will in effect be altering the dynamic range of your mix. Good luck

[fodorski]

Going from VS-840 into CEP with a 2 meter Monster Cable which cost $50 into a CardDeluxe using digital i/o, so I'm hoping that's not the problem. When I say "out of whack" I mean that the mix is not the same. The mix is fairly good when I play the .wav file (I don't have good speakers on the PC), but it's unacceptable on CD when played through my stereo system. I've got a strong signal through CEP and normalize to 94.99% (read through this website that this is a good figure). I've heard some less than flattering things about Easy CD Creator and good things about Nero 5.0. Can there actually be a difference in the sound created between the two? Thanks!!!!!

[Razor]

So, Let's see if I'm understanding the situation: the mix makes if fine into Cool Edit - sounds good after normalizing (can you check at this stage with anything more accurate than computer speakers?) - and then comes out completely different when burned with ole' EZCL.
Hmmm I'm over my head when it comes to cd recording programs and the way that they do what they do. I do know that they are not supposed to remix your material. Are you burning at 2x, 4x, 8x? 2x seems to be the accepted best way to go.
Three thoughts: make sure that the normalized file in Cool Edit is indeed the same mix that you intend to burn. Maybe somehow the CardDelux is geting something other than what you think it is. Make sure all stats are red book (16 bit, 44k...) Try burning at 1x. Also are you listening to the CD on a system that resembles your studio monitoring set up? If your studio monitoring is inaccurate, then everything you do will sound different out in "the real world".
I'm not a fan of CDCreator either. I think SOnic Foundrey's CD Architect (sp?) is one of the best.

[Sabith]

And the answer to the question......

"I'm not using EQ after the VS-840, should I?"
is.....(drums roll)

NO!!!!!!! U want a nice flat response with your speakers and putting eq in there screws that completly........

so U just want the
VS to amp, amp to speakers

nothing more.....

Sabith

[John Sayers]

Why do you normalise your tracks? I never do cos early on someone respected said never normalise - can't remember why. I agree with Sonusman about the art of making seriously commercial product. There is an art in it - I'm currently listening to "Dark Side of the Moon" cos Ameril has it on CD, haven't heard it in years - think I heard the first trance track, the first loop maybe? i suspect that recording is not about making an exact duplicate of the sound, its about making a kind of distinctive cartoon character of the sound that reminds you - or doesn't - of the real thing sort of.... makes you feel good ...if you kown what I mean.... oh the CD has switched over to Quincy Jones!

cheers

[RWhite]

All I will add to this is that I have burned LOTS of CDs with EZCD Creator and have never had a problem with the program.

[Razor]

I agree, don't think the problem lies in EZ Creator but your monitoring or the communication 'twixt the boxes. Good luck.....Razor

[fodorski]

Thanks, all of you, for the tips. I play back on a cheapo bookshelf system to see how the flat response recording changes when enhances by stereo speakers. I had read somewhere that programs like Nero 5.0 produce a better sounding CD, but others tell me that's not possible as all that's happening is the transfer of digital data.

Sabith: what do you mean "VS to amp, amp to speakers"? I just run my VS directly to the Event 20-20's which are powered.

Razor: I'm burning at 4x but will try 2x & 1x (seems I heard something about the slower the better). Thanks!

Sonusman: I do need a good sound system to check my mixes on!

I was also told that the acoustics of the room play a major role in what I think is a good mix. My studio is 10 x 12 feet, carpeted, with hard surface walls & 8' ceiling. I have read about putting acoustic material all around. Is there any danger of soaking up too much sound? The recording studios I've been in have lots of reflective surfaces.

I'd better get off before this thread starts to mold!

[Sabith]

U didn't say U have powerd Events =P

Sabith

[dobro]

"Try ripping a bunch of CD's to your hard drive."

Sure, or just bang the CD into your computer's CD-ROM drive, if like mine, it's routed through your sound card.