Track Bouncing Basics

[Smokepole]

This is only my second recording. I need to add backup vocals (2 tracks) and possibly piano.

1 Rhythm Guitar
2 Bass
3 Guitar solo and fill licks
4 Lead Vocal
5/6
7/8 Stereo drum machine

As you can see, 5/6 and 7/8 are tied together as stereo tracks.

Do I bounce 7/8 (drums) along with 2 (bass) to 5/6 so that the drums remain in stereo?

Is combining bass and drums a logical way to begin bouncing.

Are there any basic guidelines to the sequence, or preferred clusters to begin grouping things when bouncing?

Also do you generally add reverb to the bass guitar? The drum machine sounds like it already has it but I'm not sure if I really hear it on bass or not on the CD's I'm listening to.

I understand that you can do anything that sounds good to your ear, but I'm trying to get some basic guidelines to begin with. I'll begin experimenting more when I’m not struggling as much.

By the way this song is country-rock/ southern rock style

Thanks
Joe

[regebro]

When I bounced back and forth between two four tracks I would mix drums, bass and guitars in stereo. Worked OK for me. So in your case I would have mixed the rhythm guitar, the bass and the drums.

[Sonixx]

with an early bounce that is committed, bounce tracks of differing sonic character. For instance Bass Gtr and some tracks with higher frequency content such as the lead Guitar Solo. You'll have a lot more control and flexibility later when EQ'ing the Bass and Solo, versus trying to EQ a committed Bass Gtr and Kick or Bass Gtr and Rhythm Gtr.

[Smokepole]

Thanks guys

Sonixx, that's great advice for a beginner. My first thought would be to group similar sounds together, but I realize now that's probably the worst way to look at it.

A guy from another forum suggested I don't bump anything yet. Instead I can do two virtual tracks for the backups and then bump those two to the already open 5/6 channel while panning them. That makes a lot of sense also.

I am going to tie the bass in with the guitar like you suggested so I will have an open track for piano.

Thanks again
Joe