Hey Gang,
My name is Drew, (Slump D is the rap handle) Recently I've started making beats in Ableton Live, and tracking with Pro-Tools Express with a verrrrry homey (perhaps homely as well) setup.
Once the beat is okay to track with (not mixed at all) I record with MXL990 plugged into an M-Audio M-track interface. The 'lab' is in a basement, so that helps a bit, but certainly not treated for optimal recording.
I have a lot of written stuff, and beats in progress that I'd like opinions on, maybe even help with the mixing and mastering process! I recorded my first complete track, and sent it do an engineer I found online; however I believe he was kind of a "cookie cutter" deal as it took him hardly any time to bounce it back to me, it doesn't sound radio quality, and I'd like to pinpoint why.
Is it the fact that I have a shitty mic, that's not in a booth? Can I do something different with my vocals? Did he just not take any time, tell me it sounds great, and hope I didn't notice?
These things keep me up at night. Obviously, as the Newbie thread says "friends and family lie" but I cannot lie to myself. I'm getting to the point where I have enough material for a small first release, but I don't want it to sound like a first release.
I've attached the mix as it sits,(Titled Girl You Might Know That's Me) one of my first beats, so I'm sure that's part of why it sounds so weak, but I feel like it could vocally sound better in addition to the instrumental. I can upload the stem files of the beat and the raw VOX tonight if anyone wants to tackle it, and show me what's possible.
View attachment Girl You Might Know MASTER 4 MP3.mp3
Any and all support/constructive criticism is welcome. Thanks a lot!
- D
My name is Drew, (Slump D is the rap handle) Recently I've started making beats in Ableton Live, and tracking with Pro-Tools Express with a verrrrry homey (perhaps homely as well) setup.
Once the beat is okay to track with (not mixed at all) I record with MXL990 plugged into an M-Audio M-track interface. The 'lab' is in a basement, so that helps a bit, but certainly not treated for optimal recording.
I have a lot of written stuff, and beats in progress that I'd like opinions on, maybe even help with the mixing and mastering process! I recorded my first complete track, and sent it do an engineer I found online; however I believe he was kind of a "cookie cutter" deal as it took him hardly any time to bounce it back to me, it doesn't sound radio quality, and I'd like to pinpoint why.
Is it the fact that I have a shitty mic, that's not in a booth? Can I do something different with my vocals? Did he just not take any time, tell me it sounds great, and hope I didn't notice?
These things keep me up at night. Obviously, as the Newbie thread says "friends and family lie" but I cannot lie to myself. I'm getting to the point where I have enough material for a small first release, but I don't want it to sound like a first release.
I've attached the mix as it sits,(Titled Girl You Might Know That's Me) one of my first beats, so I'm sure that's part of why it sounds so weak, but I feel like it could vocally sound better in addition to the instrumental. I can upload the stem files of the beat and the raw VOX tonight if anyone wants to tackle it, and show me what's possible.
View attachment Girl You Might Know MASTER 4 MP3.mp3
Any and all support/constructive criticism is welcome. Thanks a lot!
- D