Hello all,
I will be producing and mixing an 80's synth pop / new wave type project, and would appreciate some advice and ideas:
With a background in producing, recording and mixing rock and metal I have been spoiled with distorted guitars and acoustic drums providing a rich frequency spectrum and stereo width.
However, this type of sound tends to be very minimalistic: mainly drum machine, FM synth bass and vocals, and a few other FM or analog synth sounds for added effect.
How would you go about to make sure that the final product doesn't feel too dull and empty?
Already in the pre-production phase I'm confused on how to plan ahead for panning: bass, kick, snare/clap and lead vocals will be sitting in the middle obviously. Some stereo effects can come from panned toms and hihats as well as stereo vocal dubs and harmonies. But any ideas on how I can think regarding the synth leads, chords, etc.? Mostly in the middle? Or should I try to keep two instruments going at the same time as much as possible so they can be panned out without the mix leaning to one side? Should I think about how the different synth sounds occupy different frequency ranges?
Or should I just embrace it as a part of the sound that it should be minimalistic and it's perfectly fine that the verses are almost mono and let the stereo vocals lift the choruses?
No rights and wrongs obviously - just looking for ideas and experiences! Thanks!
I will be producing and mixing an 80's synth pop / new wave type project, and would appreciate some advice and ideas:
With a background in producing, recording and mixing rock and metal I have been spoiled with distorted guitars and acoustic drums providing a rich frequency spectrum and stereo width.
However, this type of sound tends to be very minimalistic: mainly drum machine, FM synth bass and vocals, and a few other FM or analog synth sounds for added effect.
How would you go about to make sure that the final product doesn't feel too dull and empty?
Already in the pre-production phase I'm confused on how to plan ahead for panning: bass, kick, snare/clap and lead vocals will be sitting in the middle obviously. Some stereo effects can come from panned toms and hihats as well as stereo vocal dubs and harmonies. But any ideas on how I can think regarding the synth leads, chords, etc.? Mostly in the middle? Or should I try to keep two instruments going at the same time as much as possible so they can be panned out without the mix leaning to one side? Should I think about how the different synth sounds occupy different frequency ranges?
Or should I just embrace it as a part of the sound that it should be minimalistic and it's perfectly fine that the verses are almost mono and let the stereo vocals lift the choruses?
No rights and wrongs obviously - just looking for ideas and experiences! Thanks!