Advice on mixing

[kcearl]

its only my second full recording and i tried to use only outboard instruments, other than the drums, this time..

http://soundclick.com/share?songid=8131000

Can you guys give me some tips on mixing it?

what I've noticed so far is that the cymbals are a bit out of hand, the guitar sounds tinny can you guys fill in the rest of the blanks

have I used too many effects?

are the levels near right?

forget the wonky vocals...these are what satan...oops I mean god gave me

 

[heatmiser]

Ok, listening as I type...

Certainly good for a second ever effort . Interesting succession of riffs/chords.

Yes, the cymbals are out of hand...sounds almost like a continual wash that is merely being turned alternately up and down. I guess that is the biggest issue...

Guitars could be meatier I guess, but if the whole thing were cleaned up a bit I might be able to tell better.

I'm hearing the snare as kind bigger than necessary and not enough kick, but I am listening on pretty tiny speakers so I don't want to lead you astray or anything. Anyway, nice work...I'd keep trying to tighten things up on this and see...

 

[Greg_L]

First I gotta ask - What are you monitoring with?

You already know about the guitars and cymbals, so fix them.

Here's how I'd go about fixing a mix that's this far from home: First I'd get rid of any effects. No reverbs, delays, or anything. Get rid of all processing. No compressors, EQ's, etc. Zero everything. You're left with raw tracks. Hopefully nothing is clipping. Start with the kick and bass. Get the kick and bass relationship tight and clear. Cut EQ on the kick or bass or both to get them clean and present. Next bring in the rest of the drums, guitars, etc. Build around the kick and bass. Then you can start adding effects and shit.

 

[joeym]

First off, the song is very good, kinda Depeche Mode or Bowie in places (natural, with your anglo-saxon origins....)
I would take Greg's advice, even though it really doesn't sound too bad the way it is. Keep working on it, the song deserves it.

Joey

 

[rayc]

Yeah, it sounds like you've got a good song to work with & a good vocal sound - hmm the guitar era Depeche & a bit david Sylivain too.
Follow Greg's line - all I can add is do your 1st mix in mono & when that sounds good try creating a stereo image & tweaking to accommodate it.

 

[kcearl]

Thanks guys...it was originally recorded in the early 80s..the guy who wrote it is a lecturer in a Glasgow university now...luckily its still music



yup the whole mix was a mess...I think I was just eager to get something up..I zeroed everything as suggested, binned two guitar tracks and turned off all the effects other than a couple of EQ's..

for some reason I had an inflator on the drum buss which was just distorting it... after spending ages setting them up...lesson learned..so Ive stuck a compressor on them and a little EQ to warm them up...cymbals are still nuts though and I've lost the kick drum down the back of the couch!

Its starting to sound better already...pannings better and its a bit cleaner....


First mix in mono?..Ive never heard that Ray..Ill give it a try..thanks


I'm monitoring with as pair of Behri's Greg...most of the kit Ive got is fairly cheap, other than my guitar, as I just bought most of it and the software since Feb and don't know how long Ill be hanging on to it as we move country a lot (again in December)...sometimes its better to start from scratch than ship larger things about..Ive invested in a decent set of headphones at at least I can hang on to them...they're in the post


To be honest I hope get the hang of it with advice and reading...my monitors only play a part in the process, I think I have far bigger problems with only one good ear lol... and my vocals havent drawn any laughs!

Thanks guys, your time is really appreciated...