Alt/indy pop song

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Chris Farley

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Here's basically a first attempt at mixing 3-4 guitars, bass, and drums. I've take the pointers on kick drum mic'ing from my other post and applied it to this track. Tried some new things and I believe it's a better sound.

Any thoughts on panning, balance, etc., sounds, etc. would be appreciated. Don't mind the timing errors; I record backwards–guitars first then drums. Eventually I'll re-record it all in the correct order with the met. and it'll all be tight.

Thanks

 
Most of the instrumentation sounds pretty nice. A bit on the warm and dry side for me, but each to their own :). The kick is a little sterile sounding. It doesn't give me the impression of a drum being hit at all, but you do have a bit of thud/click there.

I have to say, though, the electric guitar in the left ear is possibly one of the worst guitar tones I've ever heard. :D What made you come up with that? :D
 
Haha thank you. That guitar, I guess that's the "indie" lo-fi part. I don't know how to fix it.
 
Actually, come to think of it...how do you mic an electric guitar? What mic is best? placement? Multiple mics?

Thanks for suggestions.
 
Chris Farley said:
Actually, come to think of it...how do you mic an electric guitar? What mic is best? placement? Multiple mics?

Thanks for suggestions.
Click to expand...

The "industry standard" - that is, the setup that almost guarantees an acceptable recording of an electric guitar through an amp is a Shure SM57 close up to the speaker and about halfway between the edge of the cone and the dust cap. This isn't the only way to mic an amp and get a good result but it's an excellent starting point and it's difficult to fuck up. Having listened to that tone, my opinion is that it is the sound you have dialled in that's at fault, not the way you're recording it. It's just horrible. No offence. :D
 
Thanks for the tip. I believe I have an SM57 laying around somewhere. I will try it.
 
Not a bad start. Cool idea. The timing errors are hard to overlook. It's one thing to have a loose feel but this is downright out of time during parts of it. Guitars could use some tuning and/or intonation as well.

That kick needs some attention. For my tastes, it's too clicky. I think it's too loud in the mix as well, it could probably stand to come down 2 or 3 dB at least.

Bubba is dead correct about mic'ing an amp. Start with his advice and experiment from there. Move the mic closer to the center of the speaker cone for more treble and fizz, move it farther towards the edge of the cone for more low-mids and "woof". Half-way inbetween is usually a good compromise.
 
Yes I know the rhythmic problems are bad; they will be fixed when I redo the recording with the metronome. And yes, I'm having trouble with the intonation on this cheap old guitar I have as you heard. I really don't know how to fix intonation.

Thanks for the amp mic'ing tips, I have been putting them into effect on another recording and will continue to do so.
 
Its a good start. Sounds like there may be some good potential in it. already been said above, but the timing is just so imperative that it sticks out..way out. Not so bad if its just a guitar, but trying to add any percussion to a guitar out of rhythm is just asking for problems. Absolutely need to lay a beat track or use a metronome before trying to lay down the guitars.... also, guitar sounds out of tune lol
 
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