Anyone wanna compare some mixes?

[NL5]

OK, I just want to see if I'm the insane one or not. I've got two songs - both with two versions. Please feel free to compare and contrast the two mixes for each song. They are completely separate recordings, so performance, arrangement, and mixing are all welcome targets. Also, if you like certain things from each mix, feel free to share your feelings on which parts are stronger than others.

Thanks in advance.

 

[thebigredhotdog]

quick listen, skipping around, the b's sound a little better to my ears.

side note: the guitar tracks could benefit from a decent amp/mic.

 

[Bulls Hit]

The drummer's timing is a lot better on 1B than 1A. I'm not keen on the cymbal sound on either version. The ride is too ticky on the first, and the hats/crashes just sound slushy and undefined. Think I prefer the snare sound on the 1A. Vocals are real good on both. 1B arrangement is much better for me.

Likewise I prefer the 2B arrangement. 2a has those sizzly cymbals again.

 

[NL5]

Thanks!

Anybody else care to weigh in?

.

 

[joeym]

The recordings are missing that particular shine that this style needs, they sound a bit muddy to me. The guitar sounds are dull, voice sounds a bit lo-fi.
Singer's a bit pitchy in the first song although I liked the piano sound there as long as it was on its own. Weak point to me are the drums, they lack punch, clarity and crispyness. In all the songs sound as if they were recorded live in a rehearsal room, so if that's the kind of sound the band wanted, that's cool. Me, I would have gone more Matchbox 20......

 

[Tobe]

Hi NL5,

I like your voice, and it suits the music really well. It is rare, when listening to demo’s, that the voice has such good clarity.

In both cases the "B" versions sound like masters to my ear. More clarity and better space, although perhaps a bit overdone. Having said that I think the “A” versions are probably a better path for you. I recon your voice is looking for a tight energetic guitar based backing rather than too much of a big production sound.

 

[sharonclowe]

I definitely preferred the B versions on both songs. Your voice reminds me of Brad Arnold (Three Doors Down). The 1A song was kind of annoying (sorry ) so I was pleasantly surprised by how the 1B version started out much better (liked the piano)....I noticed though that it was a little harder to make out all the lyrics in version 1B as compared to version 1A. The 2nd song is OK, but for some reason I can't my finger on, it seems a tad dragging to me. Nice start though.

 

[Tobe]

While the piano does sound better in these mixes, I think a well produced guitar backing would give your voice the same space to sing down the middle, and be more complimentary to your style. In the first song the guitar version is a bit dull and lacking space (in the mix), and pushes rather than builds.