First real crack at multi-trackin'

[MikeDog]

Okay, after a couple months of playing with n-track, I have what I'd consider a semi-finished song. I would like to hear/read some feedback on the mix, levels, etc. I know some of the sound quality is bad -- I have a very cheap mike and can't afford any better, so I know that's a problem. Other than that, I'd like to know what the "experts" think...

Thanks,

MikeDog

 

[AlChuck]

MikeDog,

Hey, not too bad. Everything sounds pretty clear and balanced. One thing about choosing a cover to record is that you can approach it like an exercise to try to approximate the original and learn from that. I've got a couple of covers I'm working on for that reason, though I tend to not care too much about copying the original parts, I tend to go off on my own.

Performance wise it was just a tad dull -- the too-many-takes factor, perhaps? I find that if I don't nail something pretty early on I just can't seem to get it unless I go away for a while and do something else.

I can't really offer any more precise criticism on ways to improve the EQ, etc., as I'm really only just learning myself. I'd say that you're pretty much on the right track overall, though. Keep it up!

-AlChuck

P.S. A physics guy, eh? I have an MS in Physics myself, 1988, San Francisco State University, but I didn't have what it takes to go for the Ph.D. Ive been working as a tech writer and, more recently, as a web developer, writing simple CGI and ASP and Visual Basic programs and such...

[This message has been edited by AlChuck (edited 07-20-2000).]

 

[beezelbubba]

I cant comment too much on the soundquality 'cause I'm listening on crappy headphones,but I didn't hear anything that sounded terrible.
The likeness to Lennons voice in spots was uncanny.Did you play everything yourself?
If you don't mind me asking,what is your
system.I'm thinking about building a system
running n-track myself.I hope I,m not out of line asking in this forum.If I am,someone
bitchslap me.

 

[gibs]

Yer choice of a cover was pretty brave...whether fatigue or whatever, there were some things that just didn't work though...firstly, the "sniffs" were too contrived....how's about substituting a different thing there, something either vocally or sound-effect-wise that could be considered your personal contribution to the original.....lots of fluctuation in the volume vocally....compression could probably help...a good mic would also have to be compressed though, you did get a pretty good overall sound with the one you used, however...by all means use what ya got, I only have a carvin cm 68 (which nobody seems to like but me) and a 25 year old radshak along with two pawn shop purchased no names because the letters have worn off lol....gibs

[This message has been edited by gibs (edited 07-20-2000).]

 

[MikeDog]

Thanks all for the listen. It always helps to have fresh ears give an opinion.

gibs -- I put a little compression on the vocals, but I'm still working on a good "feel," you know? I always try to err on the side of too few effects. Why do you say my choice of a cover was pretty brave?

beezelbubba -- email me and I'll tell you about my system. Definitely nothing to write home about, but it gets the job done.

AlChuck -- Actually, most of this was done first try. I've had to squeeze in recording time in between school, work, and my four-year-old. You know, life. Yeah, it's me on all instruments, programming, and vocals. Don't feel bad about not getting the Ph.D. I'll probably end up doing computer stuff too, I'll have just spent an extra three years before I start work...

MikeDog, who will shut up now.

 

[gibs]

MikeDog, I said "brave" because the song was one of my horny faves in my youth, and therefore a classic in my eyes, and no doubt others as well....anytime somebody does a cover of something that was so innovative for its time, I feel it takes balls....that's why I mentioned doing something different with the sniffs, to sort of make yer version stand out with a new spin on it....gibs