Looking to imrove on these mixes

[mplnckstrat]

Hey, everyone. I need some mixing/tracking advice, relatively quickly. My new band has picked up steam very quickly and we need to record another 2 songs pronto. The band features Marky Ramone's identical-twin brother, and he plays great lead guitar. SO, we want to keep him nice and present in the mix, but not at the expense of a solid finished product. Our 1st 2 songs are available for you to check out, and we plan on recording again in 2 or 3 weeks after we play the festival we got added onto because the promoter dug the tunes. We did all the tracking ourselves, and used my friends studio with his Mac to master. I'd like to know what anyone thinks sounds weak or lacking in the mix.....thanks!!

link to songs:

www.reverbnation.com/taost

 

[Mothers Bad Son]

Not Bad....

I understand what your saying about the guitar player but enough already. The lead guitar is so overpowering that it detracts from the songs in my opinion. You have good tunes, the energy level is amazing and the mix isn't bad but less is more when it comes to your axe man.

Unless the band's name is "XXXX and the XXXX's" pull him out for short tasty leads and pull him back, your songs are good enough to make the vocals the main focus, not the lead guitar.


IMHO

MBS

 

[mgjr73]

Unless the band's name is "XXXX and the XXXX's" pull him out for short tasty leads and pull him back, your songs are good enough to make the vocals the main focus, not the lead guitar.

I agree with MBS... sounds great. Downtown Has that old school feel but the lead guitars are a bit distracting, competing with the vocal/verse parts. I would've preferred an exchange between vocal and lead (verse-lick-verse-lick) then let him rip at the solo section.

Nevertheless, the guitarist is awesome and sounds like he had fun playing it. Just need to bring him out at the right time.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[mplnckstrat]

I think we were a little afraid of the vocals taking away from the song. We're going back in after we perform on Oct 2nd and finishing up a 3rd song. I think while we're at it, we'll improve the backing vocal tracks and sit the guitar better in the mix for these 2 ...

Question: Is the lead guitar where it's at now a good level for the lead parts. Basically, can I get away with pulling it back in the verses/choruses but leave it where it is for the rest?

Also, the next song has a prominent acoustic guitar......I'm thinking direct & 2 seperate takes for a nice full sound.......L-C-R. There is no rhythm part for the lead guitar, so I think there is room. Ideas?

Thanks guys....
Dwayne
www.reverbnation.com/taost
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7gtamo3EuxM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSBwOKTJKYI&feature=related

 

[TripleM]

I listened to both Downtown and Tking Bt Me. The guitars generally have a cool tone.

The drums are way back in the mix. Needs more overheads and way more snare.

Too much lead playing. It was practically non-stop in Downtown.

Actually I think the singing is a weak point. No energy in the lead vocals. The BGV's are tough to hear and a bit weak. I'd double them or quad them. Sometimes the timing on them is a little off.

The double tracked vox on Downtown are out of sync slightly in a couple of spots.

The intro to Tk bt me is a little sloppy. Especially at :14 when it kicks in.

 

[PDP]

I think we were a little afraid of the vocals taking away from the song.

I personally would never think that way with any song in a POP genre. Musicians may listen for instruments but I think most peoples immediate impression is on the vocal(s)

I like the suggestion to alternate between the vocal and guitar. Turn the guitar up/down, there seems to be this trend with keeping everything even in a mix, older mixes especially have things coming in and out.

The tracks sound lo-fi like cheap converters or something, lacking a big bass tone and High/High's (maybe you want that, then its fine.)

Great your getting exposer and good feedback. A band that plays out alot can improve very, very quickly. Good luck!

 

[antichef]

I dunno - I'm a guitar player, and I thought the leads were fine - but listen to them, not me. My songs are even worse.

On my system, both songs had a muddiness that might be intentional, but I wanted to turn down a few dbs on the 150-250 range, particularly on the guitars.

As for performance (I know you didn't ask about that), I think the lead vox is great in downtown, and still OK in talkin bout me, but there were some pitch issues there that made it sound a little weaker. Doubling the BG vox is a good idea.