my first mix... experienced ears appreciated!

[kanga]

i actually just posted this on the "mixing/mastering" page but i think i probably should have posted it here...

hi folks,
everyone here seems to be pretty learned on everything sound related so I'd really appreciate even some first impressions any of you have of this track, as it'd probably save me months of chasing my tail!

www.myspace.com/elscamperino

I recorded it in my bedroom using a two year old m-box and ibook, the guitar is micced using a very entry level audio technica condenser mic, same goes for the vocals and acoustic bass. the piano is just plugged directly in...

On myspace they restrict you to only putting up 192kbps mp3's which I know probably doesn't give the best representation, but i guess the problems in the mix will be obvious to anyone with a lot of experience.

thanks!
sean.

 

[SRR]

Sounds very good to me, ssss's are a little strong, piano is a little muddy maybe take out some 400-800Hz on the piano or put some more 2-5KHz in.

 

[kanga]

thanks a lot for replying SSR!

i don't own monitors, it's embarrassing how low-fi the gear i'm using is, so i "mixed" it with 25euro Sony headphones, burned it onto a CD then tested on several systems trying to get some sort of compromise sound!! so far i've gotten the bones of four songs recorded on a budget of 5euro, the equivalent of $6!!!!!!!

to round off the "SSS" should i carve out something around 7-10k on the vocal tracks?

i'm guessing if i cut the 400-800khz on the piano it'd get the bass to "punch" a bit more too...

i've been reading this site for two years but this is my first real attempt at recording my own stuff, virtually everything i've learned has come from here...

everyones continued help will be endlessly appreciated!

sean.x

 

[Freudian Slip]

Sounds good.

I agree with SRR on the piano being a having a bit of a muddy thing to it. His recomendations sound about right. The piano also masks the vocals quite a bit in places, you may have to bring it down a bit once you brighten it up.
As far as the ssss's on the vocals you could pull some of the air (around 15khz) out of them but I would be prepared to boost the vocal level a bit if you do. I think the strong s's are alowing you to have the vocals mixed as soft as they are to some extent.


Good job.

F.S.

 

[J.C. Scott]

I have no problem with the hi's associated with the vocals or the overall mix. In fact, it may be lacking a bit if anything. For example, listen to "Cowboy Movie" by David Crosby. My preference would be for the instrumentation you do have to be panned apart a bit more to give them more separation. Seeing as I can hear each instrument pretty clearly, this is strictly a matter of preference, but it would certainly add some depth to the recording.

If you're interested in trying this, simply pan some of the instruments so that each one has its own space. Vocals are typically center however, so that's fine. As it is, to me, it sounds more mono (everything seems to sound as if it's coming from the center) than I'd prefer but that's me.

Overall, I think given your eqiupment, you've done an excellent job. You should really consider furthering your production skills by investing in some monitors. They'll definitely reveal infinitely more than your $6 speakers, and with your ears (they seem to be quite acute) you would benefit far more than someone with lesser production potential.