My very first mix/mastering job ever...

[RFrecordings]

Ok... I'm super reluctant to post this because of the criticism I'm about to receive, but everyone has to start somewhere right? I did it for this band that wanted to do some demo recording, and I agree'd to do it for free because I knew that it would probably not come out too hot.

Anyway... I'm aware of quite a few things in this. First, the snare track clips near the end of the song a couple times. I've tried multiple things to try and fix it, but nothing works.

Second, I know this band isn't the greatest at singing, but try not to judge my work, on their lack of talent.

Third... The vocals were really hard for me to mix. I tried to make them sound as best as I could, but honestly had no idea. Much like the rest of the song, I just kind of winged it.

Anyway... I just want some advice on what I could try doing differently next time, what sounds good this time around, and what I can do to practice mixing and mastering.

The song is a little harder, not metal, but more indie punk type rock. Hard to explain.

Thanks for any help in advance


Listen to the song here

 

[NL5]

First, the snare track clips near the end of the song a couple times. I've tried multiple things to try and fix it, but nothing works.

Just cut-n-paste a good hit from somewhere else.

 

[NL5]

Listening now -

Not terrible. One thing that is bugging me is the bass being so far to the right at 1:45 - I assume that is on purpose? Also, the kick could use a bit of high end to it maybe. The guitar that comes in at :40 is a bit loud and kinda harsh to me. Overall the mix lacks clarity.

Like I said, not to bad though, I expected a lot worse.....

 

[Perdicament]

Ok here goes....

The intro is too long, and not interesting enough to reatain a listeners intrest... and the guitar timing is way off....but you knew that...i won't comment anymore on the playing.....

the Mix.... the panned guitar is okay just for the intro, but bring it back in when the song starts....

you need to compress the vocals....ALOT... they are too far back and fade in and out.....parts I can barly hear.... No matter how good or bad they may or may not be, they still HAVE to be up in the mix....

the drums are kinda lost in the mix, but that left guitar is eating up all the 'space'

I guess for a 1st ever, it's not too bad, but you could use learning about compression/panning and how it creates the stereo field, and some EQing....

Keep it up, it's alot to learn and get good at...... I've heard worse....

 

[bigmahon]

I agree, from your original post I expected alot worse also! Really not bad for a first effort!

Couple of things though. The bass in the intro part feels a bit too thin and weak for me. In the context of the other instruments in this part, I think the bass should be beefier. Also, I know you're not responsible for the bass playing itself, but please buy that person a metronome.

I think you could also make the vocals more dynamic. Are they doubled? If not then that might help.

Also, I don't hear as much separation as I would like during the ripping bits. What sort of panning/width action have you got going on?

As I said though, not bad at all for a first effort. Looking forward to the next mix!

Chris