Need some mixing feedback

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Zydrus

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I'm struggling with the bass guitar for sure and low end in general. I'd like to be able to feel it, but it not be overbearing. That is the best way I can describe it. I'll be listening to CD's in my car and I can actually feel the punch of the kick drum but it's not taking over the track.

Other than that I'm really new to this and just need some general mixing advice. I plan to try and put out a solo CD myself this year so please be really honest on the mix. I realize it isn't everyone's cup of tea musically but I want it to be sonically good enough to put it out and sell it myself.

https://soundcloud.com/briansantosmusic/no-tomorrow
 
I really like the vocal but I find much of the backing track a distraction.

Yes, guitars generally are in the right frequency range to go nuts with the stereo, but these guitars just feel like panned mono. The drums sound mechanical, probably because you are chasing some "punch" that doesn't suit the song.

Don't get me wrong, I think there is a lot of promise here, and you have got the vocal, which is the hardest part, just about right.

I'm not sure if this will help... but why not...

Improving Your Stereo Mixing
 
the vocals are harsh at around 6-10kHz, and there's no getting away from it. It also makes the vocals feel like they are separate to the mix instead of being part of it. The bass guitar is also quite dull and flat sounding, I'd give it more harmonics, by adding some distortion/fuzz/overdive and mixing it back in with the dry signal, it needs beefing up. Hope that helps you
 
I think I saw Graham from the Recording Revolution do that trick on bass guitar. I'll give it a shot and I'll read that article on stereo mixing later tonight. Thanks for taking the time to listen and respond.
 
I am a beginner so take my comments with a grain of salt.

I think it sounds very good for someone new to this. As a previous commenter alluded, the vocals kind of stick out from the mix. It could the tone of the voice is very different from the track. Maybe lower the harshness in the voice a bit and it may mesh well with the backing track. Or maybe you just need to add some reverb or delay to soften your voice a bit.
 
anoopbal said:
I am a beginner so take my comments with a grain of salt.

I think it sounds very good for someone new to this. As a previous commenter alluded, the vocals kind of stick out from the mix. It could the tone of the voice is very different from the track. Maybe lower the harshness in the voice a bit and it may mesh well with the backing track. Or maybe you just need to add some reverb or delay to soften your voice a bit.
Click to expand...

Well performed. You're right, mix needs more low end. Too much top end. Guitars are too brittle... I think a lot of it is in the volume balance too... but my ears arent really good enough to tell you how, I'd have to experiement. But yeah definitely needs more "beef".
 
Tobe said:
I really like the vocal but I find much of the backing track a distraction.

Yes, guitars generally are in the right frequency range to go nuts with the stereo, but these guitars just feel like panned mono.
Click to expand...

I've read that article a couple times and there is a lot in there I don't quite understand yet. Can you explain a bit in complete newbie terms what you mean by "these guitars just feel like panned mono" and some ideas on how to fix it? Do I just need to add some reverb or delay to add some depth to it?
 
I think its a good job. The vocals are the strength, I'd add some backup harmonies to really make it sound big. I'd like a few more drum fills to livin up the beat.

Overall, your not far from having something quite good to print.
 
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