New Mic, New Mix...

  • Thread starter Thread starter Dogman
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Dogman

Dogman

Unkle Ticklefingers
Got a new mic and had to try it out. Also, new to mixing, so be kind. :eek:

Had some time, and recorded and tried to mix this. It's a cover of an old Traffic song, but done more in the way Big Sugar did. I'm trying to learn how to mix better, so any positive criticism and comments would be appreciated.
Drums are just a guide loop, but I tried to mix them in a bit as well. I really need help on layering and how to eq certain things, but help with anything is appreciated.



Thanks. :)
 
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I think the worst thing about this mix is the crash cymbal. Too loud in the mix for the most part,..and is over played to the extreme in my opinion. It works in some parts of the tune but should not be hit during any vocal lines. But,..you said it was a loop. I'm not sure if you have the capability to edit it but if ya do I would get rid of it during the vocs and turn it down a bit. Snare could come up as well. The solo's could use some verb or echo. Depending on the sound youre going for.
Everything else sounds pretty good except there is a bunch of low end build up somewhere. If I turn my speakers up a bit they start distorting very early,..because of the low end.

The best thing about this mix is the panning. It seems pretty good to me,..wouldnt change any of that. You didnt get creative with it,..straight forward it seems,.. but it works. Everything is where you would expect it to be with the exception of the crash and snare level wise.
I hear alot of noise though. Good level on the overall recording but it makes the noise seem more apparent.
Actually i'm not sure if thats noise or that darn crash cymbal decaying??????

Anyway,..good recording overall I think.
What kind of mic did ya get?

Take 'er easy,...
Calwood
 
Same comment about the drums, very edgy, strident, ear fatiguing.

Some pitch issues with the vocals, I hear multiple voices and some are are few cents sharp/flat. The vocal track could use a little more punch too, it seems to sit a bit back in the mix.

Composition is solid - once you work through the issues this will definitely be a keeper.
 
Do you think the low end buildup is the Bass? I used an overdriven amp, so may have been a bit much with the compression. I will eventually program a drum track for this, but I didn't have time the other day. I spent about 4 hours learning the song, recording it, and trying to play with the mix. I had never actually tried to play this song before last Saturday. Some of the noise may be the guitar buzz, as one track is pretty hot. I need to get better at that. The solos and most of the rythum are dry. No effects. I compressed the vocals, just to see if I could not emberass myself too much. I'm not a singer. I just got an Audio Technica 4040, and an inexpensive preamp. Actually did wonders for me. I've been doing vocal lessons, but still suck.

Thanks for the listen, and I will try and fix some stuff, and repost.
Ed
 
Thanks Phyl. Appreciate the comments. The vocals will take a lot of work, as I don't sing very well, but am learning. That is one of the hardest things I've had to do. The drums, well I really need to do something there, but just used that as my guide track, and left it. No real drummers in my area, so a drum machine or loops have to do for now, and I will work on that. Thanks again, as it helps to hear what needs work, in a positive way.
Ed
 
Dogman said:
Thanks Phyl. Appreciate the comments. The vocals will take a lot of work, as I don't sing very well, but am learning. That is one of the hardest things I've had to do. The drums, well I really need to do something there, but just used that as my guide track, and left it. No real drummers in my area, so a drum machine or loops have to do for now, and I will work on that. Thanks again, as it helps to hear what needs work, in a positive way.
Ed
Click to expand...

Don't take what I said too seriously, the vocal performance is actually pretty good, just a few places where I thought I heard a slight problem. Your vocal energy is entirely appropriate to this style of music and doesn't have to be pitch perfect to get the point across and be convincing.

You're doing better than you think.
 
Believe me, any constructive criticism is good. Some people are good at saying what is wrong, but not helping you fix it. I posted the song knowing it needs work, hoping someone can teach me a few things. I will work on some things, and now have a few ideas of what to do.

So, thanks again.
Ed
 
OK, worked on the vocals some, and a few of the guitars. Drums are still the same, so tune them out if possible.



See if this is any better, or if it's even worse.
 
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