not what i want it to be

[Adrenaline]

My mix just sounds like everything is taking a backseat, if that makes sence. It isn't horrible, but its not what I think a mix should sound like. I've done compression, eqing, high pass filters, some reverb, recorded the guitar twice, added some stero separation in the guitar. I am looking for techniques to get a mix louder and clearer. I am thinking it must be the actual recordings are not up to par.

I have some descent mics, but I wonder if my cables, mixer, and soundcard are really limiting the quality of my recordings. I am using an onboard SB audigy 2 soundcard and a mixer than isn't noisy (most of the time). I think a big problem is that i have to record all of the drums on one track. I also have trouble getting the overall volume of the mix loud enough. I'm not sure if my soundcard is limiting this or not.
Also, is a graphic eq really not the way to go? Its what i've been using in cubase.

Anyway, if anyone has any suggestions i would appreciate it.

 

[Farview]

You have multiple problems.
1. soundblaster is almost useless
2. Reverb is the opposite of clarity
3. stereo enhancers, like reverb, take away from the 'in you face'-ness of a mix
4. graphic EQ is for PA systems
5. Not having descete tracks for the drums means that you are stuck with the drum mix you had when you recorded it.

Remove all the plugins and eq's. just set levels, does it sound OK? If not, you didn't get good sounds to begin with and you won't be able to do much about it.

 

[lpdeluxe]

Whoa, Fairview, Recording 101!

 

[pweaver]

I had some friends in a band who did their whole first album on a sound blaster
card and it sounded horrific.

As soon as we plugged in the same mics and amps into an Apogee Trak 2
mic pre / A to D converter and then into PT it was night and day difference.

 

[The Green Hornet]

Yo MacroView:

Reverb is an asset to "clarity" if it is used properly.

How many commercial CDs can you buy that do not use reverb?

Almost none.

But, like any other part of recording, if you use it in a King Kong fashion, you do not get good results.

In your face vocals? Just listen to almost any Frank Sinatra recording and you will hear "in your face vocals." Why? Really good engineers and fantastic mics and, Frank, for sure.

It takes some hard work to achieve quality recordings but that's what it's all about.

Green Hornet

 

[Adrenaline]

I'm thinking of getting an Echo Layla3G, any comments?

 

[The Green Hornet]

Yo Heart stimulent:

I prefer the Yamaha reverb boxes or built-ins or plug-ins or In whatever fashion you can get them.

However, what you have mentioned may be just as good.

Green Hornet

 

[LRosario]

There is a concept called, "Imaging".

You have to keep in mind how you are replicating the sound for an artist. Just like on stage, certain instruments take priority over others. So like a painting, you have to have an idea on how you are going to paint a picture before the brush hits the canvas.

The soundstage is your canvas. Things like panning, amplitude and EQ are going to help you position things in your mix.

Reverb and volume control are going to distance your objects.

Panning helps create your stereo image.

But like was suggested, try mixing your songs without any effects of any sorts. It should start sounding more natural off the bat, rather than in the "backseat".

Lee