Overtime

[K-dub]

As much as I do this, I have to CONSTANTLY remind myself to multi-reference mixes. It is amazing the difference in perspective between monitoring sources.

I changed procedure on this dense mix. This is the band I put together in 2016. We recorded an album during Covid. I had mixed it and then ran it through Ozone in Sound Forge afterwards. It was ... okay.

So I stuck it instead in the two bus and tweaked the mix w/ the mastering in place.

What do you all think? Any/all comments appreciated!

There's a lot going on.

 

[PoeticIntensity]

I'm just going to type as I listen. That clicky thing in the middle (not the stereo stuff) - is a bit too loud in the beginning - not bad... Just enough to say "hi! I'm here" too loudly.. Okay - drums coming in now - and holy cow... The space you've got around them is amazing... Very good... Vocals are also very clear... Very clear. (Also - that clicking sound in context of the song after the drums and vocal come in - isn't too loud) Wow... backup vocals are well recorded, too. Very clear. Everything in this mix is very clear.

As the song is continuing (about half-way through now)... The saxophone, bass, and other instruments that aren't vocals and drums don't quite have the clarity that the vocals and drums do. Usually, in my experience, that's a pretty safe way to mix, but I think it might be taken to the extreme here. Even the guitar solo coming in now at about 3:45 is sitting behind the drums in the mix - and it should be about the same level as the vocals (because it's never going to compete with them)... Same with the sax solo after... Give it the same limelight as the vocals... As it is in the mix now, it's kind of just another layer of instrumentation.

As far as tracking goes, everything is so, so clear... Very well done *chef's kiss*

 

[K-dub]

I'm just going to type as I listen. That clicky thing in the middle (not the stereo stuff) - is a bit too loud in the beginning - not bad... Just enough to say "hi! I'm here" too loudly.. Okay - drums coming in now - and holy cow... The space you've got around them is amazing... Very good... Vocals are also very clear... Very clear. (Also - that clicking sound in context of the song after the drums and vocal come in - isn't too loud) Wow... backup vocals are well recorded, too. Very clear. Everything in this mix is very clear.

As the song is continuing (about half-way through now)... The saxophone, bass, and other instruments that aren't vocals and drums don't quite have the clarity that the vocals and drums do. Usually, in my experience, that's a pretty safe way to mix, but I think it might be taken to the extreme here. Even the guitar solo coming in now at about 3:45 is sitting behind the drums in the mix - and it should be about the same level as the vocals (because it's never going to compete with them)... Same with the sax solo after... Give it the same limelight as the vocals... As it is in the mix now, it's kind of just another layer of instrumentation.

As far as tracking goes, everything is so, so clear... Very well done *chef's kiss*

Great thoughts! Totally appreciated. I particularly like your perspective about the levels - and their relativity in the mix. The sax sticks out to me - and I rolled it back into the bed more. Therefore - your comment hits DIRECTLY on a thought process I made a conscious decision about.

I also didn't want the guitar solo to overpower the other instruments - so you're two for two on that one.

The bass is something I struggle with - as I have a hole in my hearing at 200hz - childhood problems w/ ears requiring puncturing of ear drums. If I crank it to where I can hear it clear, it often is too loud. But still - this is part of why I appreciate other ears so much. I ALWAYS go back and make secondary tweaks with outside input in mind prior to finalizing my mixes.

Thanks again!

 

[K-dub]

Oh - the clicky thing is a clock - timed/sync'd w/ the song tempo via studio wizardry. The song is about Over "time" - and work - which is why I also included an industrial steam sounding rhythm section.

 

[K-dub]

Morning! Adjustments made in accordance with observations. Thanks again! I think it is improved by the input.

 

[packrobottom]

Vocals sound really good here this might be my favorite vocal sound from you. Bass is too thin sounding/isolated . Could use some glue maybe an la2a real or plugin.
it sounds too DI. Too much verb on drums for me. everything else sounds great.

 

[K-dub]

Vocals sound really good here this might be my favorite vocal sound from you. Bass is too thin sounding/isolated . Could use some glue maybe an la2a real or plugin.
it sounds too DI. Too much verb on drums for me. everything else sounds great.

Yeah - likely my fear of "runaway bass" in play again. I hiked it up 3 more db and then rolled it back slightly. Maybe my instincts were correct first time around. Thanks guy!