Zombie

  • Thread starter Thread starter elmedia
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elmedia

Not gettin' any younger
So I had a group in last weekend to record Zombie by the Cranberries. Thought I would run it by the forum to get some last minute thoughts and critiques. Drums were recorded using a Roland Electronic Kit, both electric and bass guitars were run through an Eleven Rack, the acoustic guitar was recorded using an AKG C214 and Miktek CV4 and vocals were recorded using the AKG C214 in the dead room. Recorded, mixed and mastered in Logic X.

 
The main rhythm guitar is too far back in the mix, especially for this song.

The drum performance is loose, maybe too loose. Was this the first time for the drummer on the electronic kit or playing to a click track? They seem behind on many of the beats.

The kick has too much thud/presence. Usually we're complaining about not enough low end on the kick on this forum! lol Every kick becomes the focus of attention = too loud. Lowering the kick might help allow the bass to take a more rightful place in the bottom end too.

Like the drums, the acoustic at the end is overly loose and comes across as being sloppy (maybe it is a little?). It's a nice addition, but it needs to be tightened up.

The vocals are probably the strongest part of the mix. Almost everything else I'd take an aesthetically different approach, but the only problem points are outlined above.
 
You are right Pinky, the drummer was playing to a click track and it was his first time for both a click track and e-drums. This was a free session I offered to allow groups to get recorded so I could build my portfolio as I don't have a lot of experience with recorded sound - mostly live. Soooo, unfortunately they do not want to pay for a do-over and I am stuck with what I got.

I appreciate your feedback about the guitars and the kick - guitars I will definitely bring up a little more in the mix - Not sure yet about the kick - need to stew about that one for the moment as I like the drums more forward in the mix for this song.

Thanks for your feedback - greatly appreciated!
 
Forward isn't the issue, the rest of the kit is fine. What are you using to mix with (monitors?)? You may need to play the mix on a few other devices, like in the car, a home stereo, etc. It's very obvious on my setup the kick's presence and boominess is a problem. Use this as an opportunity to dial some things in, to set a good reference point for future mixes. :)
 
Thanks Pinky. I am using Event 20/20's for my primary and M-Audio BX5a's as secondary. I will for sure listen on a few more devices to get the full spread. Nothing like a good "kick" to get you going, but too much is too much. I will dial it back and repost ;-)
 
The vocals are awesome. Guitars are way too low in the mix, drums way too up-front. Too much thump in the kickdrum. Great performance though, especially the vocals.
 
Thanks gents for your comments. I have replaced the existing sound cloud file with a new one. Decreased the kick - increased the guitars. Look forward to your comments!
 
Her voice is great for this cover. Maybe consider compressing it a little, to bring up the quieter parts, so you can lower it overall. They kind of jump from the mix. Now that I can hear the rhythm guitar better I'm not a fan of the tone being used. I'd want it meatier sounding. Otherwise things are more balanced.

If you're looking to build a portfolio I would let people refine and get the tracks dialed in. Number of takes be damned. Helps them but more importantly gives you a really nice sounding song versus having to explain "I only let them do one take because they wouldn't pay for two".
 
Not sure what kind of criticism you're looking for. "The lyrics on this one need some work, too many infantile rhymes!" Hahhaha...

It's pretty much an exact copy of the original, or at least as close as possible. I personally would've liked more "you" in the song, but that's just me. :)

JJ.
 
The ...bie in Zombie i missing for most of the 1st chorus.
Pinkie's compression suggestion is a good one.
Yep tighten the bass drum somewhat.
 
Alright folks - Pinky especially, thanks for your suggestions - very greatly appreciated. I have added compression to her voice and fiddled with the guitars to make that tone a little more pleasing to the ear. Unfortunately this band is unable to make it for another studio session - but I have a new country artist recording next month - and I have told them to prepare for LOTS of time in the studio ;-)

Thanks again to everyone for your help!
 
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