really like the song and mix, but like everyone said you can really notice the snare being one sample (around the 2.50 - 3.10) with the snare fills. I actually like the snare for this song but the one sample is not doing it any justice. Cymbals sound really good, and I think the vocals sit nice. This type of music calls for the vocals to be up front (reminds me of maroon 5, abit). Great production as well!!!!!
Best mix I've done; Ryan/Greg Guitars... need as MUCH constructive crits as possible
- Thread starter Morgan C
- Start date
HollowmanPL
Member
- May 29, 2008
- 962
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I also don't like this kind of snare and it sounds and a little mechanical sometimes (more than 1 sample should help 
)
I also like vocals, but a little more reverb and a bit of delay should help sit in the mix. Now it's a little too loud in the front
Like the cymbals and muddy kick and love the bass
well done
)I also like vocals, but a little more reverb and a bit of delay should help sit in the mix. Now it's a little too loud in the front
Like the cymbals and muddy kick and love the bass
well done
ahjteam
Anssi Tenhunen
My thoughts
- the snare sound is good, but it was too static and just a bit too upfront sometimes
- the vocal effect in the beginning has too much lows to my taste, just put a highpass filter to both vocals and reverb like at 1khz for better effect. I would also stop it earlier, I would have the "but it's true" at 0:35 without the effect
- the vocals could benefit from a bit of delay, now it sounds a bit one dimensional
- try to bring up the definition from the kick with hishelf from ~4-6khz, but only just a hair
- atleast to me the drummers perspective on drums is a bit distracting, but changing it is as easy as just flipping L and R panning
PS: To serve the song, don't squash it more than -11dB RMS, because the song really doesn't need more loudness than that, it only will start losing the dynamics a lot. It ain't extreme metal you know.
But those are all really small fixes, shouldn't take more than like two one band eq's, change in group panning and a just a bit of automation do them. Otherwise A+ man and the song is great too. Do you have a link to the bands website or something?
- the snare sound is good, but it was too static and just a bit too upfront sometimes
- the vocal effect in the beginning has too much lows to my taste, just put a highpass filter to both vocals and reverb like at 1khz for better effect. I would also stop it earlier, I would have the "but it's true" at 0:35 without the effect
- the vocals could benefit from a bit of delay, now it sounds a bit one dimensional
- try to bring up the definition from the kick with hishelf from ~4-6khz, but only just a hair
- atleast to me the drummers perspective on drums is a bit distracting, but changing it is as easy as just flipping L and R panning
PS: To serve the song, don't squash it more than -11dB RMS, because the song really doesn't need more loudness than that, it only will start losing the dynamics a lot. It ain't extreme metal you know.
But those are all really small fixes, shouldn't take more than like two one band eq's, change in group panning and a just a bit of automation do them. Otherwise A+ man and the song is great too. Do you have a link to the bands website or something?
Rob Logic
yayyyyyy!
Yeah for realz. The music is that funk/metal kind of vibe. Great song however the singer could add a bit more grit and soul to his performance to match that bass player! Bass tone is great. I'd like a higher tuned snare but it works. Tons of body. Most of the feedback I'd provide is more of a personal preference so...
This is a killer mix. Way to go!
speed_monkey_123
New Metal Member
Dude, In my opinion, maybe a touch of reverb on the Vocals... not too much, the mix is great, but maybe a bit will help. have you tried passing the vox through an overdriven amp and mixing it a bit with the dry vox. might give it a bit more brittle edge.
and this is truly my opinion, but the guitar delay/echo in the beginning actually sounds a bit cheezy. might try another echo effect on it. or just try a bit of reverb on those repeats.
otherwise, i think the drums sound just fine.
and this is truly my opinion, but the guitar delay/echo in the beginning actually sounds a bit cheezy. might try another echo effect on it. or just try a bit of reverb on those repeats.
otherwise, i think the drums sound just fine.
Thanks everyone for your comments. Most of this is just taste, which is fine and I appreciate everyone's opinions, but I'm keeping the snare. I've NEVER got this perfect blend of punch, attack, roominess, anything else and I'm willing to sacrifice a bit of dynamics for that.
I'll update the mix later today with the vocals sitting better and some compression on the OHs, they seem to be the main issues. Apart from that I think the mix is pretty much final.
Ugh I hate CLA's snare's
Where's this guitar pop? There's a bit of yuckiness from the muting (my fault during tracking) but cutting that off cuts the sustain too short. Or is that not what you're talking about?
o.0 You are the first person I've ever heard that finds drummer perspective distracting (bar live albums).
Band's website: http://www.myspace.com/allhandsdowntheband
Again, where are you losing the kick? I remember you (Marcus) saying your monitors roll off at about 70hz and the kick in this has a TIGHT lowend around 40-50hz during the distorted guitar bits. I'll go back and double check it though.
I'll update the mix later today with the vocals sitting better and some compression on the OHs, they seem to be the main issues. Apart from that I think the mix is pretty much final.
Ugh I hate CLA's snare's
Where's this guitar pop? There's a bit of yuckiness from the muting (my fault during tracking) but cutting that off cuts the sustain too short. Or is that not what you're talking about?o.0 You are the first person I've ever heard that finds drummer perspective distracting (bar live albums).
Band's website: http://www.myspace.com/allhandsdowntheband
Again, where are you losing the kick? I remember you (Marcus) saying your monitors roll off at about 70hz and the kick in this has a TIGHT lowend around 40-50hz during the distorted guitar bits. I'll go back and double check it though.
I hear ya on the LF thing, but I dunno, I've heard plenty of really punchy kick drums on these speakers, I guess part of it might be master bus compression, but also perhaps a bit more around 2k)
Pedro Teixeira
Member
Mix sounds really good! Pretty much agree with everyone in terms of the snare, a more "woody" kind of snare would fit much better, it's also way too upfront for this kind of music, it gets a bit distracting having it pounding really hard all the time. Disagree with the kick though, I think it's pretty reasonable, I've heard a lot of commercial records where I could barely hear the kick, I can hear pretty ok here and don't think having it more present would be necessary as changing the snare and it's feel. Otherwise congrats man, love the mix =)
ahjteam
Anssi Tenhunen
The monitors roll of at 55hz, but I also used a subwoofer when listening to the song. The problem is not the low end, but the snap just dissappears from time to time.
kev
Im guybrush threepwood
Pedro Teixeira
Member
oh btw Morgan there's some "clicks" going on 0:10 to 0:14 I believe it has to do with guitar or bass editing you better check that out
just double checked happens right in the begining as well
just double checked happens right in the begining as well
@Sptz
I dunno what's going on with those clicks :/ I can hear them too, but when I open up my DAW they're not there. Odd..
Anyway, updated the mix..
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/324723/AHD11Jan.mp3
Compressed OHs
Raised kick a TINY bit, and added some master bus compression to let it pump a bit
Worked a bit on the vocals and changed the effect @ the beginning, dunno if I like it more or less yet... probly less ><
Some other minor things.
For those still not liking the snare :/ I dunno.. I had originally tried it with a really ringy snare and no matter what I did it just sounded awful. This does have a fair amount of ring, but with all the room sound and stuff going on its hard to hear it in the mix.
I dunno what's going on with those clicks :/ I can hear them too, but when I open up my DAW they're not there. Odd..
Anyway, updated the mix..
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/324723/AHD11Jan.mp3
Compressed OHs
Raised kick a TINY bit, and added some master bus compression to let it pump a bit
Worked a bit on the vocals and changed the effect @ the beginning, dunno if I like it more or less yet... probly less ><
Some other minor things.
For those still not liking the snare :/ I dunno.. I had originally tried it with a really ringy snare and no matter what I did it just sounded awful. This does have a fair amount of ring, but with all the room sound and stuff going on its hard to hear it in the mix.
Erik Monsonis
Member
Sounds perfect for the music style.
The only thing I'd like is a more dynamic snare, not so obviously replaced.
The only thing I'd like is a more dynamic snare, not so obviously replaced.
Loren Littlejohn
Lover of all boobage.
Mago
Austrian Blech Machine
the mix is great, especially the bass :hotjump:
the snare sounds cool. it maybe is not THE perfect snare for that kind of rock, but it fits anyway imo.
the snare sounds cool. it maybe is not THE perfect snare for that kind of rock, but it fits anyway imo.
AerialThesis
@ KMR Studios
My only concern is that this clip lacks dynamics, alot of it. So why would you even get it mastered...
Nebulous
Daniel
There are things which I couldn't really put my finger on that make the whole thing sound a bit detached. I'm getting over the flu so my ears are still a bit weird.
I definitely feel there is too much high end in the snare and the vocals, while sounding great for the style and were tracked/ edited well could probably have used some harmonies and more doubles to add some dynamic and interest to them.
I feel the guitars are both too metal for this style (back off the gain some) and quite flat sounding. Though I'd imagine it would be quite difficult to get them sounding right when you're going for that playing with so much gain.
I would also consider bringing the hi hats inwards more and raising their volume. Given the snare sound/ volume, the OH's in general just sound too low IMO. Especially in the chorus.
I hope this helps.
I definitely feel there is too much high end in the snare and the vocals, while sounding great for the style and were tracked/ edited well could probably have used some harmonies and more doubles to add some dynamic and interest to them.
I feel the guitars are both too metal for this style (back off the gain some) and quite flat sounding. Though I'd imagine it would be quite difficult to get them sounding right when you're going for that playing with so much gain.
I would also consider bringing the hi hats inwards more and raising their volume. Given the snare sound/ volume, the OH's in general just sound too low IMO. Especially in the chorus.
I hope this helps.
Ermz
¯\(°_o)/¯
Listening to the 'updated' mix.
Just a brainstorming session, so take from it what you will:
-Guitars sound kind of digital and overgained to me. Flat, as Dan said.
-Drums are overcompressed. The compression is pushing them into the back, and making the whole thing a bit distant.
-Agreed with the single velocity snare sample comments others have made. It needs some movement, as it sounds too sampled atm.
-Have the vocals been tuned? There are some phrases here and there that make me raise an eyebrow.
-Bass tone is cool, but something about the low-end is not quite right. Could be too much mid-bass on the bass guitar. The low-end doesn't feel 'right'.
-The bass grit is cool and fitting, but sounds in some ways over-processed. Almost like you're hearing the grit through a small radio.
-The vocals are still slightly 'on top' of the mix, rather than nestled within it. Could be that the guitars need some ~3kHz cuts. In fact I just realized that the whole thing feels like it lacks mids, so I think the guitars definitely need more EQ work to channel more tone into the core mids and less into the junk regions that fight with vocals. The lack of mids could be what's causing the impression of 'distance'.
Overall a cool mix though, and I'm glad it's your best and that you're happy with it.
Just a brainstorming session, so take from it what you will:
-Guitars sound kind of digital and overgained to me. Flat, as Dan said.
-Drums are overcompressed. The compression is pushing them into the back, and making the whole thing a bit distant.
-Agreed with the single velocity snare sample comments others have made. It needs some movement, as it sounds too sampled atm.
-Have the vocals been tuned? There are some phrases here and there that make me raise an eyebrow.
-Bass tone is cool, but something about the low-end is not quite right. Could be too much mid-bass on the bass guitar. The low-end doesn't feel 'right'.
-The bass grit is cool and fitting, but sounds in some ways over-processed. Almost like you're hearing the grit through a small radio.
-The vocals are still slightly 'on top' of the mix, rather than nestled within it. Could be that the guitars need some ~3kHz cuts. In fact I just realized that the whole thing feels like it lacks mids, so I think the guitars definitely need more EQ work to channel more tone into the core mids and less into the junk regions that fight with vocals. The lack of mids could be what's causing the impression of 'distance'.
Overall a cool mix though, and I'm glad it's your best and that you're happy with it.
Yeah we tried to experiment a bit with harmonies, and did have some here and there but in the end got rid of them as they didn't really fit. The whole chorus was composed on the spot :/
The guitars were done by Ryan and Greg. They're a bit gainy but I'd rather take the guitars I've got than redo them with an amp sim. I will try playing around with EQ a bit, they're a touch fizzy.
Will look into the hats.. I'm probably goin to put a shaker panned left in the chorus, as raising the ride just sounds distracting, but if its too soft it sounds weird and empty.
Again, will look into the guitar EQ but there's nothing I can do about the tone itself now.
I can't hear any mis-hit notes. All vocals were thrown into Melodyne and snapped to the nearest (then edited if they hit the wrong note, but that was only once or twice). Which phrases specifically are you talking about?
Bass.. there's really not a ton of low-end with slapbass guitar and with the style he's doing (lots of high notes and a few low notes) it'd mean the lowend would constantly drop in and out. So the bass is mainly confined to the lowmids and the kick handles the majority of the lowend.
Will look into the mids issue. Unfortunately I need a better monitor setup, I honestly can't hear a lot of the things you're talking about.. so it's almost impossible to fix them.
Thanks for the replies though. I should finish the final mix soon, and then I'll post Steven's master here. That may fix up a few of the issues you talked about.
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