Mixing a DVD, wow.

[RevoltStudios]

I gotta say, mixing a concert dvd is rough. I was given tracks untouched and 100% live and told to get it as good as possible. This is with crazy sibilant vocals, piss poor drum mic'ing with under cymbal overheads and 48 tracks, none named and in freakin 44.1 instead of 48. Anyways, there was 4 bands, all of different styles so it gave great practice to everything from Jet style rock to Coldplay. Here's 3.....anybody else done dvd's? Tips?

http://vimeo.com/35314817

http://vimeo.com/35218661

http://vimeo.com/35288371

 

[Sloan]

I've just done live recordings off a mackie board, but making a listenable mix from live bar gigs is kinda shitty. I hear really bad TV mixes for live performances all time, but I can forgive them.

Checking out the first link, definitely not bad.

 

[Melb_shredder]

Here's something I did for a mates band. These are all live tracks

 

[jangoux]

I did this:



But had to sample replace kick/snare/toms and re-track the guitars. The FOH guy sent me a super shitty signal, so I had re-work some stuff to make it listenable.

 

[-Noodles-]

I've done a lot with not very much before.

I try and use the vocal mics for OHs and the stage sound as the bulk of what I'm going to end up with.
You could do in and replace things - but for me, unless the signal is beyond repair it's always better to try and keep it real [no change there then..]

Drop me a pm if you get really stuck or want an opinion.

[watching the video - it shows that you're used to studio work.. the drums are totally lacking in the space you'd expect. It feels like the audio was put on after the video, rather than at the same time. It's a good mix but I'd add a lot more crowd noise...]

 

[Habsburgs]

they sound great but waay too "polished" and dead for a live mix (including melb and jang)

 

[xTomx]

Jay Maas did the mix for a DVD of Have Heart's last show:
[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7QgXp1hriE&feature=related[/ame]
Have Heart were probably one of the most notable modern hardcore bands ever so dealing with the challenges a show that chaotic presents is really interesting.
He posted a bit about the experience on Gearslutz and his blog:

 

[xTomx]

Also Sam Pura is mixing the DVD for the American Nightmare reunion shows and his live 'Waiting Room' session he's done for Polar Bear Club, The Story So Far and Man Overboard have been amazing so that's definitely something to compare with when it's released.

 

[ahjteam]

This is with crazy sibilant vocals

I usually hate and try to avoid using reverb like cancer, but when I was mixing tango singers live, I noticed that reverb helps A LOT with super sibilant vocals.

 

[Sloan]

[watching the video - it shows that you're used to studio work.. the drums are totally lacking in the space you'd expect. It feels like the audio was put on after the video, rather than at the same time. It's a good mix but I'd add a lot more crowd noise...]

+1
I'm glad you pointed that out. One of my favorite things about live albums is hearing the crowd roar after a song and yelling during it, it really helps convey the excitement of the live show. Also, having the bits between the songs helps set the mood, for example: