Need fresh ears before Final mixdown. 80s metal

[mickrich]

Doing the final bounce of an 80s metal album tomorrow.
Mainly interested in opinions on vocal level and reverb.

Thanks in advance.
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/2133088/No One There Final .mp3

 

[diseasedbeing]

You might not wanna hear this but what stands out is the more single note riff parts really lack depth and air in the guitars. Its not the TONE; it just sounds empty in the mix on the riff parts because of only double tracking or lack of air in that double tracking (too dry)- so the mix seems to have no glue there. Otherwise the mix sounds fine! I think the vocals sound great and the reverbs are just right.

Edit - maybe the bass could use more midrange instead of the super lows- to fill in those guitar parts. They just need a bit more power.

 

[JeffTD]

Vocals seem a touch loud but appropriately wet.

It sounds pretty on-point and balanced as-is; if I'm getting critical: definitely mirroring the lower-midrange bump needed on the bass, gtrs+bass mix is maybe a bit too hollow overall as-is. Agreed also on having a plate or some kind of ambience on the solo gtr parts, maybe reference one of Andy's Accepts on that front? HH (cymbals in general but hats are the worst offender here) also sticks out as too loud/shrill, for what it's worth. I'd personally lower the bottom snare mic/gate it on tom fills but it's not out of place for the style as-is.

 

[mickrich]

Thanks.
I will check the low mids on the bass in the morning.
I stretched the overheads with a transient designer so that has probably caused the harshness in the overheads.
The band wanted me to push the vocal level but it seemed to high to me.
I'm sure fresh rats in the morning will sort everything out.

 

[P-E]

I'd focus mainly on cutting the sharp resonances from the cymbals, they'll let the guitars cut through the mix much more and will make the mix less fatiguing to listen to. I agree with what has been said on the guitar/bass relationship too. Vocal level is fine, a subtle delay on the vocals could sound good for that style IMO and contribute to making its own space in the mix. The bottom snare wires seem to be pretty loud but it works in the mix, except in the snare roll fill: I'd automate it down in the part so it's less distracting.

 

[mickrich]

Thanks again.
You guys were spot on with your recommendations.
Cymbal harshness was mainly caused by transient designer on overheads. Pulled a bit of 4k too.
Vocal down a bit and used hd650s to check low mids.
Translating perfectly now.