struggling with mix clarity

[emerica167852]

So, one thing i've noticed lately is my mixes tend to sound way to jumbled up. Theres no clarity and a lot of parts are just getting lost in the mix.

Mabey it's my set up that im running which is very modest for the quality i am getting. or is it my mixing, because right now i cant listen back as i add effects and mix due to my cpu overloading. I would post a sample but my dropbox account is on my other computer thats crashed

What are some good tips for improving clarity??

 

[timislegend]

what daw, interface, microphone, monitors etc... are you using?

 

[A Midnight Requiem]

Every element of a mix needs to have its own space in the frequency spectrum. The problem you're having is most likely due to similar frequencies overlapping too much between instruments, thus causing frequency masking. You'll probably need to compromise with your sounds to get them to fit together properly, EQ wise.

 

[006]

Post a clip of your current mix, we can help a lot more if there is something to reference where you are at with it.

 

[emerica167852]

im using sony acid pro with a tascam us1416 or w.e? with a audix f series kick mic, 57 on snare, and a bunch of vocal mics for toms and spot micing cymbals, and a mxl condenser for a center OH. Guitars and bass i use pod farm. and vocals i use the mxl for cleans and eather a 57 or 58 for screams. As for monitors, i dont really have actual monitors, just computer speakers and headphones.

The easiest way i can get a clip without my dropbox is if you go to the 3rd song down on this page. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bury-Her-Bones/151142941574272?v=app_2405167945


As for the frequency clashing thing... i really get what you mean but what i dont get is how can i solve that?? I usually eq everything according to what frequencies they relate to ect.

 

[eligortyphon06]

im using sony acid pro with a tascam us1416 or w.e? with a audix f series kick mic, 57 on snare, and a bunch of vocal mics for toms and spot micing cymbals, and a mxl condenser for a center OH. Guitars and bass i use pod farm. and vocals i use the mxl for cleans and eather a 57 or 58 for screams. As for monitors, i dont really have actual monitors, just computer speakers and headphones.

The easiest way i can get a clip without my dropbox is if you go to the 3rd song down on this page. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bury-Her-Bones/151142941574272?v=app_2405167945


As for the frequency clashing thing... i really get what you mean but what i dont get is how can i solve that?? I usually eq everything according to what frequencies they relate to ect.

No offense, but to me it sounds like a bunch of shitty compressor presets and generic EQ you read somewhere online, especially when you say you eq everything according to what frequencies they relate to. Don't be afraid to break away from the norm and play with it, just give yourself plenty of breaks, and don't get caught up on trying to get it figured out in one sitting.

 

[ahjteam]

yup, really compressed.

 

[timislegend]

i can't express enough how important good monitors and mixing environment are. some people may disagree but you are sacrificing a lot by not hearing what you should be hearing.

there are a ton of good, cheap monitoring solutions out there with a flat response that is necessary for mixing with a clear understanding of how your signal is being processed.

i suppose it is debatable as to what monitors you should buy... but i recommend bringing and ipod or cd to guitar center and listen to what monitors sound good to you.

another thing... the subtractive eq method (used first) has proven to be a solid method for mixing practices. in my experience, additive equalization is used sparingly.

 

[Seth Munson]

Kinda OT but not really, you can upload music to dropbox online. I never use the app on the computer for it, I only upload online

 

[006]

Gotta say it's not nearly as bad as I thought it would be, no other advice to add that hasn't already been said though.

 

[NSGUITAR]

You could just record with ME. I'm from the Grand Rapids area!

 

[emerica167852]

Yeah, i really really need monitors as that would help a lot im sure. Its really tough too to mix when you have to render before you can playback.

and to NSGUITAR - lol i totally would but its nice being able to take your time in your own house and not have to pay lol =D