I need YOUR ears!

[will.record.for.food]

Hi All.

I have done numerous projects on my own that included many more instruments than this, BUT I need some advice in the direction of this mix.

This is/was my first full session with a full band that did not include me. Unfortunantly there are alot of timing issues (especially with guitars being in sync) but time was limited, and they arent very tight as a band.

They are a hard rock/screamo band.

http://www.aisd.net/crow/goodbye.mp3

Im pretty happy with it, but I could really use some fresh ears to give it a listen to see what you think. (I know the vocals need to be leveled out a little more) The bass could use more presence, but It was recorded very flat sounding.

If this helps, this is what I had to work with:
My main interface is an Edirol UA-1000.
A pretty budget setup including various mics (AKG C460 SDC, MXL v57m LDC, Audix i5, A superlux 7pc drum mic set)
I have plugs of various sorts including Waves and PSP Vintage Warmer, but I seem to be grabbing for my trusty old Kjarehus Classic series.
I monitor through Samson Resolv 65a's

Im open to all sorts of suggestions. I know you learn from doing, so I am doing. I have lots and lots of stuff going on plugin wise, some may sound awful...like I said...its my first attempt.

Thanks
-Jeff

[JGriffin]

Good start on the mix.

I agree with you about the bass. The vocals seem to be lacking a nice top end that the drumset has...so I know your gear can get it.

I'd kind of like the guitars to be more forward. The mix seems very drumset-heavy. The drums sound nice but having the guitars that far back gives an empty, not-very-powerful mix IMHO. Though it's nice to hear guitarists not use waaaaay too much gain on their distorted tones. The "clean" guitars breakdown is nice, but I'd like to hear more bass there. The ride cymbal tinkling seems too up front for how not in tempo it is, it's distracting.

[will.record.for.food]

Thank you very much.

I recorded these guys for free and the tracking is pretty much final. It was as much of a learning experience for me as it was a favor for my sister (who is freinds with these guys)

I copied the vocal track and on that track automated the singing to 0 leaving the screaming. I ran that through Voxengo's Boogex. It does sound ok but I would like more beef to it (not just bottom end).

[will.record.for.food]

Ok...I spent some time on this last night.

HERE: http://www.aisd.net/crow/goodbye_2.mp3

I gave the guitars more bite and doubled them for a more "wall" sound...unfortunantley they didnt have the best tone to start with.

I put more presence in the vocals, and cleaned and raised the bass.
Let me know what you think

[jeddypoo]

I'd boost the 4k area in that kick drum, that's the first thing I thought. The kick is kind of dead, esp considering the drummer is doing some double kick pedal stuff that would benefit from more click. Other than that, I'd bring the guitars a few degrees each back to center. But yeah, good start.

[jeddypoo]

oops, and the second one was a definite improvement, though I'd still work on that kick.

[Jeremy Garber]

First mix is definately drum heavy. The second mix is more balanced, though the bass is still a bit hidden. I think the band could use a little more practice. The song has potential, but it seems pretty weak, and the screaming is kind of silly when there isn't much to back it up. That really has nothing to do with you though.

[will.record.for.food]

Well...this is what Ive given the guys. I told them I could still tweak stuff if they would like, but its pretty much finished. They want to do a few more songs in a few weeks...I wont be suprised this time by a cardboard 2nd kick and I will not record a flatt sounding bass.

http://www.aisd.net/crow/goodbye_3.mp3

All 3 versions are still up (incase anybody wants to compare)

[I'm Painting Again]

its better now..each time it got better..the reverb on the vocals in the 2nd version was terrible..the 3rd version you either cant notice it or you took it off some..which was good..I think you got a good skill for placing things in space and giving each instrument its own space..