Well...maybe a final mix. This is my first big project....

[Clytor]

I would love any input on this mix! I am currently mixing my bands upcoming album. We recorded the drums and bass at a studio in town. We did everything else at my house. I am sorry but I don't have the song up anywhere except myspace. The song is call Valedictorian.

www.myspace.com/thesort

[zesbez]

I really dig the music. I'd mix this song for free.

[Clytor]

Thanks for the offer. I will keep that in mind. Do you have any thoughts on my mix.

[dokushoka]

The snare sounds pretty out of phase with the overheads and thusly is lacking low end and punch. As it stands, I think this is the problem most worth addressing as its robbing the music of the power that it should have. The entire mix could use a compressor across it, too.

[zesbez]

I agree with the snare lacking some punch. The BGVs sound a little chaotic in the middle of track. The chorus needs another guitar part or something to add some interest. I think you could tighten up the track overall by loosing a chorus repeat or something. I like where it's going.

[BlueMoonshine]

This is great stuff -- I'm a huge fan of bands that rock but aren't afraid of great hooks and melody. My only suggestion, listening to this myspace version, would be to bring out the lead vocals a little. Your singer has a great sound and should be up front just a notch more. The layered vocal parts are great -- does anyone else in the band sing to help pull this arrangement off live?

The "oooh ooh oohs" are a great complimentary hook, and great ending to the tune.

[Clytor]

Thanks for the replies! Right now I just have a limiter on the master fader. The whole album is going to be sent off for mastering once I finish mixing it. Should I use a phase reverse plug-in on the snare tracks or on the overhead tracks or is there another solution to try?

[Catoogie]

Vocals need to be louder and thicker (plate or tape delay). Vocals need to be loud, that is what most people connect with.

[???????]

.

[Clytor]

Wait, there is a bass guitar? I am mixing on NS-10s. I have been periodically checking the bass on some regular stereo speakers as I mix. Bass tracks include a mic on a 8X10 cabinet, a tiny bit of DI, and a re-amped track. I fed the DI track through Guitar Rig using the JCM 800 emulator. I can't remember which virtual mic and cabinet I used with it. I mixed them to taste and ran all three through the Vintage Warmer.

[???????]

Wait, there is a bass guitar? I am mixing on NS-10s. I have been periodically checking the bass on some regular stereo speakers as I mix. Bass tracks include a mic on a 8X10 cabinet, a tiny bit of DI, and a re-amped track. I fed the DI track through Guitar Rig using the JCM 800 emulator. I can't remember which virtual mic and cabinet I used with it. I mixed them to taste and ran all three through the Vintage Warmer.

Just make sure it doesn't get "too warm" (aka muddy) for your tastes!

[Clytor]

I downloaded and installed the Phasetone plug-in. I made Digital Performer crash everytime I opened the program so I had to ditch it. I did a little eq work with the snare and some work on the vocals. I will post when I get it on the web.

[???????]

bummer about the plug.

[dynomike]

I'd work a lot on the low end .. try cleaning up the guitar low end and bringing them forward in the mix a bit. A compressor on the guitar buss and an eq taking out some of the extreme low end and bringing up some high mids would make me happier. Sounds like there should more on the sides, not so much in the middle.. are there room mics in the middle, and close mics on the sides?

The kick has probably too much low end and not enough slap for the conventions of the genre. The bass could probably be brought out in the mix by means of getting the DI and mic and reamp in phase, or losing some of them and getting one of them sounding good on its own... I am definately hearing some "dissapearing note" syndrome going on. Maybe more like 700-800 on the bass too would help it stand out without getting too much low end going on.

This is pretty detailed for a myspace listen but hope it helps.

[syrupcore]

like he said, all just opinions...

I'd start by turning the bass up. no bullshit tricks, just turn it up. Something weird coulda gone on phase wise with all the processing/layering of the bass but whatever the cause, you can't really hear it.

I'd leave the vocals right where they are. maybe thickened a bit but the level is fine - you can hear every word she sings.

I agree there's something weird with the snare. it just sounds like it's far away and muffled. If checking for phase issues doesn't solve it, perhaps just pull down some of the room mics? egad!