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seldomscientific · 2nd May 2011

I'm actually browsing in order to train my ears, so I'm hoping other people have better commentary, and perhaps verify whether I'm listening to things right.

* Singer's voice is indeed wonderful, very Feist-like in its light but well-presenced tone. Its placement in the mix seems to vary as the song kicks into high gear.
* The transition into the first instrumentation is nice in that the vocals don't get drowned out, but I think the bass volume could be cut down just a little; it's got a good tone but it's lush, and holding back a little will keep your vocals front and center.
* The voice is so nice that I'd just leave the reverb and drop the echoes. They're not needed; the big room already sets the mood.
* The fancypants in me wants to see what happens if you did some light panning work on the texture instruments leading into the full band (guitar, synths), or slight tremolo on the guitar.
* Drums are pleasantly dark, and with the guitar being kept low in that first kick-in, you'll benefit from adding more punch on them since they're the main driver. They're bassy but not too punchy now.
* The synth uprising that leads into that kick-in likewise begs for a real punch on the kick; right now it seems like a fakie start. Might be what you're going for. Also like the synths hiding in the background there.
* Rapper's low in the mix. Can't tell if it's volume or because EQ keeps him dark. In either case, bring him forward.
* This second chorus is where the female vocals are feeling lower even though I'm pretty sure they're the same volume...there's more in the mix. EQ for more presence, perhaps.
* Interlude vocals are more stripped down, I think instrumentation can be stripped more, as well. The muffled snare is great (mind telling me how you got that tone? I'm looking for the same), but the ride draws attention for being so bright. Volume down or make it lo-fi, perhaps?
* With the sparser instrumentation, the rapper works well until the e-piano comes in, then feels slightly pushed back
* The guitar in this next chorus feels like it's asking to either be really heavy and faded out, or a different instrument altogether to add a little more of an electronic feel. (My reference for the sound that might work well: the first few seconds of this...YouTube - Map Of The Problematique - Muse in Live . Think you can get it by using delay/arpeggiator on the instrument that you did for little ditties on the rapper lines)

Anyway, I actually enjoy the arrangement, especially the texturing that was put into it. Subtle and yet adds a lot. Would love to hear how you got your sounds...live mics? Instrumentation packs?

2nd May 2011	#3
seldomscientific Gear interested Joined: Apr 2011 Posts: 11	I'm actually browsing in order to train my ears, so I'm hoping other people have better commentary, and perhaps verify whether I'm listening to things right. * Singer's voice is indeed wonderful, very Feist-like in its light but well-presenced tone. Its placement in the mix seems to vary as the song kicks into high gear. * The transition into the first instrumentation is nice in that the vocals don't get drowned out, but I think the bass volume could be cut down just a little; it's got a good tone but it's lush, and holding back a little will keep your vocals front and center. * The voice is so nice that I'd just leave the reverb and drop the echoes. They're not needed; the big room already sets the mood. * The fancypants in me wants to see what happens if you did some light panning work on the texture instruments leading into the full band (guitar, synths), or slight tremolo on the guitar. * Drums are pleasantly dark, and with the guitar being kept low in that first kick-in, you'll benefit from adding more punch on them since they're the main driver. They're bassy but not too punchy now. * The synth uprising that leads into that kick-in likewise begs for a real punch on the kick; right now it seems like a fakie start. Might be what you're going for. Also like the synths hiding in the background there. * Rapper's low in the mix. Can't tell if it's volume or because EQ keeps him dark. In either case, bring him forward. * This second chorus is where the female vocals are feeling lower even though I'm pretty sure they're the same volume...there's more in the mix. EQ for more presence, perhaps. * Interlude vocals are more stripped down, I think instrumentation can be stripped more, as well. The muffled snare is great (mind telling me how you got that tone? I'm looking for the same), but the ride draws attention for being so bright. Volume down or make it lo-fi, perhaps? * With the sparser instrumentation, the rapper works well until the e-piano comes in, then feels slightly pushed back * The guitar in this next chorus feels like it's asking to either be really heavy and faded out, or a different instrument altogether to add a little more of an electronic feel. (My reference for the sound that might work well: the first few seconds of this...YouTube - Map Of The Problematique - Muse in Live . Think you can get it by using delay/arpeggiator on the instrument that you did for little ditties on the rapper lines) Anyway, I actually enjoy the arrangement, especially the texturing that was put into it. Subtle and yet adds a lot. Would love to hear how you got your sounds...live mics? Instrumentation packs?