Please critique this song/mix

[metraith]

When I listen to the songs posted here, I'm amazed at how open they sound. It's like they just have a lot more space than I can get in my songs, and I don't know why that is. I'd appreciate it if anybody could point out to me what I might do to get closer to that kind of "big" or "open" sound. Basically, given the gear listed below, my question is should I be able to get a better sound than this and, if so, how can I do it?

These are the instruments and gear I used for this song:

Martin DC16 through a TLM-103
Vocal through a Joe Meek JM47
Ivory piano samples
BFD drums
Epiphone bass through the FireFace800 DI
Line6 Variax recorded DI also
The pres on the FireFace800 were used for all mics
Compression, EQ, reverb, etc. were all done ITB using Logic plugins or TC PowerCore

I really would appreciate any advice you can give me, comments on the song, the mix or just your overall impression of it.

Thanks,
Dave

[danocaster]

One thing that creates "space" is air - as in , the air between the mic and the sources you're recording

your drums , piano , bass , and electric are all canned or recorded direct

your acoustics and vocals sound "fine" - the poorly programmed drums ( which are mixed very low and panned sorta drastic ) are really the big killers for you

you would be better off using 2 or 3 mics on a drum kit ( or even kik and overhead )

your track has a sorta 70s simplicity to it that could work w/ simple drums. But unless you put in the hours to really program BFD to kill - i would bail on the drum programming and mic a small kit

[metraith]

Thanks danocaster. You've given me a lot to think about, especially with the drums. I'm no drummer, and I know it. Unfortunately, live drums are out of the question because of my location (third floor apartment with neighbors all around). I will therefore concentrate my effort on learning the art of drumming and programming. Since God knows I don't have much money or talent, time is all I have, and I've got plenty of that to work on your suggestions. I'll try micing a small cab for electric guitars and bass to try to generate more space, too. I really appreciate you taking the time to listen and give me some positive criticism.

Thanks again,
Dave

[digitalM]

Dave, nice song! Maybe you can give the individual instruments some more space using eq: Low cut on the acoustic guitar ( from somewhere between 150Hz and 100Hz ) to give the bass some room. Also a little high end boost on the acoustic will give it just a little more sparkle. Be carefull with reverb: it can quickly add mud to the mix. The backing vocals may also benefit from some low-cut eq.
The drums are way back in the mix, maybe less reverb will help.
The bass guitar sounds very undefined. Try to find the frequency where it gets some definition ( not around 80 Hz where the kickdrum needs room ) by sweeping eq. If that doesn't really help you could also try playing the bass with a plectrum as this will give some more attack.
Good luck mixing and post the results!

Cheers,
Martijn.

[metraith]

Thanks Martijn! I'm sure you could tell by listening that I'm kind of new at this stuff, so I've never done much with EQ. I think I see what you're saying, though. I can use EQ to sort of shape the tone of each instrument, creating separation and helping to define the overall sound better, right? I'm excited to get to work on it. Between your suggestions and all the stuff I never realized I could do with the BFD, I think I can make some good changes.

Again, I just want to say how grateful I am that people who know what they're doing are willing to help me out with this. The advice I'm getting here will surely serve me well for years to come.

Thanks,
Dave

[nandoanalog]

Maybe I can record some real drums for you. I have way too much free time, and way too much drum kits. I can rec some bass track if you want also... I hate havin all this expensive gear stoped...

[jeremynothman]

bring drums up in the mix.

also, do a low cut on the guitars to bring out the bass a little
also some verb on the vocals would be nice.

[djui5]

Diamond Dave, is that you?