Rock Mix - first mix post on gearslutz.

[Dubster]

Hey all, first time posting a mix on gearslutz - let me know what you think and if any of you think something should come down or up or whatever.

http://www.thedubnicks.com/brandnewfeb18.htm

There are two versions up there, both are actually the same mix, but I took a different approach to the pseudo mastering on the second one and I'm curious as to which one you guys prefer, if either of them. The first version I used only downward compression/limiting when doing the pseudo-mastering thing, and the second one I decided to try using parallel compression (which I use all the time in mixing but not until recently when messing with trying to master stuff) and eased up on the downward compression. If you have a preference, I'd love to hear some thoughts.

Thanks in advance all!

[Benzilla]

Sounds like a cool mix to me. If anything, I would suggest that the vocals are a bit high (in earbuds, at least). They also sound a bit squashed, or like they don't have enough "oomph" to them? You also might be able to get away with a little more automation on this mix.

[Dubster]

Originally Posted by Benzilla

Sounds like a cool mix to me. If anything, I would suggest that the vocals are a bit high (in earbuds, at least).

I could definitely print a vox 1db down version - the song is a bit weird that way in that the vocal feels better sort of on top of the mix in the verses, but works better just at the edge of the mix on the pre-choruses, which complicates things, since dynamically, those parts should feel a little louder overall. Does the vocal come off as even all the way through though? Any specifically audible dips or jumps? If not, I'll just print a couple vocal downs.

Originally Posted by Benzilla

They also sound a bit squashed, or like they don't have enough "oomph" to them?

Hmmm - all the vocals are actually parallel compressed, with the main or louder version being relatively light in terms of compression - slower attack, higher threshold - just sort of lightly compressed, but the parallel squashing is harder - basically emulating All Buttons In on an 1176 (with the URS CSP), but still, that one is mixed under the main, so I'm not sure why it would sound too squashed or lack oomph, other than the fact that, due to my poor mic technique (I'm singing the track which is kind of a nightmare to when tracking) some of the ks were pretty hard and there was more sibilance that I would have liked, so I'm riding the vocal more than usuall to avoid using a de-esser.

Originally Posted by Benzilla

You also might be able to get away with a little more automation on this mix.

Not sure if you mean on the vocals or in general? I tend not to be super creative with wild panning or bells and whistle tricks or anything. The vocals are heavily automated, which might account for you hearing them as overly compressed, but I'd take it as a compliment if you heard the automation as squashing - the vox must be pretty even - hahahah. Thanks for the input - definitely helpful.

[Benzilla]

Originally Posted by Dubnick

I could definitely print a vox 1db down version - the song is a bit weird that way in that the vocal feels better sort of on top of the mix in the verses, but works better just at the edge of the mix on the pre-choruses, which complicates things, since dynamically, those parts should feel a little louder overall. Does the vocal come off as even all the way through though? Any specifically audible dips or jumps? If not, I'll just print a couple vocal downs.

Hmmm - all the vocals are actually parallel compressed, with the main or louder version being relatively light in terms of compression - slower attack, higher threshold - just sort of lightly compressed, but the parallel squashing is harder - basically emulating All Buttons In on an 1176 (with the URS CSP), but still, that one is mixed under the main, so I'm not sure why it would sound too squashed or lack oomph, other than the fact that, due to my poor mic technique (I'm singing the track which is kind of a nightmare to when tracking) some of the ks were pretty hard and there was more sibilance that I would have liked, so I'm riding the vocal more than usuall to avoid using a de-esser.
Not sure if you mean on the vocals or in general? I tend not to be super creative with wild panning or bells and whistle tricks or anything. The vocals are heavily automated, which might account for you hearing them as overly compressed, but I'd take it as a compliment if you heard the automation as squashing - the vox must be pretty even - hahahah. Thanks for the input - definitely helpful.

The vocals sound pretty even throughout, in my opinion (so you did a good job automating them!). I think you're right about having a bit too much sibilance though. It sounds at times like you're spitting while singing. I still feel like the vocals could have a little more "deep" sound to them. I couldn't tell you a specific frequency, but a bit more low end "oomph".

When I speak of automation, I'm referring to panning, bringing up the volume on certain parts at key points in the song, and possibly some effects. Some bells and whistles, if you will! I think it is a really great song, but the mix sounds a bit too static to me. Its personal preference, to a degree, but personally towards the end of the song I start losing interest because I haven't heard anything different throughout the mix. Maybe bring out some of those guitar lead lines every once in a while? Maybe throw some thick reverb on the vocals every once in a while? Its not about being overly flashy, but having some dynamics! Maybe try thinning things out a little in the verse to make the choruses bigger? *shrugs* In my opinion, with a little spice added, it could easily stand up to many commercial recordings.

Just my two cents!

[norman_nomad]

Nice work! I think this is a really good mix overall. I prefer mix 1.

The vocal sound on top because it is significantly brighter than the rest of the mix. It needs a bit of verb and low mid push to warm it up and help it gel with the rest of the mix.

[nickynicknick]

Mix sounds really good. You obviously did a lot of work. I would agree that it does sound a bit static and the vocal probably sounds squishy because of the pitch correct plug...I've never been a fan of those unless used very sparingly. Perhaps a little more muting of things and/ or automation would help it along.

Nick

[AMIEL]

Sounds good! just vocal a bit too loud and there is some annoyance in the sibilance of the Vox...

Then sounds a bit squashed the mix.

overall good!

[Blister]

Sounds nice! Vox are a little dominating. Thats my only gripe... and a small one at that!

Guitars sound nice.

Gear??