Over compressed? I think it sounds great.

[anguswoodhead]

Hi guys.
I don't normally post my mixes for discussion but....
I have mixed and mastered this track.
Mixed with a combination of ITB and 22 ch's thru my console with sidechaining etc.
Mastered totally ITB.
Have I hit it to hard with individual compression and/or mastering compression?
I think it sounds good and the client 'wants to have sex with me' he's so happy.
I am always trying to achieve that 'pro' US (mixed on an ssl) sound.
Comments would be appreciated.

[anguswoodhead]

Anyone?
Is it to compressed or does it sound like a hit?

[AnthonyRochester]

the over-compression is most evident when you hear the singer breathing, especially in the first part of the song. Other than that, it sounds roughly like a commercial hit to me.

[MarkRB]

Some mental phasing/widening going on. Is it Ozone?

Intro is the loudest part and the vocals are pretty obviously sibilant then de-essed. Nice overall balance and mix though. Less compression would sound better to me, but I'm a snob.

[anguswoodhead]

41 views - only 2 replies.
Anyone else care to comment?
I can take it.
How else does one improve but with constructive criticism?

[snüzz]

just so i didn't insult you with a listen without a comment i'll say i think you did a fine job. it sounds great- i love compression and what it can do and the breaths don't bother me. the vocals have a nice air about them. your recording smokes any of my recordings (but so does your equipment) so i shouldn't be too critical. as far as the compostition goes i felt it was weak and predictable but you did a fine job capturing the moment.

[anguswoodhead]

Originally Posted by snüzz

just so i didn't insult you with a listen without a comment i'll say i think you did a fine job. it sounds great- i love compression and what it can do and the breaths don't bother me. the vocals have a nice air about them. your recording smokes any of my recordings (but so does your equipment) so i shouldn't be too critical. as far as the compostition goes i felt it was weak and predictable but you did a fine job capturing the moment.

Thanks for your comments snuzz.
Yeah I love the sound of heavy compressing too.
Even pumping to me adds life and excitement.
Cheers

[Beyersound]

Originally Posted by MarkRB

Some mental phasing/widening going on. Is it Ozone?

Intro is the loudest part and the vocals are pretty obviously sibilant then de-essed. Nice overall balance and mix though. Less compression would sound better to me, but I'm a snob.

I pretty much agree with this. I think some overcompression is very apparent on the keyboard break. I love compression, but I am from more of the Shipley school: lots of track compression, but little or no mix compression. I also don't like to mastering limiter gain reduce much more than 4-6db, I know that is not a popular thought in todays world! Your mix is great, good job!