Holiday song mix, please critique

[yumdrum]

This is clip from a holiday song. It was kind of a rush job and I wanted to get some outside ears to tell me what you think of how it is coming.

It was mixed ITB, all instruments were live with exception of some keyboard horns,bells and choir.

I'm not really interested in the production, as the artist has made those decisions, or the performances. Just interested in mix advice. i.e. EQ, Panning, levels, compression, reverb and of course overall mix.etc...

I put a quick self master on the MB as there is no budget for a real mastering job.

I have some thoughts but I want to hear some opinions first.

No need for kid gloves here, I can take criticism as long as it's constructive.

Also keep in mind the mp3 (lack of) quality.

Many thanks guys!



http://www.gearslutz.com/board/attac...1&d=1227141292

[yumdrum]

Hello.....Test,1...2...chhheckk....is this thing on?

[yumdrum]

Does it suck that bad?

[talkshowman]

I wouldn't say it sucks, it is VERY cheesy though (which can be good or bad depending on your persuasion).

Cheese can work, but I'd say your biggest problem is that there's too much going on at any one time. If it were me, I'd lower the drums and make them less in your face, and bring down those horns by quite a bit. Also, I think the vocals could be tighter in terms of phrasing and working off each other. I wasn't sure at times if you were going for double tracking or harmonising over the lead vocal.

In general, just create a bit more space for the important elements in the mix. For example, near the end of your track I became aware of the electric guitar and thought I'd like to hear a bit more of it in the mix as a main component.

Just my tuppence worth, and based on listening through PC speakers, so not too hi-fi at my end of things. Still, good work, I think this could be made into a cracking little christmas tune.

[yumdrum]

Originally Posted by talkshowman

I wouldn't say it sucks, it is VERY cheesy though (which can be good or bad depending on your persuasion).

Cheese can work, but I'd say your biggest problem is that there's too much going on at any one time. If it were me, I'd lower the drums and make them less in your face, and bring down those horns by quite a bit. Also, I think the vocals could be tighter in terms of phrasing and working off each other. I wasn't sure at times if you were going for double tracking or harmonising over the lead vocal.

In general, just create a bit more space for the important elements in the mix. For example, near the end of your track I became aware of the electric guitar and thought I'd like to hear a bit more of it in the mix as a main component.

Just my tuppence worth, and based on listening through PC speakers, so not too hi-fi at my end of things. Still, good work, I think this could be made into a cracking little christmas tune.

Thanks for the feedback brother, very insightful. Your right it is a very cheesy song, about 6 minutes worth of it too. Due to size limitations I put just the last part where it happens to get very busy. I guess they're all celebrating the light

When I get a chance I will post some of the verses to see if they are too busy as well.

The vocals are not quite finished and agree that they clash at times in the end. It was originally meant to be a double, but I guess she decided to change it up. I like the effect from this happy accident but you are right. more subtlety is needed.

I will also try pulling the drums back a little.

I am very interested in what you think about the low end and how the kick and bass are working together. Although I realize with everything else going on, it's kind of hard to tell. I will post another clip soon.

Many,many thanks again!

[ssdolbey]

I too found the vocals a little too hard to focus on. In this case - that's a good thing.

Not commenting on the song or lack of musical talent by the musicians, I think the mix is great.

SSD

[yumdrum]

Originally Posted by ssdolb

I too found the vocals a little too hard to focus on. In this case - that's a good thing.

Not commenting on the song or lack of musical talent by the musicians, I think the mix is great.

SSD

SSD, thanks for your input bro. I am attaching a clip of the intro, verse 1 and chorus 1.

It may be easier to discern any issues with less going on in the mix.

Here's what I know is wrong.

1) Vocal needs to be tweaked a little (melodyned)
2) Drums are too up front (I will bring them back next mix)
3) Horns are too loud (Singer wanted this)
4) Choir in beginning is cheesy and too loud (she wanted this as well)
5) More automation with fader riding on vox and bass. (next mix)

This was solo act that came to me with a casio recording and no band, so some buds of mine laid down the tracks very quick and cheap for her after hearing the song three times through.

So far you guys have ben a huge help, keep it coming!

Thanks again.



http://www.gearslutz.com/board/attac...1&d=1227226378

[ssdolbey]

With everything in context, I have to say Good Job. You certainly live up to your signature.

I'd definitely see about getting those vocs polished up with your polisher

I can hear everything quite well in the mix and the drums and bass really do a great job of setting the foundation for the rest of the musicians to put there touches on it. In this case I would say the vocs are poop sprinkles.

Definitely follow your own advice: 1,2 and 5 will probably be the only thing the artist will let you change. However, even -.5 db may be good without her knowing..

1) Vocal needs to be tweaked a little (melodyned)
2) Drums are too up front (I will bring them back next mix)
5) More automation with fader riding on vox and bass. (next mix)

No audio fatigue so EQ's great.

Solid job!!!

SSD

[yumdrum]

Originally Posted by ssdolb

With everything in context, I have to say Good Job. You certainly live up to your signature.

I'd definitely see about getting those vocs polished up with your polisher

I can hear everything quite well in the mix and the drums and bass really do a great job of setting the foundation for the rest of the musicians to put there touches on it. In this case I would say the vocs are poop sprinkles.

Definitely follow your own advice: 1,2 and 5 will probably be the only thing the artist will let you change. However, even -.5 db may be good without her knowing..

1) Vocal needs to be tweaked a little (melodyned)
2) Drums are too up front (I will bring them back next mix)
5) More automation with fader riding on vox and bass. (next mix)

No audio fatigue so EQ's great.

Solid job!!!

SSD

Dude, that is funny that you said that about my sig. becuase I was gonna say something to that effect in my reply to you.

I hope and dream to one day change the sig. But it must be earned. Until that day I will known as TPE!!!!stike

Actually the suggestions about the drums I have to thank talkshowman, so I will get back to work and repost the tweaks when complete.

You guys rock, thanks again!

[talkshowman]

Originally Posted by yumdrum

I am very interested in what you think about the low end and how the kick and bass are working together. Although I realize with everything else going on, it's kind of hard to tell. I will post another clip soon.

Ooh, tough one. I'm the worst person to address this as that's the problem I'm having with my own mixes.

Considering that this is something that your buds laid down quickly it sounds good. I mean, I like the tones, the drums sound natural, y'know? Fair enough if the vocals need a bit of work, if you need to polish some turds so you can live with your name on the mix, then so-be-it. Only thing is, next time make sure you get the best you can at the time, because fixing it in the mix is never as rewarding something that sounded right in the first place. Easier said than done at times, but the less you need to turn to melodyne the better.

Chin up, good work and keep it coming.