Critique my mix! (modern rock)

[BB Edwards]

Hello fellow slutz. I am posting one of my mixes here for the first time. I am looking for honest opinions and any advice/criticism any of you big dawgs out there might have for me. This is one of my band's songs. I am generally happy with the mix, but I am in desperate need of a fresh perspective.

Aside from general mix (or any other) comments, here are some specific points I am looking for advice/criticism on...

Vocals-I intentionally went for a less is more approach for vocal processing. I like the drier, up close and personal sound going in the verses. I think this is the first time I used absolutely zero delay on vocals in a mix. Just a touch of verb in verse, a bit more in chorus. The BG vox are providing the 'wetness' in the chorus, or so I think. Is it enough? I keep second guessing myself here.

Snare-I like where it's sitting in the verses, but whenever the heavy guitars come in I feel like it's losing depth. Am I over-thinking it? Thoughts/suggestions?

Guitars-particularly the heavys. I generally do not use much of anything on my heavy gtrs, but these are pretty ripped. Tapehead on the bus, and what I would consider a SHEET-load of EQ. There's a narrow cut around 1K, and a HUGE boost around 5-6K. I keep asking myself if it's too much, but there is a ton more clarity that was lacking before the EQ.

Bass-Arrrrgh. I always have trouble with this on my own material. (What can I say, I'm the guitarist ) It seems no matter what I do I can't get the note to really 'poke'.

Thanks in advance for taking the time to comment guys!

(p.s. for better or worse there is absolutely zero outtatune or melodyne on vox, and no tom-foolery with the drums either.)

[BB Edwards]

oops here it is

[scrizly]

Here's my feedback, FWIW:

1. Lead vox are a bit too low in the mix on verse and chorus. They sound a bit muffled especially compared to the bright acoustic in the beginning

2. The picking sound on the acoustic is really poopping out in my headphones. It's a little distracting because the rhythm is not totally solid. When the drums come in everything locks up a bit more.

3. The drums sound really full and rocking.. fit the song well.

4. I think the heavy guitars are could use some band-passing. They definitely are masking the snare and IMHO just way too much low-mids going on, making the whole mix muddy on the chorus. The tone of the distortion is like hyper-smooth modern metal, but I think something a little more vintage overdrivey would work better.

Nice work though... good luck!

[James Meeker]

Too much top on the heavy guitars, making them sound thin and phasey, I'd probably suggest limiting them. Bass guitar not nailed--LIMIT that sucker about 6 more db. Acoustic guitars are very plain jane sounding to me... need more 2k or something.

I'm getting too much washiness off the cymbals... less OH or rooms or something. I want more kick and snare, and more presence from both.

Vox need more compression to sit in place.

That's just my take.

[Mesa4x12er]

Before I say anything I'll just say I'm a recording noob, but I can offer some of what I think about what I'm hearing.

Take a lot of gain out of those guitars. Tone is good but they sound smushy. The acoustic seems to carry more weight than the dirty guitars. When the song hits the chorus the guitars seem to get quieter even though they aren't. That's something you can do to keep the levels in check and still make the chorus sound bigger.

Good song though. You guys sound good.

[BB Edwards]

Thanks guys, and extra thanks to James Meeker-I agree with you pretty much 100% on all points. I'm taking the weekend off to rest my ears (2 house FOH gigs in a row) and I'm going to get back to it on Monday. Keep the comments coming!

[BB Edwards]

Come on guys, over 100 views and only 3 responses? I want you to rip me a new one!

I really want to start taking my mixes to the next level. I feel like I owe you guys some background on myself, since I really don't know any of you guys, and so you can get a better feel for where I'm at.

I got my start as an engineer doing crappy 4-track cassette recordings, which led to interning, which lead to assisting on a few projects. I needed to start making money, so I started doing FOH at a local club. Next thing I know, I'm doing FOH and/or monitors at venues all over the area, working for several production companies. I did this for several years, while recording my own material and doing a few demos for other bands in my free time. Then I took a gig Tour Managing/FOH for a band. It was a great experience, and kept me busy for about 2 years, but also took me completely away from the studio.

Now I am back home, and I'm focusing on mixing my band's sessions, and I intend to find more work recording/mixing. I have never been shy about asking my mentors/colleagues for advice/criticism in the live world, and that attitude has helped me immensely. Now I am reaching out to you, gearslutz, for the same. I'd really appreciate any comments from you guys who are making albums for a living. I look forward to hearing your comments, and thank you in advance.

[Elvis]

ditto the other comments + I think the harmony part right before the chorus is too in yer face. maybe turn down the backing vocals or work in another element to help the transition (like a guitar feedback or something.. I dunno).

[rockstar_josh]

I just want to say great job on the drums! They sound full and round, very nicely done! I suppose like others have said, the guitars could use some bandpassing, and the bass could stand some clarity... but you know this. I would also lower the backing vocals going into the chorus. I struggle with these same things! Keep it up - J