What do you think? How can it improve?

[Scinx]

How can this improve as far as recording is concerned?

Thanks a ton!
http://www.scinx.com/Media/Scinx%20-%20LoveYouToo.mp3

Dont be afraid - it isnt a mushy song..haha

[Scinx]

bump

[JohnMcD]

Well, about the recording...The biggest thing that I noticed was "wrong" was the bottom end. Now, I know the bass guitar is present and occupying a lot of space, BUT, the bottom end is not there. It is gone.

You could leave the bass guitar where it is, and fatten up the kick on the vibration level. I'm not trying to suggest making this thing screaming rock, but just to make it more of an envelope. This is so when it plays, instead of the kick "punching", it would be enveloping the listener. Or you could do that with the bass guitar as well. This would give the listener a nice warm hug while listening.

The kick is weak. Snare stick sounds fine. The guitars could go up in level. But the kick really needs work. It's like listening to mosquitos. Very annoying because of the "tip, tip, tip". Weak.

Is this material up for being sent in to be mastered?

Just curious and the above suggestions can be dismissed. I don't know what is going on in the world of DIY/Indie production these days. Good luck!

-John

[Scinx]

I really appreciate the comments. The material is constantly a work in progress. I can definately see your comments about the kick drum. I will re-do the drumming when I get a chance.
I was attempting to see where I can improve. For instance, when I listen to some songs - the vocals and music are crystal clear. I havent been able to achieve that - and I am not sure whether that comes primarily with better preamps, different technique, better use of EQ, or through mastering.
The recordings sound good - but not top notch to me.
My main objective is to learn where my recording sound falters - so the shortcoming can be addressed. Id rather not throw tons of money at a problem when the solution lies elsewhere.
Thanks very much for the comments dimlight and JohnMcD!
Keep them coming.

the earlier comment about a more "enveloping" rather than "punchy" kick sound is something i definitely agree with. maybe a short delay (50 ms or so?) with a few iterations to give it a reverby feel without actually being reverberated. maybe you could create some sort of synth pad or something that complements the kick and gate that using the kick as the key and set the gate with a longer release so that the kick sound decays a little slower.

the violinish pizzacato(sp?) was nice, but too quiet. it also seemed like it had some room reverb going on, like it was miced more distantly than everything else in the song. all the elements have a close mic sound while that one appears more distant which for me doesnt quite agree.

id like to hear a smoother bass tone. it is a little bit ragged. its got some growl in it, more of a rock tone to me.

the acoustic guitar also doesnt quite fit in for me. how did you mic it? im expecting something more present, since the bass, drums, and voice are all very present and dry.

are you planning to put reverbs on anything? overall its a little dry for my taste, but that is quite subjective.

it sounds like you dont need to throw money at anything. the recordings sound clean with a tight image. this is a cool song, i like it. it sounds like something id probably want to buy... hope you dont mind my mentioning everything that came to mind.

[Scinx]

Your comments are much appreciated. Criticisms can only help. I know that I like the music - and I know I have fun recording and writing it - so thats the most important piece. Im not going to get discouraged by criticism. = )

On to the criticisms - I understand what you are saying about the reverb issues. I tend to record dry. I was thinking of picking up a Kurzweil Rumour - but shelfed that idea. The plug-ins I have arent something I really like using. Usually someone comments on the dryness of the track - and I can totally see where they are coming from.

The acoustic was close miced with a MC012 - I love the sound that came from it. Maybe if I added little sprinkles of reverb here and there it would make the track bond better. Its certainly something Ill try.

The bass is more rock oriented as thats the sound I usually go for. Because this song is cleaner and poppier, I understand the desire for a cleaner bass. I will try this out. I do usually like grit on the bass - but it will be interesting to compare.

My goal is to put 12 tracks together for an album. I have 120 songs recorded - but many arent of studio quality.
Thanks for the criticism and the compliments! I definately have some things to try.

(Dim Light - I like the song Bird on the site you are linked into. Nice job! Different and very nice. I love the acoustic sound you got)