Jazz band demos - opinions on mixes

[Herman Munster]

I'm posting a link below to my new jazz bands myspace site. (MySpace.com - Ivory Coast - Birmingham / Cullman, Alabama - Jazz / Nu-Jazz / Pop - www.myspace.com/ivorycoastjazz) I've been working on these demos for a while and I'm still not totally happy with where they are. They were mixed in Cubase and mastered with Ozone. These were all recorded live with only 1-2 overdubs. I'm just curious to everyone's opinions. These are the problems I hear:

1) The whole mix is a little too compressed for my ears.
2) The bottom end seems a little to strong and may be overcompressed as well. I will say that I had a very difficult time with the bass. We recorded it on some songs with quite a "boomy" setting on the head. I've had quite a difficult time getting it separated from the kick.
3) The acoustic guitar seems a little tinny. I need to go back and add some warmth (it's also out of the pocket at times). This was recorded through the pick up which I believe is an issue as well.
4) I also need to pull a little high end off the piano as it's a little harsh in spots.

Anyone, agree or disagree with me. I'm open to constructive criticism. Thanks for the help.

[dblackburn80]

and now your local forcast, accurate and dependable from the Weather Channel.

just kidding.

The mix is actually really nice. I can hear everything coming through quite nicely. I do hear some "pffwah" in the bass and BD flourishes like at the end of "new Anthem". You need a notch in the EQ to balance that out. I don't know what your plugin setup is like other than you use Ozone, but it should be easy to tweak that out of the mix (the "pffwah")

The acoustic guitar needs some room space. it does sound tinny. I think you should try an "Over the shoulder" mic technique to round out the acoustic sound. Live, its not too much of an issue, but you have the headroom to open it up...do it and round out the sound.
The Acoustic does sound hella good on the track "Jump on it". Although during the quarter note parts, it could stand to sit in the back of the mix a little. I am listening during your piano solo and the "da da da da" is distracting. Now in the solo after the break, the acoustic is really shining. I don't know what you're doing but experiment with my over the shoulder technique.

I really enjoyed listening to your music.

d.


1) The whole mix is a little too compressed for my ears.
2) The bottom end seems a little to strong and may be overcompressed as well. I will say that I had a very difficult time with the bass. We recorded it on some songs with quite a "boomy" setting on the head. I've had quite a difficult time getting it separated from the kick.
3) The acoustic guitar seems a little tinny. I need to go back and add some warmth (it's also out of the pocket at times). This was recorded through the pick up which I believe is an issue as well.
4) I also need to pull a little high end off the piano as it's a little harsh in spots.

[Herman Munster]

Thanks d. I appreciate the kind words and advice....