the girl/the bass/the drums..i dunno..i've lost objectivity

stuartdixon · 14th October 2005, 06:53 AM

this is a collaboration of electronic technique and recording. please offer feedback! is this tune any good (sonics?)

does it hit right. Does the Mellotron fight with anything?

thanks

Stuart Dixon
---------------
Version

PS: See bottom posting for most recent mix....

everybody's x · 14th October 2005, 07:18 AM

I like the song, I can hear the kick sucking in the whole mix like its compressed to death on the 2 buss, but im not sure if thats your electro-vibe you're going for or if its just the weirdness of the drum samples.
nice vocal treatment, what did you dirty it up with?

everybody's x · 14th October 2005, 07:21 AM

i shouldnt be critiquing after mixing for hours on end, im fried. it may sound completely different tomorrow

stuartdixon · 14th October 2005, 07:29 AM

There is no compression on the buss. Possibly I am killing it with an over aggressive kick? The Verse kick is a sample from a Kurzweil K2500 resampled through a tube direct box in to PT, then reverbed and EQed. The chorus kick was recorded in the same fashion..maybe too aggresive of a kick? I am going for dynamics here...I wanted a punchy kick...The rest of the drums were done in a nice room with nice Mics and API pres.

No vocal treatments, just a vocal recorded with a Lawson L47. Pro Tools 96io converters. Demeter compression pretty heavy on the input...I like to compress on the way in with Lia, she has a sweet dynamic voice, I juat want to catch all of her.

Thanks for the input! Your right, the kick is pushing it a bit...maybe a different kick. Not weaker, just different. Any other suggestions?

Stuart Dixon
---------------
Version

thethrillfactor · 14th October 2005, 07:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stuartdixon

this is a collaboration of electronic technique and recording. please offer feedback! is this tune any good (sonics?)

does it hit right. Does the Mellotron fight with anything?

thanks

Stuart Dixon
---------------
Version

I like it.

Sorta Sarah Mc/Tori Amos/Dido meets Mark bell.

Sonic wise it isn't the greatest but i've heard some stuff mixed by Spike Stent that has a similar sound(this may also be the MP3 conversion).

I would suggest a little cohesiveness in certain parts(especially when the beat switches over).

A little atmosphere effects would help also.

A really cool trailing reverb/delay on the opening vocal would be cool.

A panning thing on the throbbing bass maybe.

Maybe something with the hihats?

Again these are all opinions and the song on its own is kinda cool.

stuartdixon · 14th October 2005, 07:48 AM

>Sorta Sarah Mc/Tori Amos/Dido meets Mark bell.

Funny, I make Dub primarily. She sings like _insert here_. I think our contrasting talents has pushed me to work differently. I love the challenge.

you hit on a good subject...the transition. I feel that has been the achilles tendon of this tune so far...going between that ambient "thud" verse kick and going into that "punchier" chorus kick. I've already switched out the verse kick twice, just trying to find something that worked better. I think that's where this tune really needs work.

Kicks are so *friggin* important!

I like the trailing reverb/delay idea on the opening. maybe the tape delay would come in handy here.

Also, your right... the hats are super simple. they could use the love.

It's a rough mix down.

thanks guys!

Stuart Dixon
---------------
Version

thethrillfactor · 14th October 2005, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stuartdixon

Funny, I make Dub primarily. She sings like _insert here_. I think our contrasting talents has pushed me to work differently. I love the challenge.

Some of the best records came out of contrasting styles.

My favorite being Bjork and Mark Bell/Spike Stent on Homogenic.

The perfect collaboration sonically of emotional acoustic/orchestral timbres blended with electronica and creative effects.

Keep up the good work.

stuartdixon · 14th October 2005, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boogie woogie

Sounds like a piece of music from a twin peaks episode.

Interesting. I wonder what Badalamenti would think of the tune. I'm a fan of what he does; any comparison (although i don't hear it) is appreciated!

Cheers.

Stuart Dixon
---------------
Version

stuartdixon · 14th October 2005, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boogie woogie

i got this track running on itunes at the moment.

The lyrics suggest some kind of submissive female.

|this has to go it's 2005 for crying out loud!!

She should be singing about how she has all the power over men and how they are just ruled by their dicks. Then how she is looking for a guy but no man can never be good enought for her. And how she slept with hundreds but she never enjoyed any of them.

Also how women are inocent always, much stronger then men.

now sort it out mate

http://www.nomarriage.com/

She's actually singing about killing her possessive landlord. Apparently she really hates paying this woman money to live in a dingy flat in San Francisco.

Quote:

She should be singing about how she has all the power over men and how they are just ruled by their dicks.

Well, yeah, I could throw that at her...see how she feels about it... I'll tell her a man named "Boogie Woogie" suggested it.

Stuart Dixon
---------------
Version

tvanveen · 14th October 2005, 08:42 PM

I agree about the atmosphere effects,

She sounds a bit like the Cardigans singer to me.

Pretty cool.

Jason Poulin · 14th October 2005, 10:22 PM

Actually I like it the way it is.

It's got an original vibe to the mix.

Jason

stuartdixon · 14th October 2005, 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boogie woogie

Yes how sad. We all have to have mansion's to be happy.

Dont worry we are all drunk on the wine of her fornication. It will make sense soon. When we exsist on a differnt spiritual plane. And gone will be the pleasures of the flesh and the desires of man.

The mind is ok but the soul is insane!!

The only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace things, but burn like fabulous roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars and in the middle you see the blue center light pop and everybody goes "AWWW!"

Stuart Dixon
---------------
Version

stuartdixon · 14th October 2005, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason Poulin

Actually I like it the way it is.

It's got an original vibe to the mix.

Jason

Thanks Jason! That means alot.

Stuart Dixon
---------------
Version

True North · 15th October 2005, 05:55 AM

I like the mix overall and the song- I also like the idea of more atmospheric sound effects at the beginning of the song (first verse) - interesting sounds, noises etc. You do some of it already and you pull it off well

Structuarally I would make some suggestions about working more towards a slow build, using the Chorus drum loop more as a climatic type ending - almost like a Phil Collins 'In the Air' type thing - suggesting a big build and then give it to them. Maybe a straight time feel at the end of the song.

The only akward/improvable strucutre part is the transion out of the Chorus into the piano solo (2:33 approx) then into the next chorus. Maybe try moveing into a straight time feel during the piano break, with that filtered telephone effect on the drum loop (beginning of Harder to Breathe typ-o-thing) and then pull the filter off for the ending/chorus.

I don't usually give this much feedback but I like the song, good luck, let us know if you have made any changes, love to hear it.

opentune · 15th October 2005, 03:23 PM

I really like the intro! Cool sounds going on...

The singer is very good and so is the vocal sound.

The "dang-dang-dang..."-thing that starts at 00:31 is a little
distracting, i think. Maybe it needs another sound or
some automation.

Anyway - cool song!

stuartdixon · 2nd November 2005, 04:34 AM

I changed some stuff...

took some advice...

listened to it ...again...

fixed some stuff.

tweak.

end isn't done.

thanks folks. feels weird to let other hear me.

Stuart Dixon
---------------
Version

PS: See bottom posting for most recent mix....

Farfensound · 18th November 2005, 09:41 PM

Your mix has more togetherness to it. But one thing I'm hearing that's driving me crazy is that gates you have on the Over heads. Each time the drummer hits one it's like its comming out and slapping me in the side of the head.

stuartdixon · 18th November 2005, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Farfensound

Your mix has more togetherness to it. But one thing I'm hearing that's driving me crazy is that gates you have on the Over heads. Each time the drummer hits one it's like its comming out and slapping me in the side of the head.

There is not gate on the OHs, I think what's happening here is when I tracked the drums the drummer was just wailing away on that hat. I've since done another mix where I manually went through and just lowered the volume where it "hurts" and also ran a pretty hard deEsser to target the frequency of the hats. It's really my fault for not tracking the drums correctly in the first place.

LESSON TO ALL FOLKS TRACKING DRUMS: look out for those hats. might seem ok in the tracking session but later in the mix, aggressive hi hat playing can reak havoc on a mix and lead you down roads you shouldn't have to go down to try to fix the problem later

this might be obvious to most and I haven't had that much of an issue in the past.

Thanks for the response!!!

Stuart Dixon
---------------
Version

60 Psycho Hum · 19th November 2005, 12:09 AM

I'm "monitoring" on crappy computer speakers and it is an MP3 but I think it sounds great. I hear what you're saying about the hats--they get a bit overbearing. But I think the mix is cool.

tubesandteles · 19th November 2005, 02:53 AM

This song is so nice. Sounds killer...neat too!

stuartdixon · 19th November 2005, 05:45 AM

Thanks folks. trying again...

reduced the crashes and hats a bit and DeEssed the OHs around 4.5k to try work out the hats a bit.

I really appreciate this feedback. I feel like I'm sitting in a the CR with some people who I trust to make objective judgements about the sonic quality of my tune. Usually my friends are too...nice to or unqualified or lack the nomenclature to explain what bothers them about the mix.

truly helpful, thanks guys

Stuart Dixon
---------------
Version

smk · 20th November 2005, 01:50 PM

Great song. What mic pre are you using? And what kind of outboard compression?

stuartdixon · 20th November 2005, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smk

Great song. What mic pre are you using? And what kind of outboard compression?

Voc signal chain: Lawson LM4 > Telefunken V72 > Demeter VTCL-2 Tube Compressor > 96io

Drums: standard mics (matched 414s OH, D112 on kik, 57 on snr, Shure beta 52 on FlrTm) > API 4312 + 1073 > 96io

outboard compressors used for this tune include UA 1178 (stereo 1176), EL Distressor...um... the Demeter tube comp, DBX 160... that was all during the tracking phase. mix was done ITB.

Stuart Dixon
---------------
Version

Jose Mrochek · 21st November 2005, 01:35 AM

Beautifull!!! Super arrangements and mix concept, my respects. Oh yeah and her vocal makes me want to fall in love again. Is she cute ??

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Drums + Bass	Beardhead	Work in progress / advice requested / Show & Tell / Artist showcase	6	19th July 2006 11:56 AM
Making Drums and Bass Blend	tone4407	Rap + Hip Hop engineering & production	6	27th March 2006 10:03 PM
dunno where this belongs... but its ****ing funny	rudalicious	The moan zone	1	21st November 2005 07:15 PM
objectivity on gear slutz	deeler	The moan zone	19	27th March 2004 02:26 AM
Triggering sample bass drums	neilsby	So much gear, so little time!	2	14th January 2004 12:28 AM

14th October 2005, 06:53 AM	#1
stuartdixon Gear Head Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 49	the girl/the bass/the drums..i dunno..i've lost objectivity this is a collaboration of electronic technique and recording. please offer feedback! is this tune any good (sonics?) does it hit right. Does the Mellotron fight with anything? thanks Stuart Dixon --------------- Version PS: See bottom posting for most recent mix.... Last edited by stuartdixon; 20th November 2005 at 09:43 PM.. Reason: old version, removing mp3

14th October 2005, 07:18 AM	#2
everybody's x Lives for gear Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: kansas city Posts: 1,594	I like the song, I can hear the kick sucking in the whole mix like its compressed to death on the 2 buss, but im not sure if thats your electro-vibe you're going for or if its just the weirdness of the drum samples. nice vocal treatment, what did you dirty it up with? __________________ Dave

14th October 2005, 07:21 AM	#3
everybody's x Lives for gear Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: kansas city Posts: 1,594	i shouldnt be critiquing after mixing for hours on end, im fried. it may sound completely different tomorrow __________________ Dave

14th October 2005, 10:22 PM	#11
Jason Poulin Lives for gear Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Sudbury, On. Canada Posts: 1,686	Actually I like it the way it is. It's got an original vibe to the mix. Jason __________________ most important gear I own are my ears! visit my band www.apparatusmusic.com www.myspace.com/apparatusnumetal

14th October 2005, 07:29 AM	#4
stuartdixon Gear Head Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 49	There is no compression on the buss. Possibly I am killing it with an over aggressive kick? The Verse kick is a sample from a Kurzweil K2500 resampled through a tube direct box in to PT, then reverbed and EQed. The chorus kick was recorded in the same fashion..maybe too aggresive of a kick? I am going for dynamics here...I wanted a punchy kick...The rest of the drums were done in a nice room with nice Mics and API pres. No vocal treatments, just a vocal recorded with a Lawson L47. Pro Tools 96io converters. Demeter compression pretty heavy on the input...I like to compress on the way in with Lia, she has a sweet dynamic voice, I juat want to catch all of her. Thanks for the input! Your right, the kick is pushing it a bit...maybe a different kick. Not weaker, just different. Any other suggestions? Stuart Dixon --------------- Version

14th October 2005, 07:48 AM	#6
stuartdixon Gear Head Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 49	>Sorta Sarah Mc/Tori Amos/Dido meets Mark bell. Funny, I make Dub primarily. She sings like _insert here_. I think our contrasting talents has pushed me to work differently. I love the challenge. you hit on a good subject...the transition. I feel that has been the achilles tendon of this tune so far...going between that ambient "thud" verse kick and going into that "punchier" chorus kick. I've already switched out the verse kick twice, just trying to find something that worked better. I think that's where this tune really needs work. Kicks are so friggin important! I like the trailing reverb/delay idea on the opening. maybe the tape delay would come in handy here. Also, your right... the hats are super simple. they could use the love. It's a rough mix down. thanks guys! Stuart Dixon --------------- Version

14th October 2005, 08:42 PM	#10
tvanveen Gear maniac Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: DC Posts: 275	I agree about the atmosphere effects, She sounds a bit like the Cardigans singer to me. Pretty cool.

15th October 2005, 05:55 AM	#14
True North Lives for gear Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Richmond Hill, Ontario (Canada) Posts: 2,455	I like the mix overall and the song- I also like the idea of more atmospheric sound effects at the beginning of the song (first verse) - interesting sounds, noises etc. You do some of it already and you pull it off well Structuarally I would make some suggestions about working more towards a slow build, using the Chorus drum loop more as a climatic type ending - almost like a Phil Collins 'In the Air' type thing - suggesting a big build and then give it to them. Maybe a straight time feel at the end of the song. The only akward/improvable strucutre part is the transion out of the Chorus into the piano solo (2:33 approx) then into the next chorus. Maybe try moveing into a straight time feel during the piano break, with that filtered telephone effect on the drum loop (beginning of Harder to Breathe typ-o-thing) and then pull the filter off for the ending/chorus. I don't usually give this much feedback but I like the song, good luck, let us know if you have made any changes, love to hear it. __________________ "In the time of chimpanzees I was a monkey" - Beck, Loser "I do use compressors/limiters but not for controlling dynamics, I use EQ for that!" Jp22 (damn I miss him) "Education is a progressive discovery of our own ignorance." -- Will Durant, historian (1885-1981) "I try to get a boom out of the bass drum, in one of my albums, my CD, boom, I try to get that big boom, I could not get a big boom, I paid bucks, and could not get the boom" - Recording Expert, Tad Donley

15th October 2005, 03:23 PM	#15
opentune Lives for gear Join Date: May 2005 Location: good ol´germany Posts: 644	I really like the intro! Cool sounds going on... The singer is very good and so is the vocal sound. The "dang-dang-dang..."-thing that starts at 00:31 is a little distracting, i think. Maybe it needs another sound or some automation. Anyway - cool song! __________________ Just to keep it light, none of us can really claim to be engineers unless we know how to drive a steam locomotive. Now those were engineers! Ethan Winer / april 08 I always thought the "New York Trick" was a girl named Roxie who I met at The Temple Bar. max cooper / september 2006

2nd November 2005, 04:34 AM	#16
stuartdixon Gear Head Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 49	I changed some stuff... took some advice... listened to it ...again... fixed some stuff. tweak. end isn't done. thanks folks. feels weird to let other hear me. Stuart Dixon --------------- Version PS: See bottom posting for most recent mix....

18th November 2005, 09:41 PM	#17
Farfensound Gear nut Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Minerva Park, Ohio Posts: 92	Mix 6 comments Your mix has more togetherness to it. But one thing I'm hearing that's driving me crazy is that gates you have on the Over heads. Each time the drummer hits one it's like its comming out and slapping me in the side of the head. __________________ Karl (A.K.A. Fahrvergnugen) Farfensound Productions

19th November 2005, 12:09 AM	#19
60 Psycho Hum Gear interested Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Medford OR Posts: 17	I'm "monitoring" on crappy computer speakers and it is an MP3 but I think it sounds great. I hear what you're saying about the hats--they get a bit overbearing. But I think the mix is cool.

19th November 2005, 02:53 AM	#20
tubesandteles Gear maniac Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 239	OOH! This song is so nice. Sounds killer...neat too!

20th November 2005, 01:50 PM	#22
smk Gear maniac Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Hawaii Posts: 238	Great song. What mic pre are you using? And what kind of outboard compression?

21st November 2005, 01:35 AM	#24
Jose Mrochek Lives for gear Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Miami, FL Posts: 3,845	Beautifull!!! Super arrangements and mix concept, my respects. Oh yeah and her vocal makes me want to fall in love again. Is she cute ?? __________________ www.thejoti.com www.myspace.com/thejoti http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYtPFPrHut0 ¨But, then again, I'm British and think you Yanks with your fancy pre for each track are a bunch of weirdos¨ Mark

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes	Rate This Thread
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode	Rate This Thread: