Opinions on hard rock / metal mix

[johnjm22]

I'm almost done with this song, and I'm curious to hear opinions on what areas of the mix need improvement.

Thanks.


Http://www.chrysalismusic.net/Outspoken.mp3

[johnjm22]

Anyone?

[djui5]

Kick needs more punch....a lot more.

other than that, it is what it is.

[guerillamixer]

I second the Kik needing punch idea. It feels really as opposed to

There is a lot going on ins some sections, and the mix seems to bog down a little. Maybe some judicious high passing could help clear it up a bit .

[johnjm22]

Thanks for the replies, I appreciate it.

Originally Posted by djui5

Kick needs more punch....a lot more.

What exactly do you mean by "punch?" The Kick is a sample, and I don't know but it sounds pretty punchy to me.

I thought maybe it needs to sound "bigger." But as far as punchiness goes I think it sounds pretty comparable to other metal CD's I listen to.

Do you have any suggestions on how I could make it punchier? Or better yet any examples (reference tracks maybe) on how you think it should sound.

Originally Posted by djui5

other than that, it is what it is.

Care to elaborate? Is this a good thing or a bad thing?

Originally Posted by guerillamixer

There is a lot going on ins some sections, and the mix seems to bog down a little. Maybe some judicious high passing could help clear it up a bit .

Yeah there is alot going on for sure, especially during the chorus; Bass pops, piano, layered vocals ect. There was actually a lead guitar in there too but we decided to take it out.

FYI, everything is high passed. Except the kick and bass.

What do you guys think about the low-end? Is it lacking bass? Does the bass sound too seperated from the rhythm guitar?

[guerillamixer]

ha! Sorry for my useless comment so far!

I realise this must be a tricky mix with all the parts, and should have said
straight up that it definitely works as a mix. everything I say is relative,
and is only how I would go about things of course......

I'll try to be a little more specific and hopefully helpful this time!

I think (please correct me if I'm wrong) that you are going for that
classic metal clicky kik sound. The click is definitely there, but
there is not enough oomph to be found for my taste.
So when I went sweeping around with a parametric I found that
the guitar grunts at round 133hz, the bass sits between 60 and 80hz
so I guess I'm after a bit more of low low thud 50 or 60hz, and
a bit of a kick in the chest at 100hz or so..

So what are you looking to get it into the ballpark of?

[djui5]

What gueriall mixer said.

Punch comes from careful massaging of compressors and eq's :)

The attack is your friend.

[johnjm22]

Okay, thanks for the help so far. I'll see what I can do about the kick.

Is the kick the only problem you guys are hearing in the mix? Is there any other problem areas you notice?

My main problem with this mix has been trying to get clearity, and making sure all the little parts can be heard. How do you think the mix stands in these regards?

Originally Posted by guerillamixer

So what are you looking to get it into the ballpark of?

What do you mean?

[guerillamixer]

I mean, can you give me some examples of songs in this genre that you
are comparing this mix to? In my head I'm going off memory of
fear factory, pantera, early metallica, + plus my own mixes, which could
be different to what you are aiming for.


In terms of clarity, I think its all there. I'd be happy with it and
want to move on if I was you.


The only thing I can suggest if you want to keep tweeking
(personal taste here!) is that the mix feels a little static,
maybe some subtle automation when parts come in
or play something cool to give the ear some help.

Doesn't have to be drastic, just a bump of 1-3db for a half second or so.

With my current form you've probably already done it

[johnjm22]

Originally Posted by guerillamixer

I mean, can you give me some examples of songs in this genre that you
are comparing this mix to? In my head I'm going off memory of
fear factory, pantera, early metallica, + plus my own mixes, which could
be different to what you are aiming for.

I think it sounds fairly comparable to the bands you mentioned. I think it sounds better than the Fear Factory kick which has no low end at all. (It's been a long time since I listened to FF though, so maybe I'm not remembering correctly)

Originally Posted by guerillamixer

The only thing I can suggest if you want to keep tweeking
(personal taste here!) is that the mix feels a little static,
maybe some subtle automation when parts come in
or play something cool to give the ear some help.

Doesn't have to be drastic, just a bump of 1-3db for a half second or so.

With my current form you've probably already done it

LOL. Yeah I have used some slight automation on it. Mainly on the bridge. Where in the song would you suggest using it at?

[guerillamixer]

Originally Posted by johnjm22

I think it sounds fairly comparable to the bands you mentioned. I think it sounds better than the Fear Factory kick which has no low end at all. (It's been a long time since I listened to FF though, so maybe I'm not remembering correctly)

Yeah, I thought about this after I posted, and figured I should pull out a CD instead of speaking out my ass. Its been a while since I listened to this stuff too...


I'll give the track another listen after work then post ASAP