Mix problems....Suggestions PLEASE?

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Member Since: Nov 19, 2009

I've finally decided to post one of my mixes onto this site because I seem to run into the same problems in all of my mixes. I am running protools 8 through a digirack002 with waves native power pack bundle. All of my mixes seem to have no life. They're dull, dry, and not sharp. I listen to peoples mixes with comparable equipment, and their various instruments are bright, lively, and shine through the mixes. I just can't figure out how to get my mixes to sound like that. If anyone could give me some much needed feedback on "mix1" under my music in my profile I would be very grateful. Thank you.

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Member
Since: Nov 19, 2009


Jan 11, 2010 11:45 pm

Please excuse the obnoxious band btw, haha.

Czar of Turd Polish
Member
Since: Jun 20, 2006


Jan 13, 2010 12:50 pm

It sounds to me like you got some low end crowding the mix at times (intro for sure), not sure what it's coming from as I am on my computer speakers at work, am thinking the bass guitar or perhaps there is an overpowering bass drop in there?

Snare is a tad dry, I understand it's metal so you probably would not want as much but I think some reverb would add to it and make it less lifeless.

Main vox are very up front, perhaps some delay to thicken and some verb to let it sit with the others instead of on top.

For the most part your captures sound pretty good, perhaps a boost up high for some cymbal shimmer and a little more attack on the guitars to cut through.

I would have to take a good listen on my monitors to really make any solid EQ suggestions.

Typo Szar
Member
Since: Jul 04, 2002


Jan 13, 2010 10:07 pm

Yeah im hearing a bit of bass overshadowing, the kind u get when u start to limit at the master buss, is that going on? Its just wat happened to me as well, my mixes sounded quite like this its kind of this almost unperceivable low end that is just acting over the top of the song holding it back.

I fixed mine with... an MBC

Member
Since: Nov 19, 2009


Jan 14, 2010 12:50 am

Thanks for the tips guys, the two parts of the song where it sounds like it is kind of overpowered with bass for a second or two is intentional; requested by the band. Apparently it makes the part more "bad-***." I'll never understand.

@crux sorry for my ignorance...MBC?

Typo Szar
Member
Since: Jul 04, 2002


Jan 14, 2010 04:45 am

multiband compressor, i use teh Waves Linear Multiband, it has a function where each band reacts to its neighbor so that the band beneath cannot swell up over the band above it.

either way, i use it as kind of a cheat coz i cant mix my low end very well in my room. I just use the MBC to kind of hold down the low end, so that even if it swells it doesnt take energy from the high end.

http://www.reverbnation.com/2ndg
Member
Since: Nov 27, 2007


Jan 14, 2010 06:59 am

i know its the style but the dude needs to turn some distortion down on his amp, its just smothering everything.
How are the guitars panned?
drums sound quite good though.

http://www.unitedmusicians.info
Contributor
Since: Nov 11, 2007


Jan 14, 2010 10:27 am

I can't comment on the mix; but this band really is over the top in a hilarious kind of way. What is that drummer doing around 0:25?? haha

Is your head ready to explode yet?

Member
Since: Sep 30, 2009


Jan 14, 2010 10:51 am

LOL jeeze Quincysan way to be blunt. But I was wondering the same thing myself.

But yeah, i agree with deon. The amps feel muddy. The leads don't sound bad, but the rhythm is smothering. The drums don't sound bad either, well not on your part at least (+1 on "what is that drummer doing around 0:25??").

Towards the end the mix seems to pull itself together a little more

Czar of Turd Polish
Member
Since: Jun 20, 2006


Jan 14, 2010 12:47 pm

The requested bass drops are fine overall, it's just they are being pumped a little too hard (possibly by the limiter) imo. Leave em in, just bring em down a tad.

http://www.reverbnation.com/2ndg
Member
Since: Nov 27, 2007


Jan 14, 2010 06:23 pm

ya know i have always liked that big punch/overloaded type "bomb" in certain areas in songs(like youve done here), i think done in moderation they sound good.

maybe leave those for more heading towards the sub area of things though ya know, so its more at the low end part of the spectrum.

Member
Since: Nov 19, 2009


Jan 15, 2010 01:48 am

Thanks a lot for all of the input guys, not just for this song, but for all the help along the way. I opened up my home studio as just a sophomore in high school (now a sophomore in college) and you all have helped me tremendously throughout the way. Taking the next this coming school year and transferring to a university with a recording arts major, because I've decided this is definitely what I want to do. Just rambling now, but seriously, thank you. I hope to get some free time this week to take another shot at this song with your tips.

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