On Second Thought

insideout

Hey guys,
This one got it's name because I was planning to record a mellow tune, and well, on second thought, I decided to kick it a little at the end. Hope it doesn't sound too much like a Satch rip-off.. it's just what came out - not intentional :oops: .

Once again, I spent HOURS on the mix, and I'm still not happy with it, but feel like I'm chasing my tail at this point. If you would, let me know what you think, and as alway, how it can be imroved.

Thanks!!

http://www.digitech.com/soundcomm/patches/GNX3000/OnSecondThought.mp3

ACWild

Cool tune with some kick ass lead playing!!! 8)
As far as the mix goes, some of the instruments are smothering each other out, at least on my speakers. Specifically, the acoustic is fighting to be heard, but it gets smothered. You might want to try trimming out just a little off the bass freqs and boost some of the upper mids. Once it gets it's own space, try panning it off about 25% to one side.
The bass guitar and kick drum are definitely occupying the same space. There's actually a lot of bass in the track, so you can filter out some bass from both. Not too much, but you need to cut back some to get some overall clarity. After you trim, decide which instrument will occupy a specific bass freq. For instance, you may want the bass guitar to remain bassy while you want the kick drum punchy. You can trim around the 125k freqs on the bass guitar and 250k for the kick drum.
It looks like a whole lot of critiqueing, but I really enjoyed your song. These are just my opinions of what would help your mix come alive with more clarity.

insideout

Thanks AC!! You hit on exactly what I've been struggling with. Believe it or not, the bass is already WAY down. It's been driving me nuts - I have already eq'd the kick and the bass, but I'll go back and make sure they're not on top of each other. Also, I do have bass, drums and lead at center - I'll try moving the bass over a smidgen and see what that does. Thanks again for your suggestions. Always appreciated 8)

ACWild

It sounds like you can filter out a lot more on the bass guitar. Maybe boosting some mids to help with clarity.
For panning, I meant for the acoustic. You can pan the bass off center too if you want for balance, but generally, Drums, bass, and whatever the focus instrument is (lead vocals, lead guitar) you want in the center.
What drum program are you using?

partch

I Love your Stuff Rob!! 8) I always enjoy your post's As far as the mix & such? I realize I'm at work with crappy work speakers that don't realy represent bass very well so I'm not hearing these issues you & AC talk of? Mix sounded fine to me 8) I also still pretty newb to all this as well, so I guese with experience you get an ear for those things? Anyhow great lead work there Rob I also liked the Lead in that Last O Dannyboy song Rolin on? I think that was the name. Anyhow your a great Lead guitarist 8) How long have you played Rob?

God Bless!!
Partch

insideout

AC, I've been blaming the bass on the mush that I was getting, but it turned out to be the kick :oops: . I eq'd the low end of the bass back up, and eq'd parts of the kick low end down, and now you can hear the bass without the bleh . I use EZDrummer. Thanks for your help 8)

Partch, thanks a bunch man!! I'm really glad you appreciate my playing 8) . I've been playing since 1983 (sophomore in high school), which makes me really middle aged now . Thanks again for the very nice comments!

BTW, you can hear the new version by clicking on my soundclick link below. It sounds much better on every stereo I have (computer, car, stereo, boom box).

ACWild

Great job! I think I hear more Brian May than Satch. It's a pleasure to check this tune out again.

0Dannyboy

Man I really liked that one Rob mix sounded cool to me Its definatley a guitar guy song so the leads WAY outfront just where I like it ripping my face off! Great stuff :!: I also like the diffrent tones you used for the hook vs the verse. Kool raspy groove and tone there very nice :twisted: Always look forward to your stuff :twisted:
I didnt hear any overpowering bass though I did like the base line.
Acoustic sounded a bit thin on my computer speakers. maybe double the track and compress it a bit to give it some presence in the mix.
Just my 2 cents cause you asked.

insideout

Thanks AC! That's the first time I've heard Brain May as comparison. I've always loved his playing, but never really thought of him as an influence 8) . Maybe I thunk wrong

Thanks ODB! I always value your feedback. On the rhythm, believe it or not, it's already doubled :? . I went back to the drawing board and completely started over with fresh ears. I'm getting closer, but now despite very bright highs, overall it sounds like there's a blanket over it. Maybe a BBE Sonic Maximizer software package would be a good beg... er, um, I mean request for Christmas 8) .

Cobaltblooz

Kick Azz!...the lead line are downright joyous!....what patch and wah wah parameters are you using?

WOGS858

thecastlemanrockith

uh sir...mr hamdy... 8)

dude I loved it. Listen to the mix masters above and you'll get what you need . Lots of emotion in that piece.

take care my bra tha

insideout

Hey Cobalt, thanks for giving her a listen. Glad you likey . For the patch, its actually very basic - gnx3000 stock JCM900 with gain at about 75%, and default wah setting. The non-wah tone is the same patch but on my neck pickup.

My favorite tooth in the whole wide world, thanks my friend 8) . You're right, this is a great place full of very knowledgeable folks.

This experience forced me to learn a (new to me) function in Sonar. When I went back to start over, I learned about buses. Holy shmazoli, does that help with the mix. I put the 8 drum tracks on one bus, and mixed them solo, then put the clean guitars and bass on one bus and mixed them, then put all the lead tracks on another bus and mixed them. Then I only had to mess with 3 bus sliders to do the final mix. For those who already knew this, you're thinking... DUH :shock: , but it was a breakthrough for a recording n00b like me . Me like buses 8)