I hope this doesn't hurt your ears

[maxxdog]

I've just done a rough mix of a song and would love some constructive feedback. It's the first song I've ever recorded and mixed (I only got Pro Tools about 4 months ago!), so it's kind of garbage, but I figure the only way to improve is to get some good advice. Any thoughts will be gratefully received. And my apologies in advance for the pain your ears may experience!!

[fHumble fHingaz]

And my apologies in advance for the pain your ears may experience!!

None required... I quite enjoyed the experience actually - from a pure songwriting point of view I think you've got quite a little gem here... Reminds me very much of Jarvis Cocker or Pulp. Mix is not bad, but for some strange reason the drums seem mainly to be panned to the right, which is a bit distracting... The playing could be a smidgen tighter, but having said that, some slight looseness does suit the indie direction (just maybe not this loose). Guitar is muddy, & both guitar and drums could do with a little more high-pass filtering on individual tracks to increase overall clarity. Overall, good start - keep it up.

[maxxdog]

Thanks so much for that feedback fHumble. I'm relieved that it sounded okay to you!! And now I've got some nice ideas for improvements. Would you believe I've done a lot of tightening up of things already!? We're a little loose as a band at the moment ... until, of course, I've done a lot more editing. Thanks again.

[Vanan]

Nice singing. Very indie rock feel to it. Dunno if it's just me but spatially it doesn't seem to jive to my ears. Guitars and vocals are close up but the drums are waaaay far back. Like the drummer decided to stay on the main level when everyone else was on the 2nd floor (pardon the bad analogy). Yea noticed the panning issues with the drums too.

Overall nice lil ditty though. Good feel.

[maxxdog]

Thanks Vanan. I know what you mean about it being cluttered, only problem is, I'm not quite sure how to separate all those sounds effectively. Any advice you or anyone else has re panning and separating sounds will be much appreciated. Sounds like I need to bring those drums forward too. I'm onto it.

Thanks again!

[slipknotkorn234]

take the guitar down just a little bit and compress a tad in the beginning but when it goes into the other riff its sounds great, also when the keyboards are playing give it just a little sustain it just kinda cuts out and its distracting, overall im really excited to hear the end result its a fantastic song

[maxxdog]

That's great thanks, slipknotkorn234. I'm so pleased with the feedback I'm getting - it's really helpful and really exciting too. You mentioned adding sustain to the organ, do you think we should also add more organ, maybe a bed of chords throughout? Or do you reckon that would just clutter things even more than they already are??

[slipknotkorn234]

you kno what try adding just a little more organ but just a tad quiter so its not over bearing, and if it sounds bad just go back no worries. just dont look back 3 years later asking what if it did sound like that. that my thinking anyway

[maxxdog]

I've done what you suggested sliknotkorn234 and added some nice sustain and even a little more reverb to the organ so it sits in the mix a little better and doesn't jump out as much as it was. I agree with your suggestion to try everything even if you end up undoing it. Thanks so much for your help!!

[slipknotkorn234]

will you please post it when your done? i really wanna hear it!