Mixdown Practicing & Learning

Magghy Ji

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Robin Robin
Jan 20
Hello everyone!

I don't know if I am a bit late or not, this is my first time doing this. So hey everybody again, I hope you are all doing well, and here is my version of 57 Chevy.
I did spend some time on automating the vocals, which I found to be quite dynamic in a way that required more than just compression. I went for a 70s approach (the solo kept reminding me of live guitar Zappa, so I also added some phasing to certain points of the lead guitar track, just to bring back that feel)
I thought it was difficult mixing the non-soloing guitar because of the way the high frequencies interfered with the vocals, and also, after the solo, the rhythm guitar is VERY not in tune anymore so I brought that down but lifted it back up for the last buildup.
Sibilance on the vocals was also a big issue, for me, at least.

Thank you for listening
and also
very nice to be here!

https://mega.nz/file/M9IxgYBA#iC0urBnfpexUbg8PSQNzkrjmH4KiYHxz_7ubrZatFHM

Oh I forgot to mention I mixed on headphones (I know, I know :)) through CLA Nx
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Magghy Ji
Jan 20
Hey Robin, welcome to the mixdown training room! Good job! The vocal seems to need a bit more body, the mix lacks a bit of glue and energy during the choruses, cool solo! ;P
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Robin Robin (author)
Jan 20
Thank you for the feedback! I agree completely. I felt the lack of glue but I did not really know how to get it. Do you think maybe more compression on the stereo bus? And do you think I underused the overheads? Maybe that's part of what's holding the energy back. The ride seemed to turn into pure tape hiss so I kept feeling the need to turn it down.
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Magghy Ji
Jan 20
Yes, you could try with more compression but probably just with a rebalance of the instruments, especially during the choruses, you can get a more cohesive mix (in the first chorus, the vocal seems a bit buried, during the second one the drum kit sounds a bit buried while the guitars are a touch loud) ;P
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Julio Serra
Jan 20
hi Robin, Nice mix overall! I also struggled with the vocals being too dynamic, so I get you. I liked what you did with the main guitar but felt a bit of the absence of the rhythmic guitar, it felt a bit hidden away for me. Good job!
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Robin Robin (author)
Jan 20
Thanks Julio. I must admit I don't feel I was 100 percent finished with this mix but I had to move on, plus I was trying not to miss the deadline (I started mixing very late) so I simply decided at one point to just upload it.
But yeah, that rhythm guitar was an issue. Especially after the solo you can clearly hear it's very out of tune.
and I couldn't really decide -- what do I do as a mixer, leave it as it is or try to help out? I decided to help out but lost some punch :)
Did you find the vocal sibilance to be an issue?
Or was it just my headphones?
I know it's not really a good idea to mix on headphones but I was traveling -- it suits the song :) (the traveling does, I mean)

Cheers, thanks for the feedback
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Julio Serra
Jan 21
I get you, sometimes I also don't have the time to do all I want with the mix. Yes, the sibilance was definitely an issue for me on my mix, I think I managed to tackle them well on the vocal but didn't do a good job controlling them on the drums. I mix 100% on headphones, I know it's not ideal but, I don't have the room or money for some good room treatment/speakers. I know it's not ideal but I'm trying to make the most out of it. If you do mix a lot on headphones a lot, you can try some correction software like Soundworks Reference, I find it very helpfull for me
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Jay Harper
Jan 22
Nicely done, Robin! I had the same issues you had with the vocals and the rhythm guitar. It sounds like you followed a similar plan with automation and de-essing.

Overall, I think you have a great balance of the instruments and nothing seems to jump out at me.

It's hard to tell because I'm listening on some desktop speakers at the moment. It sounds just a tad thin here. I'll have another listen at the studio tonight.

Well done!