Need Help Mixing!

[Two hands31]

I've got a problem. I recorded a cover I've been messing around with for a while, and I can't get the mix to sound right. I already know I need to fix the EQ on the vocals so they're less muddy and cut through better, but can anyone help me get the mix louder and less muddy overall?

Here's the song:
http://www.soundclick.com/util/Downl....cfm?ID=985842

If that doesn't work, go here, it's the top one:
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/6/eleven59music.htm

[Two hands31]

Anyone?

[davester1234]

good job


You're right, muddines is the issue, but that can be fixed, as you know.

I only got to listen to a few seconds. I liked the ambience you created, its very nice.

but it lacks in frequency dynamics. Your particularly lacking in hi's. I noticed that from the opening guitar. The bass frequencies could be lowered a bit (but not too much) all around which should allow you to increase the volume of everything substantially (particularly the percussion, which sounds nice, but is lost in the mix). It should bring the entire mix to life a bit more. Also, focus in on clarifying some of the high frequency's of the drums, particularly when the bass starts droning.

I like when the distorted guitars kick in. If it was me, I'd probably roll back on the distortion slightly, and be very careful of extra fuzz. make sure you're doubling or tripling the tracks (sounds like you may have), and panning them to different positions. Same with vocals...Think about SPACE, and how you want the music to project.

You might want to compress the vocals a bit when you mention the "crown of..."you know, just to keep more of an even volume.


The little guitar solo is wild dude!

Great stuff, i'd like to hear again if you make some changes.

[Two hands31]

Thanx for the comments Yea, the dynamics on that one line were a little wacked.

Yea, I've got 3 guitar parts (plus solo) on here, left right and center (left and right come in at first "chorus"). As for the distortion levels, that's already backed off to 5-6 The main problem I think is my guitar, the pickups in my Schecter are just terrible sometimes, and distorted tones are tough to nail down (always muddy, without enough bass clarity or treble without getting fizzy).

I'll get to work on those EQ suggestions soon though

I think the main problem is the fact that I mix with my headphones (not enough bass, too much treble) and my stereo (too much bass) and I can't get a good idea as to how everything will sound, or a mix that'll sound good on both for that matter

[davester1234]

i feel your pain dude,

do what I do...test the the 'test' mix out on various mediums ie, your home stereo, a friends stereo, a walkman or small radio, someone's car.

I usually mix to my home stereo, with decent results. Make sure you set your eq's to the same point to start off...i have a zero point on my stereo for each frequency, at the 12 oclock position...you can mix your music like that and not get confused with the eq's the stereo adds. It ensures not too much of anything (dynamically). Then the listener can adjust the eq's to their own preferences. The worst thing that can happen when you record is that everyone has to turn their bass control waaaay down because you mixed it through a source that adds its own eq.

Headphones as you say, can be a pretty shakey thing, especially if you don't know how they produce sound INSIDE and OUT. They too add their own flare to the mix.

Mixes with your equiptment set flat will help prevent that. The next step of course, is the correct way...real studio monitors. But frankly, who gives a sh!!t about those.

Its a long process, but well worth it when you have a mix that generally sounds good wherever its played. They'll always be issues with anything, but that recording can sound real nice if you work it right.

Keep going, keep me posted