Bandmate disagreement...is this a muddy mix/master?

Re: Bandmate disagreement...is this a muddy mix/master?

@gibson175: Wow...now that's specific! :) Thanks man!




@ Dankstar: Thanks dude! All you guys seem to prefer the post #11 mix..
 
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Re: Bandmate disagreement...is this a muddy mix/master?

There is a lot of potential in these tracks ... time to get out the divining rod and find that vein!! :)
 
Re: Bandmate disagreement...is this a muddy mix/master?

Awesome man...really keen to hear what you can do with this!! :beerchug:
 
Re: Bandmate disagreement...is this a muddy mix/master?

There sounds like there is some weird phasing going on the stereo field just feels weird. The guitars need a bit of carving out of the low mids I think (be very careful not to make them too thin) and there needs to be less lows in instruments that aren't kick and bass so the low end from them is more punchy. But the second mix you posted was much better, the first one severely lacked highs. You can have a thin and muffled mix if there isn't enough low end punch and high mid attack.
 
Re: Bandmate disagreement...is this a muddy mix/master?

You are right, there are fairly major phase issues. Fortunately, it is mostly due to comb filtering between multiple mics on single sources.
 
Re: Bandmate disagreement...is this a muddy mix/master?

It's a decent start, but it could be much, much better.

Drums need to come up A LOT.

Guitars need less lows and more presence. The solo in particular sounds like it's under a mile of water.

Vocal sits on top of the mix, doesn't really blend in at all.

In general, everything needs a bass cut and a bit of high end sparkle.


If you're interested, I'd be down with taking a crack at a mix. I'm trying to get some practice mixing stuff that isn't my own band, and I have a good enough setup to do quality work. I can't make any promises on quality since I don't know how many of the problems I'm hearing are due to recording or mixing. First song is free. PM me and let me know if this interests you, and we'll work out the details.
 
Re: Bandmate disagreement...is this a muddy mix/master?

Well, here's my attempt at cleaning the mix up. Please have a listen and lemme know what y'all think! :)

 
Re: Bandmate disagreement...is this a muddy mix/master?

Well, here's my attempt at cleaning the mix up. Please have a listen and lemme know what y'all think! :)


That sounds MILES better. I listened to the first two mixes and reading through the thread knowing that those were the source sounds i figured that there wouldn't be much hope in making this resemble a proper mix in any shape or form.

Whilst your mix isn't amazing like your usual work. I do think that you have done well with what was available. The mass of LF energy is now better tuned and not half as bloaty. The instruments themselves could sound far better but imho this would require retracking with better source sounds.

As has been said many times in the past. You can't polish a turd but you can roll it in glitter... I think you have achieved just this.

Also i would like to add that this is in no way a dig at the OP's mix i too am guilty of using completely unsuitable source sounds in a mix.
 
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Re: Bandmate disagreement...is this a muddy mix/master?

Yeah, I think the only real solution is to record better tracks next time. This mix is clearer, (more focus/punch & less mud) but as a result it's also a bit too thin/trebly. I think twilight did the best that could be done considering the problems with the source tracks... thanks man :)
 
Re: Bandmate disagreement...is this a muddy mix/master?

My band just did a cover of Motorhead's Deaf Forever (from Orgasmatron) for a Motorhead tribute CD featuring a bunch of other local bands...

Recorded at a friend's home studio and then mixed/mastered by another friend...






Pretty 'bare-bones' recording ~ one rhythm guitar track/one lead, one vocal track (two for the chorus).

Earlier mixes sounded really thin/crisp/trebly/anaemic (awful) to me and this one I'm okay with, but a couple of my bandmates (singer & drummer) say it's too full/muddy ...they want it brighter/crisper. So is it my ears ...or are they right?

The guitars are way dark. They need definitely need some work. Some parts are ok and others still a bit muddy/dark. There is definitely work still to be done
 
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