Advice on my mix

[LiquidTension]

If y'all wouldn't mind, I love to get some pointers on the mix and EQ of a song I'm working on. I know I need to do a few adjustments with the levels in a certain places, but my biggest problem is EQ. My two biggest problems are with the rhythm and lead, but mostly the lead. It just doesn't sound quite right. I'm recording with an SM-57 into a Mackie 1202VLZ Pro then into an Echo Gina24 and then into a demo of Samplitude for the time being. I'm having a hard time getting the highs to be crisp through the Mackie board. It's almost like the top end is muffled a bit. I've used an enhancer on it, but I'm still not content. I'm shooting for a thick lead sound that's deep, but not swimming in effects. Also, if anyone could give any pointers on an overall EQ, I'd appreciate that. It's my first "real" recording. I think the link below should work, but let me know if it doesn't.
http://www.geocities.com/girduploins/TyquishasBoogie.wma

[Sip]

I thought that the EQing was fine on my system. I think that more time should be spent on the drum programing. The sounds are fine but every hit sounds the same.

It's not really my kind of music, but everything sounds clean... maybe too clean. Has anyone here ever run drum track like this through a tube pre?

[imitation-music]

I thought it sounded pretty good. The drums remind me of the Aerosmith song "Lovin' in Elevator." http://www.audioforums.com/forums/wink.gif

Not my type of music but it's good.

Did I mention it was good?

[This message has been edited by imitation-music (edited 07-21-2002).]

[Sip]

LiquidTension

I do think it sounds good. My commments were from a musical standpoint. I think that adding some dynamics to the drum track might improve it even more. Accents can really help.

Perhaps you can find different samples of the same snare.

[LiquidTension]

I almost dread asking this question, but what if I were to use a gated reverb on the drums? I may use a limiter or compression on the drums to make them hit a bit more.

When you say "too clean," do you mean that they need more effect, more warmth, or both? They're Sonic Implants Ambience drum soundfonts. I'm just running from an SB Live into the Mackie board and then into the Echo Gina card. That's pretty much the extent of my external hardware (other than a TC Electronic guitar processor and two mics). Any suggestions of what to do with the drums (like specific changes and how to go about them)?

Thanks for all the input. http://www.audioforums.com/forums/smile.gif

[imitation-music]

My advice for the drums it to get a real drumset and some drum mics and record them that way. It just seems like the style of music your aiming for doesnt mesh well with programmed drums. The drum track in there now isnt doing the guitar justice.

[Sip]

LiquidTension

You're right, I should explain myself better. I think your drum tracks sound excellent for programed drums. I just think that a live drummer would bring a lot more musicality to the tune. I guess that's what I ment by "too clean".

[Sip]

imitation-music

Yep!

[This message has been edited by Sip (edited 07-21-2002).]

[LiquidTension]

I was actually typing my reply when you sent your second post in :-) I felt a little silly because you sorta clarified a little bit in that post, but anyways. Should I use a velocity randomizer (drums are done in Cakewalk HS 2002) as well as going back and adding specific accents in various places or would compression/limiting sorta cancel out any slight variations?

[Sip]

Now your talkin!

[Tico Teco]

Hi Liquid,

Well, sounds pretty good but the snare is too low, man. It has to kick!

Nicccccce,

Tico Teco

[Michael Quayle]

Personally, I think the tone of the lead guitar is really nice - it sounds, to my ears at least, fat and warm and deep and all those other things you wanted it to sound. I would back off the send levels to that reverb and delay though - if you don't want a sound thats swimming with effects, don't throw it into the deep end of the delay pool! Seriously though, if thats just a '57 and a VLZ pro you are doing a lot of right things. I agree that most of te work lies with the drums - they need to be keeping up with the energy levels of the guitar. Look slike you have your work cut out. Good luck!