Acoustic Guitar Cue Mix Help

[DanLuedke]

This isn't for any particular listing but I would really appreciate some general mix feedback on this cue. I've been spoiled having Cass mix many of my tracks... now I have to learn. Thanks in advance!

https://soundcloud.com/danluedke/my-spinning-wheels

[larrymagee]

nice work. You might try turning the synths down. The tambourine at the beginning sounds a too quiet. The drums sound good on headphones but seem too quiet on my studio monitors. Maybe you can find a happy middle point for them.

[larrymagee]

one more thing.... $25 custom critique. If you ask them to focus on the mix, they'll really listen and give you some very specific advice.

[feaker66]

Dan Nice finger pickin. I hope Cass hasn't gone anywhere. He worked on one of my songs and he is the nicest guy. I'm not a mix guy. I was wondering if you could start with just the acoustic for just a little while and then start to add. Bass seemed a little low. Uplifting little ditty you have here. Good luck

Sincerely

Paul

[DanLuedke]

Thanks for listening and the great feedback, Larry and Paul.

I hope Cass hasn't gone anywhere. He worked on one of my songs and he is the nicest guy.

Cass is a great guy and an asset to these forums. I'm sure we will still see him around here but lately he has working on mixing his first 5.1 film which recently premiered:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2892654 ... 597055136/

[cassmcentee]

Thanks for the kind words gents!
Dan, this is a very nice piece!
It get's a little frenetic when most of the instruments stack on top of each other in the center when the drums kick in.
Here is what I would try:

The opening feels great... keep the cello full left throughout
Push the tambo mostly right and pull it back till you barely hear it
It is a busy guitar and the tambo should just add a little motion
When the drums kick in I would pan the guitar 80% to the right to let the drums hold center
Any added instruments (organ/synth and slide) should fill the left side so to balance out the guitar
The tone of the bass is great and should hold center with the drums
The drums ARE busy, I would try filtering off some of the high end
Seems to me the highZ of the drums kills the beauty of your fingerpicking
Then, of course, how to hide the hiss on the guitar track ending sustain?
As you've heard before, I'll add a long sustained China Hat cymbal or Riveted Sizzle Ride that sustains at the same HZs as the hiss to mask it.
Hope some of this helps!
You Rock!
Sincerely,
Cass

[SteveJCurtis]

Dan, I loved the piece. You're really cooking!
Great advice from Cass ( and I think he's brilliant too!) and one teeny tiny crit from me:-
The slide part at 0.54/55 one of the slide notes seems a little off pitch to me. And repeats towards the end. Could be my fried ears though, so don't hit me!
Other than that, lovin' it.
Steve.

[DanLuedke]

Thanks, Cass!

Here's the new version and old version:

https://soundcloud.com/danluedke/sets/m ... ls/s-mVVsx

I'm happy with it. Definitely less crowded.

Stevie, you caught me! I'm not much of a slide player but I thought I was getting away with it. I redid that slide part. I'm not as happy with the tone I got but I think the intonation is better. Thanks for your ears!

[cassmcentee]

Dan, if you still have time...
80% right on the acoustic might be a hair too much when the drums come in (maybe 70%?)
Bring the acoustic up from the 2 minute mark till 3:00
It drops too distant when the other instruments start that build, kinda gets lost.
Everything is sounding great, that high pass on the drums settled them down perfectly!

[DanLuedke]

Thanks again, Cass. The soundcloud file has been replaced with a new version.

Cutting some hi-z on the drums was a lightbulb moment for me.