What Am I? - NEW MIX again...

[Mark Kaufman]

Thanks Warren, cj and Amp!Yet another new mix posted, this one just blindly trusting to a spectrum analyzer...how did this work?Hey cj, allow me to critique your critique--it's not what you say, it's how you say it. What probably gives you hate mail is that your writing style hints that you don't care about others. Being thick-skinned, wise, impossibly handsome and modest , I saw through that and was grateful for the time you put into reviewing my song. I think it's possible to tell people anything, even the most sensitive stuff, in a respectful and non-insulting way, but if you put too much of a brutal spin on it, people will think "arrogant know-it-all who doesn't give a rip about people" and dismiss what you have to say because you were too offensive in your approach. I think good critiques depend a lot on writing style. Anyway, I'm glad to have you aboard and look forward to talking more. Thanks again!-Mark

[zoom]

Hey Mark!I really liked the separation you found in the new mix, but I don't think you're quite done yet. The drums (especially the snare, which is also pretty loose) is too hot IMO, and if you're using EZDrummer, I've found pulling back the overheads and room tone is essential to tighten everything up more. Plus, then it makes putting on some more compression even easier. You may also want to put the cymbals on a separate track, just to make sure you can control the upper end a little more.Some other things to think about... putting some more presence in the lead vox and the guitar sound to make it a little fuller all around. Also, warming up the entire mix a bit would do wonders... it's still heavier on the highs. Relying on spectrum analyzers is a great way to start, but not the entire solution!But I think the parts all have their spots now, you peeled back the layers and called attention to all the different lines you have going on. Nice!

[cjdenecia]

yeah mark, zoom covers some of what's left quite well .... it seems like all that's left is to dial in the drums. they are still too bright ... and normally I'd say yeah - more tight verb presence on the lead vocal but in this case, I'm not sure - don't wanna sparkle that rough line up too much, it'd steal the charm.and I have zero problem with your critique of my critique style either man - truly .... I "may" have heard the suggestions you gave a few times before .... I'm just shite at diplomacy in reviews. I think it was about 03 that I gave up trying .... except with kids starting out ... my nice guy routine just comes off as insincere (mostly cus I'm not all that nice, black heart, ice in my blood, etc) and I wasn't kidding - I LOVE HATE MAIL. a good FUcj is pretty much a "I love you" to me.anyway, the mix is decidedly better but does still lack the warmth mentioned. sorta sounds like you've eq'd the kit from top to bottom far far away from where it might have started - like you're trying to turn it into a different kit entirely instead of just changing the drums out for what you're looking for ... could that be part of it? personally, I don't know much about it, I have a partner who programs all of my current stuff with addictive drums and he usually supplies me with a good premix and all I end up doing is throwing a lo-pass on it and running it through a multi-band comp to get it to where I want it in the mix ... in fact, if I muck with it too much, he gets sorta testy and usually just sends me a new pre-mix along the lines of what I've butchered his tracks to be ...helps having help.good luck finishing this off. it's been cool listening to it.

[Mark Kaufman]

Hey zoom and cj,I took the lazy approach and just eq'd the whole mix (after adjusting a few volume levels on the big crispy, crackling CPU-hogging main file). Didn't work, I see, but it's closer. Man, I really need monitors, because this sounds like crap in my cans and in my car and on my computer speakers. I definitely hear the thinness in the vocals and drums. I feel like a blind painter.The kit was just affected adversely by the change of compression and EQ...zoom is right, I have the overhead and room settings up on EZ Drummer, but I'll be better off pulling them out and EQing the track on it's own. I put everything, cymbals and all on the same track, so if it doesn't translate, I suppose I can also mute that track upon mixdown and put it alongside the mixed down track, independent of the master compression...Sucks to be broke...or at least, not enough money for a decent set of monitors. That's what would save me a whole lotta time and effort...THANKS! Really appreciate the ears.

[erandall]

HiI know nothing about mixes, but I think this sounds awesome! Really great! I have two suggestions lyrically:1. I think "Brightly shining star" should just be "bright shining star"2. I think in the chorus instead of "just something to do" it should be "just somebody to do"Obviously, extremely nitpicking things! Totally love it. Plus, I see you're from Minneapolis where one of my all time favorite songwriters, Gary Louris of the the Jayhawks is from. And my daughter goes to school there. Im a Minneapolis, make that Minnesota, fan!Good luck with this. I loved it!Cheers,Ellen

[Mark Kaufman]

Hi Ellen, and thanks for the tips! Thing is, the changes have a different rhythm...I like the changes on paper, but they sing different...story of my life.I spoke to Gary a few times when we were both playing the 400 Bar on the West Bank back in the 80's. I doubt he'd remember me. I used to open for bands playing solo acoustic sets, and the Jayhawks were just another band in flannel shirts and jeans back then. I liked them a lot...those harmonies were just as good then as they were later when they really took off nationally.Thanks again, Ellen and nice to meet you!-Mark

[cameron]

Hey Mark,It is a nice Beatles/Costello type sound you've got going here. Not sure what the "strings of my guitar" line was as it looks like you must have changed it before I read the lyrics but I don't see a problem with that. If you'd said "strings of my heart" I'da been all over you.Not sure how people can get too critical of the performances as it's meant to be a loose feeling song. WTF? Maybe it's supposed to be some kind of "studied looseness" so people know you did it on purpose. I think you're already aware of the mix issues from everyone else so I'll just leave it at that.Cam

[erandall]

Hi MarkHow cool that you've met Gary Louris! I actually snuck backstage when he and the Jayhawks were in Philly with the Rainy Day album tour just to thank all of them for that album. It kind of pulled me through a rough period...Anyway, I see what you mean about the rhythm and my lyric suggestions not working too well. That's something I tend to do.Thanks for your reply. Cheers,Ellen

[geo]

hey Mark..... I'm on laptop speakers.... but the mix sounds much improved..... the only thing that stands out is the cymbals are coming through kinda hot... is that a China?I likey even more .... good song!Peace, Geo