How's this Mix? (orch version)

[Burt Crow]

Hey Vincent

Ozone outstanding mastering but . . . as I’ve recently discovered reverb section on it is ‘Huge’. Don’t know what they were doing when they worked on that but much above ‘5’ and it sounds like the ‘bottom of a brown bag at the end of the longest toilet hall ever invented’

I use a cheap neat reverb called reverberate, its convoluted but really well priced and great after sales service – it’s a one guy developer I think. I set up close/mid/drum/long on aux channels and feed to taste. Then just the slightest master verb for a little cohesion. When mastering/mixing I walk to the back of my room or out of the room to check on this - turning on and off and reduce until the 'mud' stops

Burt

[rnrmachine]

Hey Burt,

I gave this version a listen and I do like it much better as far as a more pro sounding mix. As far as the squeaks go? I have found more musicians like it then the non musician public. Many people complain about it like it's a chalkboard thing... although me personally... I am indifferent. I have no "poll" to back me up on that so you have to take it for what it is.. one persons current view on it. hehe

Something is a bit odd with the drums... maybe I am hearing too much "click" from the beaters... /shrug You could try cutting about 3khz and see if that helps. It might be as high as 6-7khz though. Since that is where the top of the click is heard on a kick drum. Maybe try a low pass filter on the drums. I am only guessing and telling you what I would try if it was my mix.

I also feel that perhaps, when thinking of your original mix, you could still make a much dryer version like that first one. Just back instruments off with panning, faders and EQ more then reverb although still use some reverb. Just for the dryer mix, use a room rather then a hall. What I mean by EQ is... less presence on something, IE treble, will make it sound more removed and less forward in a mix.

Excellent piece dude, I still really like it... just as much if not more then the first time I heard it. Just the first time I heard it, I could hear more going on and it sounded more complex. Hence the reason I said maybe make 2 versions and still work up that dryer version. Because I love the dryer version, barring my mix issues I mentioned, but this version is cool as heck too!

Rob

[howlindog]

DavRom,

I really like this piece. The balance is great. Something that stands out to me - maybe distracts me - each time I listen to it is the guitar / keyboard unison at 2:04 - 2:12. It stands out because it doesn't quite line up rhythmically. In a way that's good - it makes it sound "real". But, I did have a jazz composition professor tell me in a writing class a couple of decades ago: if it sounds like it could be a mistake, it's a mistake; whether you meant to do it or not. Again, I think the piece is great just like it is. The Hallmark channel (or whoever) may prefer that those few notes are just a seemless as the rest of the piece, however; I don't know.

I don't write in this style, but I have used a sample that you may find useful in future orchestrations for this kind of music. You may already have it, but if not check out Symphony of Voices by Spectasonics.

[DavRom]

Hey Burt,

I gave this version a listen and...

I think you meant this for me

my take on squeaks... I don't care about them much either way. I don't need them there and if they are it's ok too. it's not like they're musical, it's just a quirk of the instrument. although if the guitar is sent to a brighter reverb it can be a bit much. anyway, I ain't taking no chances and have that be the only reason something gets returned

the "odd" thing on the toms is intentional. I chose a particular plate verb to bring that out some in the sample. obviously doesn't appeal to you. that's cool

on your thoughts about the original...yes, i'm making a "smaller room" version, more intimate-like incorporating ideas like yours. It'll also give me a chance to work on some of the mixing issues mentioned in the other thread. Interesting that you heard more going on there

thx again for listening and commenting!

[DavRom]

DavRom,

I really like this piece. The balance is great. Something that stands out to me - maybe distracts me - each time I listen to it is the guitar / keyboard unison at 2:04 - 2:12. It stands out because it doesn't quite line up rhythmically. In a way that's good - it makes it sound "real".

that piano is late during the whole piece, most times as much as an 1/8 note. Seriously, it gives a laid back feel during the unison phrase that I like

thx for mentioning that Spectrasonics gear. and of course thx for listening and commenting!

[mdorren]

Hi,
I'm new to the forum, but excited to be part of it. I loved this piece, especially the Guitar to piano transition... very intimate. Thanks for sharing

Regards,
Marty