The Neverending Mix

[jeffe]

This is something most of us probably go through. If we knew exactly what we wanted to do with it we'd sort it out in not time at all. I suppose it's all down to the learning experience.I've posted a link to a track in 'Shameless promotion' for that very reason. I've had replies and I'm over the moon that someone else has cast a critical eye on it, because I sometimes sit there. I know it's not right, but I can't really identify what it is. Well, there's a possibility that someone else will.If you are putting your tracks out for opinion. One important thing to remember is that each of us grows up with our own mixture of styles. So one persons criticism might be based on their likes. I think it's best to take more notice of those who share similar interests in music.Striving for a better mix!

[jeffe]

Perfectly understandable. It's well in advance of anything I do. I like to think I write good songs well. I just don't record good songs well. Thanks for the advice Ulf. I get the impression you've been doing this for some time. A studio hermit

[mixopenta]

Your suspicion is correct, I am (or was) a studio hermit... I used to make a living out of it, but I still have a whole lot more to learn. And for me it's the other way around - I make crappy songs sound decent Mixing is one of the steps in the recording process I actually enjoy the most...heck, sometimes I record something just to mix The real kick sets in when you've been mixing at a really low level for awhile, and when you think you've got the balance right, just crank it up really, really loud...thats like inhaling illegal stuff...(that is, when it sounds good) The experience of never being quite content with a mix (I have my fair share of those moments too ever so often), indicates to me that something is wrong with the listening environment. Not that having a comfortable monitoring situation eliminates the need of double checking in other systems, but there's a greater chance of success if it's a closer match to one's vision from the start.Another thing I find valuable (might be a personal thing), is letting other people listening in while you're double checking. They don't need to venture into sharing their opinions, in fact it's better if they keep their mouths shut. They only need to pretend they're listening. But what they do is boosting my analytical senses in a more critical way just by being present. You can sit for hours alone in front of your studio monitors slowly drifting into acceptance of just about anything, not noticing you're getting completely out of line... (oh gosh, that was a bit fluffy. I think my ears have been inhaling too much acid jazz lately..its getting to my brain - oh noooh!!

[jeffe]

There's a song in that

[og]

Quote:The mix is never done.... only released in a particular state at a point in time....ArkJackThat makes it onto the very short list of intelligent things I have heard today...

[mixopenta]

Arrgh! It takes me forever to compose the posts, and when I read through what I've been posting, I still notice f.u.b.a.r grammar... What I meant was; I compose crappy songs and make them sound decent, not "making crappy songs sound decent" Anyway, I'd be happy to hear some of your stuff jeffe, so please let me know when the ballad is ready

[jeffe]

Will do. Thanks