first DIY recording adventure

[basey]

Hello,
I've been working on my bands demo for the last couple weeks.
I think I should maybe bounce a song off of people that AREN'T in the band. When I ask them, all hey say is "I should be louder".
So here goes.

Please tell me what you guys think. Bass players see the big picture better than guitards or drummers usually IMHO.

Any comments good or bad will be appreciated.
http://webmail.1897.palmer.edu/users...iles/SoLow.mp3

Thanks,
-Bruce

[heath_r_91]

I think the vocals need to be turned down a bit, and instruments boosted a bit, just to even them out some.

because as it is there were a lot of times when I couldn't really hear anything over the vocals.

Although not my style, I think it's pretty good, I really like your tone.

[thefruitfarmer]

I don't know if I am listening to a more recent version that the last reply but the vocals seem too quiet to me (this is one of the hardest things to get right though).....

Everything sounds pretty good otherwise.

Just needs polishing up!!

[basey]

Thanks for the comments.
I think the problem I may be having is related to not having proper studio monitors. The levels sound different on every sterio I play it on.
Unfortunately, I don't have the cash for some good monitors, and even if I did I would probably blow it on a cabnet. (being the gear slut that I am).

Anyway, your comments are helpful. If any of you TB'rs have good monitors I would love to here your opinion as well.

I've also updated to a different song.

Thanks
-Bruce

[thefruitfarmer]

My monitors are K Rok standards....(pretty good quality)

...They do have a dip in frequency response around the vocal range and I use small speakers (auratones) to hear the vocal level relative to the music and to check the general levels. The K Rok's are good for hearing more detail and checking at high volume; they are also tough enough to use when tracking.

"Proper studio monitors" do help but it more a case of training your ear and mind to hear the mix, whatever speakers you use. Although my K Rok's do have the mid frequency issue my ears are so used to them that I can hear what is going on despite the limitations of the speakers. Also, treating a mixing room with acoustic absorption materials makes an *amazing* amount of difference.

If your mix does n't translate to other systems easily you can listen to it everywhere you can (in the car, PC speakers, PA systems etc) and then make adjustments until it is right. This can take a while though.

What you could always do is pay a professional to mix it for you in a purpose built studio. If you like the sound of the mixes (s)he has already done then they should be able to get your music up to that level of quality....

I have gone on a big rant now!!

Hope this helps!

[PilbaraBass]

the sounds are all AWESOME...especially the drums...nice and FAT!...

levels are a tad high...nothing a remix can't solve...

for the guitar...you should take the track...run it through a delay of about 10ms and put it onto another track...it will really fatten up the guitar...

[basey]

thanks pilbarabass!

I went back and tried the guitar trick you mentioned. but it sounded really metallic for some reason. (no warmth)
I have to admit that I'm not 100% happy with the guitar sound, but I am happy with the way the bass turned out.

Thanks for the tip anyway.
-Bruce