Mixing, bass in this mix opinions requested.

troll · #1 12-12-2009, 10:48 PM

Still mulling over the mixes for the bands upcoming debut album. I'd like to get some opinions based on this track of the bass in the mix.

Me being shy and humble, have always felt ok with taking a back seat role in my previous bands recordings.

However with this current band, they constantly remind me they'd like me up front loud and proud. Think Iron Maiden and such. We're all huge fans.

I heard from everyone else that it needed to come up in the mix and this is a sample of what we've come up with so far. However, this track in particular has gotten a few responses (mostly from the singer) who says it's a bit overboard in this track. But part of me (ego?) thinks it's spot on. It most likely is due to the double thumping/popping cutting through in the verses. I'll have to confirm that specifically.

But the short question being, is this overkill or just about right? Simple opinions is all that's needed. Thanks.

http://pengaru.com/~troll/dmw-selfish.mp3

Forgot I had another track that pretty much tells the same story. Modest normally until some slap comes in. No one complained about this one though... http://pengaru.com/~troll/dmw-btb.mp3

facethebass · #2 12-13-2009, 07:50 AM

Nah, I'd leave it right where it is. It fills a deep narrow place in the song and the level needs to be where it is or the percussiveness gets lost. Nice tight song by the way.

Subs · #3 12-13-2009, 08:16 AM

sounds fine. probs just your singers ego thinking you may be steeling some of the glory...

MonkeyBass · #4 12-13-2009, 08:28 AM

I'd bring it down just a tad during the verses.

Ask ten people, you'll get ten opinions though.

Cool song.

dmusic148 · #5 12-13-2009, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MonkeyBass

Ask ten people, you'll get ten opinions though.

+1. Here's mine: I think what you are playing is just great(verses) but I'm not a huge fan of your tone there- sounds a bit 'bridge pickup-y.' Maybe consider EQ-ing some of the clackyness out of your track, just in the verses- I think the clackiness is what makes it sound a little too up-front.

spz8 · #6 12-13-2009, 08:46 AM

Your bass has great midrange tone allowing it to cut through without being overpowering, but yes, it can make thumps/pops a bit harsh at times. Maybe some subtle EQ tweaks? Overall, the bass is where it belongs, any lower in the mix, and the whole song will start sounding a little wimpy. The mixes sound nice and full, don't change the bass level. Butter up the singer, complimenting his smooth harmony vocals - maybe he won't complain as much! ;-)

JohnDavisNYC · #7 12-13-2009, 09:00 AM

sounds good. my only complaint would be that it sound a bit 'in the box' sonically... maybe that isn't true, but i would like to hear this mixed on an analog console... get some transformers thickening up the mix... the mix feels a bit too clean, and the panned guitars feel too dry and separate...

i heard no issue with the bass, except maybe that a good mastering engineer could tighten up the bottom a tiny bit, but that is par for the course on almost any mix.

but then again, this genre isn't really my bag, and maybe the digital sound is what is liked in this style. i just like heavy rock to sound like the music is rocking so hard it's beating the **** out of every piece of gear between the tape machine and the speakers.

john

troll · #8 12-13-2009, 10:19 AM

Thanks for the comments guys. I knew it wasn't going to be for everyone and the tone certainly would get a few jeers here. It was simply direct. And solo sounded growly and great. In the mix with two thick guitars, lost. I said I'd rather have it cut through with clever eq than just be turned up, and that's what we came up with. Of course it's not my favorite slap tone, and yeah it could be more highs instead of upper mids, but it's ugly in a pretty way so I've grown to like it. Everyone else has a squeaky clean tone, why should I be just another... I just wanted to get some of the grit and attack to cut through without being overbearing, and I think we've come up with a happy medium.

I was hoping the same thing when it came down to mastering, getting the low end tightened up. We've got a great mastering studio lined up that it will definitely be going to. I was a stickler about that. I've never gotten to that stage on past recordings and damned if I'm not going to spend the money on my first full length album that I can be proud of, to be done right!

It'd be a shame if I spent all that time and money getting G# to work and use it in the song and not have it heard and felt.

Thanks again guys. Keep the comments coming...

troll · #9 12-13-2009, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spz8

Butter up the singer, complimenting his smooth harmony vocals - maybe he won't complain as much! ;-)

I'll make sure to butter HER up

spz8 · #10 12-13-2009, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by troll

I'll make sure to butter HER up

Doh! ;-) Great vocals though!

derrico1 · #11 12-13-2009, 11:07 AM

Just listened to first 30 secs. The levels generally work, but there are spots where vocal line gets covered by the instruments. For example, in the first verse the mix works until "All I need is something to hold onto," but then the vocal line gets swamped.

Rather than bring the bass down for the whole tune, I'd just tweak the problem spots to avoid throwing shadows on the vocals.

Kyo6JM · #12 12-13-2009, 01:59 PM

I'd say the vocals are bit low in the mix overall, so it's not just the bass (that one sounds fine to me).