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JeffH
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9/12/2016 6:11:20 PM
Looking for mix thoughts...
I don't do much more than just mix and bounce my tunes. Generally position things where I believe they sound right... add a little reverb and go.
Don't really fully grasp the whole engineering aspects but recently I've started trying out some different compression's...
So I'm looking for some feedback...does this level work or does it sound over compressed?
Any mix thoughts are cool... using this drop box mix it's a wav. file instead of the MP3
I had it originally posted as a new song but didn't like the over-all sound so here's where it's at.
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/15367559/Behind%20Walls.wav
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Two Silo Complex
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9/12/2016 7:21:19 PM
Hi Jeff,
In general I don't think compression belongs in a master track because it its nearly impossible to use one compression level that works for everything. Unless your using high fidelity mastering compressors that are extremely expensive.
I do think that compression on certain track can be used for instance snare drum is often compressed some people use compression on bass drum for certain sounds they want to accomplish. Compression is often used on vocal but in my opinion I think its normally overdone and not really necessary if you eq the vocal right.
Sometimes people use compression on bass if they want a bass sound that uses compression.
In regards to you mix it was pretty balanced, I think you might have either used compression on the individual track and the master tracks but I'm not sure exactly what you did. Your mix does not sound bad it could be considered as over compressed and a little restrained for that. If you used compression on the individual tracks then I would see how you like it with out compression on the master track.
If you only used compression on the master track I would suggest you remove it and only compress those channels you want compression on. There is no right or wrong approach it is what sounds good to you. Some people love over compressed sound in my opinion that is not the best sound.
Your mix is decent the compression might have been a touch too much I think if you remix it you will be happier with the end result.
That is my opinion for whatever that is worth.
Two Silo Complex,
Ken
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Richard Scotti
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9/12/2016 8:20:57 PM
---- Updated 9/12/2016 8:29:08 PM
In general I try to stay away from using compression on anything unless it's absolutely necessary and even then only very minimally. Compression tends to squeeze the life out of music and makes it less warm in my opinion. I haven't listened to your track yet but I will tomorrow. But my bottom line is the less compression the better. Of course it has it's place especially on individual tracks but used very sparingly to tame a wild track that is not playing nice with the other children but I would be very careful when using compression on entire mixes.
As Ken said, there are so many different kinds of compression and compressors. You have to find the right amount and the right style of compression for your specific needs. Nuance and subtlety can go right out the window with the wrong kind of compression or an excessive amount. A song can sound too loud, distorted, shrill or muddy depending on the method and amount of compression. My basic philosophy for what it's worth is that mastering is often thought of as a corrective measure to fix what is broken.
But if you spend the time to mix something properly you need not fix what isn't broken. This is just my personal belief and what works for me. I say that everybody should do what works for them. Above all, music and sonics are subjective.
Trust your gut and your ears. If it sounds good you, then it sounds good. If you have doubts keep experimenting until you're happy with it. Sometimes asking others for their opinion can become confusing as everybody has a different view of it. Too much reverb is another thing to be wary of. Use it wisely or it just distances your listener form the authenticity and the clarity of the tracks.
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JeffH
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9/13/2016 4:04:33 PM
Thanks for your thoughts guys...
Like I said usually just go by my ears...
on that tune I did use the compression on the master volume track just as an experiment... but it's not something I usually do.
Yeah we all do hear things different... still don't mind to hear others thoughts.
It's just an effect like reverb distortion delay etc... I'll try anything just for the helluvit. No harm in that. right? Either it works or it's the weekend... ;-)
After listening to it today with cleaner ears I am going to dial it back a notch or two.
Thanks again for the input.
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Steve White
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9/13/2016 4:28:20 PM
I just hit a bunch of buttons and pray for the best. :)
Steve
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Stoneman
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9/15/2016 11:59:18 AM
Every producer seems to have their own method of getting things done. I seldom use compression on a overall mix as I don't feel qualified to do that. That is what the mastering engineer is paid to do. It is a very specialized skill. However, I do occasionally use compression on my Bass guitar, vocals and any sound signal that I deem to weak to stand in the main mix on its own. A better way of getting things to stand out is through the use of pan. But not everyone is good at that either. I don't like my music to sound too smashed. I like to hear a few things sticking out like a hi hat or a flute. Those weaker sounds are the sounds that I concentrate a bit of compression on. But as a rule, in my studio, compression never gets used on the overall mix. That doesn't mean that my way is the best way it just means that it is the way I was taught in recording engineering school and I have never strayed from that way. One thing that I tell young producers is that they have to find their own ways and methods of getting their tracks completed to professional standards. That means there should be lots of experimentation along the way. I still try new things and approaches because I have learned that experimentation brings forth innovation and clarity in sound. In time you will learn that the only right way is the way that works for you. It is all subjective to your own experience, goals and sonic capabilities.
Much Respect,
Stoneman
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