[LAU] Mix feedback on a new track?

[Len Ovens]

On Sat, 4 Oct 2014, James Harkins wrote:

> I just did a rough mix on a track... well, I think a little better than a 
> rough mix, but I can't go much further without some other ears having a 
> listen. All audio synthesis is in SuperCollider running in Ubuntu; then I 
> recorded stems on disk and loaded those up into Ardour (2) for easier control 
> over the mix.
>
> A variety of influences at play here -- hope some of you enjoy it! Generally 
> I'd put it under the electronica label, though it doesn't exactly fit.
>
> http://www.dewdrop-world.net/audio/wiggle-room4.mp3

It is hard for me to hear the over all mix on my netbook, the low end is 
basically missing. The high hat seems to stick out quite a bit. I do not 
know if this is good or bad, but, from a drummers POV, I would like to see 
some variation in the HH sound. For example on the beat where the HH and 
snare hit, a slightly open HH sound would be nice with a little bit of ring to 
it. (this is a common feeling of mine for music using HH sampled/synthed) 
Variaty in something that is used a lot would make for a less robotic 
sound and something more "human". Pulling the HH down in the mix just a 
small bit may help too, but then rememebr that my high end is emphasised 
so someone elses comment who has a full range system to listen to (mine is 
in storage) would be better.

The reason I point this out is that even though there are many changes of 
feel through the piece the HH is always the same. If the snare was higher 
I might feel the same about that too, but because it is lower in the mix 
it doesn't stand out the way the HH does. IMO, any good electronic 
drumkit, sampled or synthed, should have more than one HH and snare sound 
the sound like they are played on the same HH or snare, just minor 
variations. Some of this can be done with layering and velocity, but I 
think more is needed. There are probably more HH "notes" in any one song 
than any other note (unless you are doing the solo in Cinamon Girl). As 
such I think it is worth the time to make it as interesting as possible.

Please note that I come from the guitar/bass/live drums end of things and 
so my thoughts come from different styles of music and may not fit here.

--
Len Ovens
www.ovenwerks.net