The Police - Driven To Tears

Posted: Fri May 19, 2006 7:45 pm

Submitted for your comments / constructive critique...

Driven To Tears.mp3

Posted: Fri May 19, 2006 10:24 pm

Personaly, I thought the guitar was a little thin sounding and the bass a little too prominent.(and I love a prominent bass) Too much punch and not enough bottom/balls in the bass. I love the drums. Thought the toms and crash/ride could come up in the mix more, although if the bass were brought down ever so slightly it would probably sit just fine. Overall the performance is great. I love this tune. Not a huge Police fan but some of their stuff was great. Please take all comments with ample salt. I ain't no pro. and it's just my opinion.

Posted: Sat May 20, 2006 12:29 pm

Well now I am stunned and confused? I thought this an excellent effort in a Sting/Police sound alike! Was it a sound like?? Or have you been taking your "sound like Sting" pills??

Unlike hueseph, I thought your work was right on the money! I loved it 100%!

My only suggestion might have been that the reverb on the snare drum had too much delay, was slightly too long in decay and was not quite bright enough? I certainly didn't think the guitar was sounding too thin? I thought it was phat warm and lovely! And I thought the bass drum and bass guitar mix was superb and tight. I did not find those too thick? The bass guitar sounded super!

I also assume that you did not record or mix this on a portable SSL 4000 series console like Hugh Padham used for Sting? I would love to know what you used and how you went about this recording because it is a marvelous example for everyone else to follow.

I am a police fan but not when it comes to speeding tickets!
Ms. Remy Ann David

Posted: Sun May 21, 2006 12:13 am

Thanks for the constructive feedback, I really appreciate it.

This was recorded on a Roland VS-2400CD. I bought it last summer as a quit smoking gift to myself.

Drum mics:
2 AT4040 OH - One over left side, one over floor tom.

AKG D112 - Inside kick 1" from batter head and offset ~3" from beater. No front head

SM57 - Snare

2- Shure Beta98 - high tom and low tom. Heavily gated.

AT2021 - Hi-Hat

The kick runs through a GT Brick as does the overdubbed cross-stick.
The snare was also overdubbed mainly because the level was to low to begin with. (Remy, that may the delay you're hearing)

The Guitars run through a Digitech Multi-effects pedal
Bass – Direct to Brick
Vocals mic – AT4040

I used Roland’s internal effects. (it's all I have for now)

That’s about it. It's just the 2 of us. I play drums and do most of the "engineering" and my friend is the true talent.

Posted: Sun May 21, 2006 2:22 pm

marknrox! Completely amazing for the sonic integrity I felt this recording represented! It's quite fascinating to do "sound alike" stuff because it is such an educational thing to do for young engineers! Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery and I'm sure Mr. Sting himself would be flattered by your efforts.

I am sure you must have compared your mix quite a few times against a similar Police/Sting CD original? Your marvelous use of your intimately familiar equipment to you has allowed you to deliver a very similar " flavor" of the sound that we have all known and loved for years from the Police.

And I want everybody here to understand that you did not use any particular pieces of exotic or esoteric equipment but a good overall general-purpose, affordable and entry-level oriented studio in a box along with a "BagOMiczz).

I'm quite proud of you over this particular recording. A + in my book!

You pass!
Ms. Remy Ann David

Posted: Sun May 21, 2006 3:43 pm

police is back!
now write some new songs in that style and i'll buy a cd!

(did he play the bass with his thumb?)

Posted: Sun May 21, 2006 10:00 pm

Thanks all, I appreciate you taking the time... feedback from this group is valuable!

Posted: Sun May 21, 2006 10:02 pm

Quote:

(did he play the bass with his thumb?)

He used a pick

Posted: Fri May 26, 2006 8:29 am

Hi marknrox.
Prey tell ....how did you upload your mp3 to your post ?!
What a cool idea. Like to do that myself.
Driven To Tears - The Police at thier absolute best !! Good song choice.
I had a short listen to your cover. I had to listen to it on someone else's PC which has not too hot speakers, so I'll have another listen when I get home.
Can explain about your mp3 upload ? Shocked

cheers

Posted: Fri May 26, 2006 8:50 am

Sure, I just uploaded the mp3 to my personal web space, and posted the URL as a link in my post. Just use the URL tag when posting.

Driven to Tears has always been a favorite of mine. We're thinking of doing a 'vamp' of When The World is Running Down to end the song. Let me know what you think when you get a chance.

Thanks

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