Here's a second mix with a bit better levels all way round and some of the vocal alignment issues taken care of. Still working on cleaning up the "k" and mouth pops but I think this one breaths a little more naturally now. I looked at the last feedback I got from you guys re the kick and snare and letting the overheads do most of the heavy lifting so I made some changes here to reflect that as well.

[MEDIA=audio]https://recording.o…

Attached files Summer Romance ROv2.mp3 (11.6 MB) 

The music sounds very good.. Nice job !
The vocal, isn't bad but not my cup of tea. To my own taste there is too much effects and panning is a no no for lead vocal.
I'd like to hear your voice, it's like you're trying to hide it.. Many self produced signers do that.. It's very sad because you seem to have a very nice voice..
Of course.. my own taste remember.. I respect that it is your thing.
The electric solo could come foward but it might be ok after some mastering process...
The snare could have more chain sound, it sounds like they were almost off..

Anyway.. very nice..

pcrecord, post: 456017, member: 46460 wrote: The music sounds very good.. Nice job !
The vocal, isn't bad but not my cup of tea. To my own taste there is too much effects and panning is a no no for lead vocal.
I'd like to hear your voice, it's like you're trying to hide it.. Many self produced signers do that.. It's very sad because you seem to have a very nice voice..
Of course.. my own taste remember.. I respect that it is your thing.
The electric solo could come forward but it might be ok after some mastering process...
The snare could have more chain sound, it sounds like they were almost off..

Anyway.. very nice..

Thanks Marco -- I'll get rid of the panning on the doubled vocal, and dial back the FX mix on the vocals (which are micro pitch treatments for the most part using the Eventide UltraChannel plugin from 100% to about 70% and see how that sounds.

Yes - I'm timid about hearing my own voice recorded so I tend to hide it -- this particular song cycle is trying to capture a certain kind of production style (say early 80's cars w/ a 70's sensibility) so some of the vocal processing is by design and but I think I still need to do less -- I think less is more in this case so I'll shave off some as I said above.

The snare definitely sounds like it's missing the chain... Would it be wise to maybe consider blending in a drum sample on that (assuming I can use the capture to trigger a sample).

I'm also trying to tame the cymbals a bit -- this drummer's captures are fairly splashy as is his style... so learning how to work with these as best I can is part of my learning curve. When I get a chance to get this mix a little more tame I'll post an updated mix to hear.

DogsoverLava, post: 456020, member: 48175 wrote: Would it be wise to maybe consider blending in a drum sample on that

It's not a big problem and you could say you wanted it like that ... My comment was more about noticing it and maybe you could put a bit of attention on it the next time..
Yes a sample blending could compensate, if it is something that bothers you enough to take the time..
About the vocal, I'm in the same situation. I'm not the best signer but I never the less try to mix it like if it was someone else. In your case I genuinely think you can put it more up front and it will serve the song. In the end this is your song.. take my ideas if you like, they are just suggestions ;)

pcrecord, post: 456021, member: 46460 wrote: It's not a big problem and you could say you wanted it like that ... My comment was more about noticing it and maybe you could put a bit of attention on it the next time..
Yes a sample blending could compensate, if it is something that bothers you enough to take the time..
About the vocal, I'm in the same situation. I'm not the best signer but I never the less try to mix it like if it was someone else. In your case I genuinely think you can put it more up front and it will serve the song. In the end this is your song.. take my ideas if you like, they are just suggestions ;)

I appreciate the suggestions as they come backed with experience and a skillset that I am still myself only beginning to develop. Of course I sort of have a vision for the song and my production -- but I only know what I know and in order to make the most of every project I have to view it first as an opportunity to learn and try new things. Feel free to always comment or share ideas or thoughts. I think some of what helps (certainly it helps me when you guys post your stuff for critique) is we can hear before and after versions of stuff that shows the results of some of the changes suggested -- the really helps learning. I wish more guys posted mixes here and more critiques were offered because it really gives context to things and has really helped me learn. I've got two other songs in the pike -- one is a very dry upfront vocal -- very naked, the other is similar to this one so it will be fun to post those when they are finished. Scary stuff to hear your voice so upfront - not the same as singing in the shower or car or with a choir (where most of my experience comes from). Thanks again Marco. You guys are all great and your suggestions are very very highly valued by me.

pcrecord 60% less wet on the vocals and zero panning with a few Eq and level tweaks to allow a bit more acoustic guitar across the mix and a bit more room & separation for the instruments. In fact I removed the Fx on one of the doubled vocals, and dialed back the mix to 40% on the other so - 160% less wet!!!

[MEDIA=audio]https://recording.o…

Attached files Summer Romance ROv4.mp3 (11.6 MB) 

Another mix - still trying to open up the vocals a bit to be more natural and to get some better glue in the mix overall. Dreaming of getting an ISA One.......

[MEDIA=audio]https://recording.o…

Attached files Summer Romance Master V2.mp3 (11.7 MB) 

Make that lead vox pop out with some eq