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This is an OTB mix, ( 2 DAW workflow) but instead of using my go-to Monitor One's, this time I used Tannoy Reveals 6.0 (passives) as reference NF's, to test them out and see how they translate to other systems. (Power Amp is a Hafler Trans-Nova 1500).

I've had them for quite sometime, just began using them about 4 days ago... I'd like to hear comments using the song below as a reference mix. Lead Vocals and Keys are performed by my friend Terry, backing vox and all other instruments are me. Drums are Superior Drummer.

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I uploaded this as a 44/24 .wav file, not an MP3...( although, what I don't know is, if even as a wave file, SC might still be adding some kind of file compression).

Sound Cloud has been adding some weird EQ and phasing artifacts, intermittently, with my recent uploads lately, when I use MP3's, even at higher res rates of 250 and 320.

Hopefully this .wav will be okay. So far, it sounds like the .wav file, "pre-upload".

Anyway, if you can let me know how this mix sounds on your monitors, I'd appreciate it.
(low-end heavy/shy, mids and hi's as harsh/smooth, etc.)

And, FWIW, I don't care if you are using expensive monitors or cheap computer speakers - all are welcome to comment.

Looking for more of a reference critique than a mix critique, but also understand that these can go hand in hand... so feel free to advise in any way you feel might be helpful.

I need to know if I should be keeping these around as another accurate reference source, or if they are skewing the sonics to where I should dump them.

Thanks :)

d.

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Comments

Tony Carpenter Fri, 01/09/2015 - 07:52

Ok, so, first mix so far. As a keyboardist, to me, I hear a lack of depth in a few places, too low in the mix maybe?. Great sounding, love Superior Drummer too, my go to when my drumming sucks or I can't get someone else.. MOST times. There are some over zealous bits of snare going on. While I love a good pistol crack, it's overwhelming the mix in a few spots. Terry and your vocals combined sound stellar (Doobie brothers almost). Guitar may even handle a little more boost. Overall, other than a slight swirl, which may be related to Terrys organ sound, I love it.

anonymous Fri, 01/09/2015 - 09:24

Thanks Tony.

The "crack" on the snare was intentional, as a request from my client, who wanted something completely different than the original version (Todd Rundgren) which I'm pretty sure, was a Linn snare. It's boxy and beefy, he was looking for something not as thick.

In short, it was intentional. I don't normally mix a snare in at that level, at that compression, with 3.5 k boosted. I thought the kick was hot too, (both of my versions) it's also a bit hotter than where I would normally put it, but I think it works for this song. Bass guitar was a Hoffner. There is no guitar in the original Todd version at all... we almost didn't put one in ourselves. In the end we decided on a Nylon for the riff and for "chinks" on the 2 and 4 during the verses to melodicize the back beat.

Here's Rundgren's version, if you wish another reference. I don't think that ours is even close. We weren't attempting a tribute cover, we wanted to make it our own.

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I'm not sure if I'm just still in the acclimation period of the Reveals, or if they really aren't up to par - or - if it's just because I've mixed one the Monitor Ones for so long now. But I've adjusted to other pairs of monitors in the past a lot quicker than I am these Tannoys. But I also think the 2nd mix is better as well.

Thanks for listening and commenting, I really appreciate it. ;)