Hi Folks ... Mixing and Mastering music is complicated. I'll explain, but first, the audio file above is the result of roughly a week (and many, many hours) of listening, adjusting, and listening again. When I begin such a project, each track is raw as it was recorded by the artist, and each track is only mono. Stereo comes later... The components in this mix are...
• 1 short intro track of African drum
This is only a loop sample (something that comes standard with my audio editing system). I liked the way it sounded and chose to use it. This track is only mono in front of, and near, the listener.
• 12 stems of Cello (stems are basically individual tracks)
All 12 stems were recorded with different parts being played. The same microphone was used for each stem. In each instance, the microphone was moved to capture specific qualities (low, mid, high notes) for that stem. Afterward, the next passage recorded using this technique. This artist played the song completely 12 times.
• 10 stems of guitar mixed down to 4 stems
Each stem pair was recorded with two different microphones and 2 different guitar tunings. The tuning changes were done to recreate a 12 string guitar sound. 2 stems were recorded using 2 identical microphones in front of and behind the artist in a large room. Mixing each guitar accurately creates the warmth and ambiance you would hear had you been sitting in front of the performer in a large, empty room. This artist played the entire song 5 times.
Sounds complicated right out of the box, doesn't it! Let me tell you, it is!
After several years away from producing music, the technology landscape has changed incredibly. For me, it's not that much different from starting from scratch. On a positive note, the workflow and speed of computers has dramatically improved. What once took an hour now takes only a few minutes.
I hope I'm not being too nerdy with all my explanations. If I've lost you, just go enjoy the music and forget reading the rest, haha... However, if this sort of thing fascinates you, here's the workflow!
I'll keep it simple...
• Each track needs to be listened to dozens of times as audio plugins are applied to each track (stem). As you listen, make changes to the settings of the plugin, and listen again you decide if you like it. If not, you apply a different plugin and start over.
• Once you have the sound \"sounding\" mostly OK, decisions are made to assign each track to a \"location\" in the listening area (left, right, center, near, far, etc...).
This is not easy. Past a point (maybe an hour, maybe two) your ears can no longer detect the subtle differences in the music and the alterations you have made using the audio plugin's. You stop, walk away, and come back to it another time. This is why it takes a while.
Where I am at this point...
Well, by listening to the track above you can easily tell it is now stereo (no longer mono). I have also balanced each track and placed it in the sound field; left, right, front, and distances from the listener who is sitting in the imaginary center of a large acoustically tuned room.
Am I satisfied with the sound at this point? I think so...
Like anyone, I keep listening and finding things I could do differently. Are the guitar strings too loud, or not loud enough? The same thoughts occur about the Cello. How do I blend these so they sound right? What sounds right?! It's subjective : /
Each morning, and each night, I listen again. This morning, I think it sounds good to me... To me. Kathy listens and tells me each time what she thinks, too. I take her advice into consideration. Everyone hears in their own unique way. Also, I have heard this so many times I'm no longer objective. That's where YOU come in!
The track is roughly 5 minutes long
Listen to it a few times. What do YOU think? Are the Cello's too loud, or not as loud as they should be? The same for the guitars. What do YOU think about the way I arranged the sound field? It IS balanced, but should there be any changes made?
While I wait for your input, I am planning to record the vocals. Yes, I will be singing, hahaha... To give you some idea of the style I hope to emulate. Listen to the track linked below. I know I won't sound \"like\" this guy, really. But, I like his style and it is this song I had in my head when I originally sang this song on the original version I recorded 35 years ago. I sent you that recording last week and will attach it again to this post.
Also, I have the words to the song attached below...
Ok, that's all for now. If you made it all the way to the end, you are a trooper, haha! I know some of this is well beyond what you know. That mentioned, listening to music is easy. Let me know your thoughts ; )
BTW, once I have this completely finished, it will be our gift to you : )
Thanks, Folks...
Jerry
God Shuffled His Feet - Crash Test Dummies
Mmmm Mmmm Mmmm Mmmm - Crash Test Dummies
","author_name":"Jerry and Kathy Wills"}