wicker1000
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Panning methods across multiple songs - same formula or mix it up?
OK, so we have an acoustic Americana / folk type band (actually 2 main members plus 'special guests' for certain songs). At its core we use 2 main instruments (plus vocals): a Martin dreadnaught acoustic guitar, and a Dobro squareneck resonator. We do layer in other stuff but the "signature sound" will be the acoustic guitar / Dobro combo. Pretty basic and stripped down.
On our first couple songs I've separated the instruments by panning Dobro 45-55 deg Right, and acoustic guitar 45-55 deg Left. It's not an exact science and the degree of panning depends on what else we may have in the mix. But my goal is to simulate a stage experience for the listener.
Assuming many of the songs on our future CD will have a similar instrument makeup, would you recommend:
1) I use a similar panning approach to all songs so the listener has the sensory experience of "seeing' the same stage setup of the guitar and dobro on each track?
2) Mix it up and change panning from song to song to prevent boredom / monotony?
What are your thoughts?
Thanks,
wicker1000
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codamedia
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Re:Panning methods across multiple songs - same formula or mix it up?
2012/04/02 12:33:49
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I almost always approach it with #1 - using a similar panning approach across all tracks, but I am interested in hearing others views on this - as it is a question I have often asked myself.
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Jeff Evans
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Re:Panning methods across multiple songs - same formula or mix it up?
2012/04/02 17:14:31
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It may be your own music and if it is, then it is about whether you want your tracks to change somewhat not only in panning but texture and use of effects. Is it that bad to have tracks from the same artist be different engineering wise?
I think with something like soundscape instrumental tracks then it is very effective and sounds good. If it's maybe a pop album and for a client as well it may be better served keeping all the engineering very similar between songs. I have done both and liked it on both occasions.
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wizard71
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Re:Panning methods across multiple songs - same formula or mix it up?
2012/04/02 17:52:22
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I think this is a great question, one i have thought about myself before.
I think number 2 is of more interest for me because as a listener as i like the freshness of my ears being pulled in different directions.
I think the continuity/identity of the artist is preserved by the style of music and the individual way it is played/sung by the artists involved and also how the album is glued together by mastering.
My own productions are pretty busy in comparison and i just pan things to wherever i think sounds right rather than follow the same formula.
Jeff made a good point about texture and effects
Music is free form so i'd say go with whatever option does it for you the most, after all, its your music.
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bitflipper
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Re:Panning methods across multiple songs - same formula or mix it up?
2012/04/02 22:47:21
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If you have a copy, listen to New Favorite by Alison Krauss and Union Station. Preferably on good headphones. This is an extraordinarily well-engineered album that's been a long-time reference of mine for acoustical music.
As you listen, note that despite the variety of material there is great deal of consistency from song to song, not just in the panorama but in EQ and reverb too. It feels like you're hearing a great band giving one long performance in a perfect room, to an audience of one.
I am not saying that everyone should do it that way, but I'd have to have a compelling reason not to.
 All else is in doubt, so this is the truth I cling to. My Stuff
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Guitarhacker
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Re:Panning methods across multiple songs - same formula or mix it up?
2012/04/03 08:04:42
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Bit's advice...and choice of music to reference this properly is spot on.
Listen to how others in that genre do the panning. Most of the commercial (on CD) music has more than just guitar and dobro..... so you have many more options and ways to work with a larger number of instruments.
With acoustic and dobro (only using these 2 instruments) .... the problem I see is if you pan 45/45 like you said, the mix would tend to me weighted towards the acoustic which I'm guessing will be playing more then the dobro.
Personally, if I was mixing a tune (instrumental) with just those 2 instruments..... I would more than likely double the acoustic by recording it 2 different times...then I would feel OK panning it wider and opposite. That would give a nice stereo image..... and put the dobro, which I'm guessing is playing fills and lead licks, pretty much down the center.
I recorded a song that relies primarily on acoustic guitar (Footsteps: on my sound click page) where I used that very setup. Acoustic doubled and panned 100% L/R and a third acoustic track for fills centered. It also has an upright bass down the center.
just my 2 cents.
My website & music: www.herbhartley.com MC4/5/6/X1e.c, on a Custom DAW Focusrite Firewire Saffire Interface BMI/NSAI "Just as the blade chooses the warrior, so too, the song chooses the writer "
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Rimshot
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Re:Panning methods across multiple songs - same formula or mix it up?
2012/04/03 10:23:26
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wicker1000
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Re:Panning methods across multiple songs - same formula or mix it up?
2012/04/03 11:46:56
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Guys,
Thanks a ton.
Bit - yep, AKUS, the "gold standard" in Americana IMO, in more ways than one. I'll do some studying up on their album mix and see what I can glean.
Guitarhacker - you pegged it. Acoustic guitar for rhythm, and dobro for licks, fills, and mid song solo. So your suggestions make perfect sense.
Appreciate it folks.
wicker1000
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Guitarhacker
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Re:Panning methods across multiple songs - same formula or mix it up?
2012/04/03 14:53:37
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Back in the day when I was getting Netflik disks delivered.... I rented the Allison K and Union Station concert DVD..... wow! well worth the time... I think I watched it two or three times before I returned it.
My website & music: www.herbhartley.com MC4/5/6/X1e.c, on a Custom DAW Focusrite Firewire Saffire Interface BMI/NSAI "Just as the blade chooses the warrior, so too, the song chooses the writer "
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