Lynn
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Reconsider - from the cold case files (remix)
Hello everyone. I've been having a busy summer, but I found a little extra time for this. Here's a song I wrote for a dear friend about 5 years ago. It's about having doubts after the breakup of a relationship (to which I can certainly relate ). Since I recorded this the first time, my mixing techniques and studio have undergone a sea change. This was about to be buried in my cold case files until I tried a few new tricks and tools on the mix, and this is what came out: http://www.soundclick.com...ngid=13608995&q=hi I look forward to hearing your comments over anything, and I appreciate your time and expertise. I remixed this following Dan Cumpian's suggestions on 8/4
post edited by Lynn - 2017/08/04 22:21:35
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dcumpian
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Re: Reconsider - from the cold case files
2017/08/03 12:29:34
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I think the whole track is EQ'd a bit too much into the mid/upper mid range. The lower frequencies are, for the most part, completely missing. The highs are there, but I might want to roll them off a little.
The arrangement is fine, I like it.
Regards,
Dan
Mixing is all about control. My music: http://dancumpian.bandcamp.com/ or https://soundcloud.com/dcumpian Studiocat Advanced Studio DAW (Intel i5 3550 @ 3.7GHz, Z77 motherboard, 16GB Ram, lots of HDDs), Sonar Plat, Mackie 1604, PreSonus Audiobox 44VSL, ESI 4x4 Midi Interface, Ibanez Bass, Custom Fender Mexi-Strat, NI S88, Roland JV-2080 & MDB-1, Komplete, Omnisphere, Lots o' plugins.
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daryl1968
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Re: Reconsider - from the cold case files
2017/08/03 13:29:00
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Listening through laptop speakers (as that's all i have right now) - love the song and choice of sounds etc and the mix sounds great here - everything very much in it's place.
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Lynn
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Re: Reconsider - from the cold case files
2017/08/03 15:58:22
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Dan and Daryl, thanks for your quick replies. Dan, I agree with you and I remastered this with a bump in the 250hz range. I was so concerned with making this less muddy that I went a little overboard. I spent some time monitoring it for laptop speakers which may have helped in Daryl's case, but not so much for the big picture. If you think I need to go back to my mix for the warmth, let me know, it's ready to go and will only take a short time.
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dcumpian
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Re: Reconsider - from the cold case files
2017/08/03 18:38:27
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Lynn
Dan and Daryl, thanks for your quick replies. Dan, I agree with you and I remastered this with a bump in the 250hz range. I was so concerned with making this less muddy that I went a little overboard. I spent some time monitoring it for laptop speakers which may have helped in Daryl's case, but not so much for the big picture. If you think I need to go back to my mix for the warmth, let me know, it's ready to go and will only take a short time.
I would, just so it translates better. However, if you are only applying an EQ curve to the whole mix, I would be more hesitant. Dan
Mixing is all about control. My music: http://dancumpian.bandcamp.com/ or https://soundcloud.com/dcumpian Studiocat Advanced Studio DAW (Intel i5 3550 @ 3.7GHz, Z77 motherboard, 16GB Ram, lots of HDDs), Sonar Plat, Mackie 1604, PreSonus Audiobox 44VSL, ESI 4x4 Midi Interface, Ibanez Bass, Custom Fender Mexi-Strat, NI S88, Roland JV-2080 & MDB-1, Komplete, Omnisphere, Lots o' plugins.
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bjornpdx
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Re: Reconsider - from the cold case files
2017/08/03 19:06:16
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Lynn
The chord changes reflect the lyrics very well.
About 3/4 through I noticed there's an organ in there which didn't seem to be that prominent earlier.
All in all, I enjoyed the song.
(I like the "cold case files" description. Yep, lots of those here.)
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Wayfarer
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Re: Reconsider - from the cold case files
2017/08/04 01:23:49
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"I think the whole track is EQ'd a bit too much into the mid/upper mid range. The lower frequencies are, for the most part, completely missing."
That wasn't the case at all for me. I'm not sure why we're hearing this so differently. I'm using some KRK Rokit 6" monitors here, and everything sounds just great.
Lynn, I don't easily hand out compliments about singing, musicianship, or songwriting, but I think those are all very, very well done. I love your voice. Every instrument was played very nicely. And while I don't listen to much vocal music, I really dig your tune. It reminds me a little of something George Harrison might have written. In fact, your song, "Defying Gravity", came up automatically afterwards as I was beginning to write this comment, and I like that one ever better. Me, I'm just an acoustic fingerpicker for the most part. I always admire people who can do the things that I can't, and in your case, that would be a whole bunch of things.
Bill
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dcumpian
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Re: Reconsider - from the cold case files
2017/08/04 12:45:45
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Wayfarer
"I think the whole track is EQ'd a bit too much into the mid/upper mid range. The lower frequencies are, for the most part, completely missing."
That wasn't the case at all for me. I'm not sure why we're hearing this so differently. I'm using some KRK Rokit 6" monitors here, and everything sounds just great.
Lynn, I don't easily hand out compliments about singing, musicianship, or songwriting, but I think those are all very, very well done. I love your voice. Every instrument was played very nicely. And while I don't listen to much vocal music, I really dig your tune. It reminds me a little of something George Harrison might have written. In fact, your song, "Defying Gravity", came up automatically afterwards as I was beginning to write this comment, and I like that one ever better. Me, I'm just an acoustic fingerpicker for the most part. I always admire people who can do the things that I can't, and in your case, that would be a whole bunch of things.
Bill
Are you referencing other commercial mixes on your monitors? Dan
Mixing is all about control. My music: http://dancumpian.bandcamp.com/ or https://soundcloud.com/dcumpian Studiocat Advanced Studio DAW (Intel i5 3550 @ 3.7GHz, Z77 motherboard, 16GB Ram, lots of HDDs), Sonar Plat, Mackie 1604, PreSonus Audiobox 44VSL, ESI 4x4 Midi Interface, Ibanez Bass, Custom Fender Mexi-Strat, NI S88, Roland JV-2080 & MDB-1, Komplete, Omnisphere, Lots o' plugins.
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Wayfarer
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Re: Reconsider - from the cold case files
2017/08/04 13:04:22
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Along with others, yes. I've had these for nearly 10 years. They get a lot of compliments. They're the best mid sized monitors in the sub $1000 range I've heard since I've been a studio owner (1982). Obviously I have larger ones that sound even more accurate, but these KRK's will tell you everything that's wrong with a mix in a hurry.
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dcumpian
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Re: Reconsider - from the cold case files
2017/08/04 13:16:53
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Wayfarer
Along with others, yes. I've had these for nearly 10 years. They get a lot of compliments. They're the best mid sized monitors in the sub $1000 range I've heard since I've been a studio owner (1982). Obviously I have larger ones that sound even more accurate, but these KRK's will tell you everything that's wrong with a mix in a hurry.
Maybe you just like your EQ curve with a bump in the middle  Dan
Mixing is all about control. My music: http://dancumpian.bandcamp.com/ or https://soundcloud.com/dcumpian Studiocat Advanced Studio DAW (Intel i5 3550 @ 3.7GHz, Z77 motherboard, 16GB Ram, lots of HDDs), Sonar Plat, Mackie 1604, PreSonus Audiobox 44VSL, ESI 4x4 Midi Interface, Ibanez Bass, Custom Fender Mexi-Strat, NI S88, Roland JV-2080 & MDB-1, Komplete, Omnisphere, Lots o' plugins.
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Wayfarer
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Re: Reconsider - from the cold case files
2017/08/04 13:49:35
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Or not since there isn't one. Nobody here agrees with you. Get yourself some better monitors. Don't rely on just one set. Everyone needs at least three---large, medium and small.
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dcumpian
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Re: Reconsider - from the cold case files
2017/08/04 15:02:04
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☄ Helpfulby Lynn 2017/08/04 22:27:56
Wayfarer
Or not since there isn't one. Nobody here agrees with you. Get yourself some better monitors. Don't rely on just one set. Everyone needs at least three---large, medium and small.
Already got that covered. Lynn, bump the kick around 50-80hz, and add a little to the bass around 150hz (to round out the bottom). That's really all that's missing. Dan
Mixing is all about control. My music: http://dancumpian.bandcamp.com/ or https://soundcloud.com/dcumpian Studiocat Advanced Studio DAW (Intel i5 3550 @ 3.7GHz, Z77 motherboard, 16GB Ram, lots of HDDs), Sonar Plat, Mackie 1604, PreSonus Audiobox 44VSL, ESI 4x4 Midi Interface, Ibanez Bass, Custom Fender Mexi-Strat, NI S88, Roland JV-2080 & MDB-1, Komplete, Omnisphere, Lots o' plugins.
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Lynn
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Re: Reconsider - from the cold case files
2017/08/04 15:24:34
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Thanks everyone for your replies.
Bjorn, thanks for your comments on the lyrics. It's easier to write if you have experience on your side.
To Wayfarer and Dan, here's my mixing procedure. I start on my KRK Rokit 8's ( which may explain why this mix sounds better on Wayfarer's monitors), then I go to mono on an Auratone to get my levels and some EQ touchup. After that, I go back to the KRK's and run the mix through Mixchecker and Arc 2 software to emulate almost any type of playback system. If I need more emulations I use the Focusrite VRM box with Sony 7506 headphones. By then, I'm pretty burnt out. Dan, I'll take your suggestions on the kick and bass and try an alternative mix. Thanks again.
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Wayfarer
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Re: Reconsider - from the cold case files
2017/08/04 16:16:44
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Don't forget to try it out in the car too. (Something I learned from David Foster eons ago when I lived in San Diego.)
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biodiode
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Re: Reconsider - from the cold case files
2017/08/04 18:45:42
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Listening to this on my KRK VXT4's and yes the bottom end is a touch light, nothing huge so in that sense I tend to agree with Dan. All that aside the song itself is very well arranged and shows good musicianship. Nice job Lynn.
www.biodiode.com https://soundcloud.com/biodiodePC Specs :-Sonar Platinum, Fractal Design Define R4 Case, Asus X-99 Deluxe motherboard, Intel Core i7 5960X Processor, Bequiet BK010 Dark Rock Cooler, 32GB - 2400mhz Corsair memory, 650W Bequiet Dark Pro PSU, 1GB XFX Radeon R5 Passive GFX, 2 x 256GB Samsung 850 Pro SSD, 1 x 3TB WesterDigital Black HDD, LG - BluRay Combo Drive, Windows 10, Kensington SlimBlade Trackball, LG34UM88C 34-Inch 3440 x 1440 UltraWide IPS Monitor
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Lynn
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Re: Reconsider - from the cold case files
2017/08/04 22:20:24
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Wayfarer, I've been using my 2000 Honda Accord for 17 years, and I know the sound of nearly all my CD collection, so it's my ultimate mixdown lab.
Adrian, I remixed this following Dan's suggestion, and I agree that it helps the lower frequencies pop out of the mix in a good way. I sometimes get too concerned with keeping the mud out that I shave the bottom end a bit too much.
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Freddy J
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Re: Reconsider - from the cold case files
2017/08/05 00:58:39
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Excellent number Lynn. I echo the comments above about your musicianship. Not only are the sentiments in the song well expressed, but you did an excellent job of wordsmithing the lyrics to the music. Your phrasing capped it all off. From the stuff that I put out, it is obvious that I know little about mixing-mastering but to me the mix sounded good. The separation of instruments and voice seemed very good.
Nice one and well done my friend!
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jamesg1213
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Re: Reconsider - from the cold case files
2017/08/06 10:44:16
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I won't get involved with mix disputes above but I enjoyed the song Lynn, well up to your usual standard.
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Lynn
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Re: Reconsider - from the cold case files
2017/08/08 23:19:25
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Freddy, your words are much appreciated. I'm growing to like this song as it matures, but it's still on life support in certain ways.
James, thanks so much for replying. I'm going through a number of my older songs that were mixed before I found this great forum, and I'm finding there's much work to be done, but I now enjoy mixing almost as much as I do writing and performing. Thanks to all you guys for your direction.
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mcourter
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Re: Reconsider - from the cold case files
2017/08/11 20:50:27
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At this point I think the mix sounds pretty good. At first I thought the vocal could come forward a tad, but it worked out. I have yet to hear one of your songs that I didn't like a lot. This is no exception, and Defying Gravity is another. Excellent songwriting.
A few guitars, a couple of basses, a MIDI controller, a mandolin, a banjo, a mic, PodFarm2 Unbridled Enthusiasm My music: www.Soundclick.com/markcourter
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Lynn
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Re: Reconsider - from the cold case files
2017/08/13 14:05:52
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Mark, I'm glad to hear from you. Your words are encouraging, and I'm starting to like this song, myself. I start to lose perspective after several hundred listens to the same song, but all the comments I've received are helping me to appreciate this production. I may turn my attention to other songs in my cold case file that I've neglected. Thanks for your help.
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emeraldsoul
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Re: Reconsider - from the cold case files
2017/08/13 15:09:50
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Another really cool tune. Very laid-back and listenable. I too love the "cold case files" monniker.
I like the vocals out front like they are, and I think I am listening to the "bass bump" version and I'd say the bass itself sounds just fine.
My comments are more "producer" comments - its so refreshing to hear an actual bridge! Perfectly placed!
And, I'd take a machete and lop off the entire intro, imho it's the weakest link here. The song doesn't require pre-listening of the entire chord progression - get to the juicy center as quick as you can would be my take.
Vocally the melody is still sticking with me, so there's your earworm for you. Nice job!
cheers,
-Tom
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Beagle
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Re: Reconsider - from the cold case files
2017/08/13 22:23:08
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jamesg1213
I won't get involved with mix disputes above but I enjoyed the song Lynn, well up to your usual standard.
^ this! great song, great performances!
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Lynn
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Re: Reconsider - from the cold case files
2017/08/15 14:06:47
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Tom, thanks for your comments and time. I like your idea a cutting the intro. I think if I cut all but the first for measures it would work well. I'll do that on the next pass.
Reece, I really appreciate your reply. After hearing your latest opus, I feel that I'm in good company.
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Starise
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Re: Reconsider - from the cold case files
2017/08/15 16:45:23
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Great song Lynn. I'm not sure if you made changes to the most recent mix. I wouldn't change a thing in the mix. Nice!
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Lynn
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Re: Reconsider - from the cold case files
2017/08/16 19:31:58
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Tim, thanks for taking the time to listen and respond. Your words are very encouraging, and I'm glad I got to listen to your great new song. Wow!
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stevec
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Re: Reconsider - from the cold case files
2017/08/22 19:49:21
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Good song, Lynn! Catchy, but still has some meat to it. I don't have any comments to add to the above, so I'll just say that the ending was unexpected yet perfect. 
SteveC https://soundcloud.com/steve-cocchi http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pagemusic.cfm?bandID=39163 SONAR Platinum x64, Intel Q9300 (2.5Ghz), Asus P5N-D, Win7 x64 SP1, 8GB RAM, 1TB internal + ESATA + USB Backup HDDs, ATI Radeon HD5450 1GB RAM + dual ViewSonic VA2431wm Monitors; Focusrite 18i6 (ASIO); Komplete 9, Melodyne Studio 4, Ozone 7 Advanced, Rapture Pro, GPO5, Valhalla Plate, MJUC comp, MDynamic EQ, lots of other freebie VST plugins, synths and Kontakt libraries
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Lynn
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Re: Reconsider - from the cold case files
2017/08/26 22:17:13
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Steve, thank you for taking the time to listen and respond :) Since I began this project I'm feeling much better about it. I can always count on the forum for good advise.
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markno999
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Re: Reconsider - from the cold case files
2017/08/30 18:32:43
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Lynn,
Missed the original version... This is fantastic. Great work.
Regards
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Lynn
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Re: Reconsider - from the cold case files
2017/09/01 14:17:10
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Thank you, Mark, for your kind words and time. What I've learned from this song will help me with future projects.
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