https://soundcloud.com/crx091081gb/gunricks-at-midnight

Found the pad hard to mix on this, I either seemed to eq it so it sounded thin or try another way and it was on the edge of distortion. I'm happy enough with it for now.

Beautiful piece, well done. I especially like the layered arrangement; every part clearly owns its own space in the mix. Pad works well on my monitors. If you're "happy enough" but not overjoyed with it, lots of things I would try in a similar situation.

To avoid distorting due to an EQ boost, I'd try the reverse, reducing everything except the boosted area, so that freq balance changes without overdriving the signal.

Parallel tracking is a possibility, duplicating the track and then hard cutting everything except the boosted freq band, which is indeed boosted--then gradually mix it back in next to the main track.

These days I tend to 'cheat', using some plugins that emulate vintage gear for subtle sweetening just from the character of the modeling--LA-2, Fairchild, Pultec. And Sonar X2's Prochannel desk emulators (bottom section) seem to help, in an even more subtle way--this part I'm still trying to figure out how to get the best benefit.

[ File under 'More than was asked for' ] Musically, I think I've heard all the material this piece has to offer by about 2:20. At that point I was expecting the piece to do something melodically/harmonically/texturally different, as a departure from what had already been set up. Even just 8 or 16 bars of some really new element would then give the chance to bring the piece back to its 'home' material at the end.

Just some thoughts on what is already very fine work, thanks for posting it!

Those are some really good tips, cheers. A middle 8 of some description before the pad plays solo again is a good idea. I just really liked the sound of the chords on their own so I programmed roughly the same thing to play again after the first bit had done its thing.

nicely orchestrated - everything has its space.

The pad might come down a hair - a Db or two can take some of the harshness out of the mix.  Or EQ, as Ultimate says.

It might be worth looking into another lead sound to replace a part of the whale siren - something different even if it is repeating the motif.  Something w/ a differnet texture and more grainy.

Sounds good, tho.  I enjoyed the song as is.

@

Well, it seem to be the same stuff over and over and would work good for a background statement, but needs something else going on throughout to be a complete piece for me. It is mixed well and has a unique sound but it didn't hold my attention for long. I skipped all through the piece looking for some changes in the venue, but didn't find anything to keep me interested in the piece. Great start for something bigger. Nice work so far.

Peace and blessings, John

There are a number of positive elements to this song, including a nice mix of textures.  The few changes that have been suggested could help make this into a gem.  I'll be curious to hear what you come up with.  Nice start.

I quite enjoyed this piece as suggested a small break and middle 8 would just give the ears the change they need.  Having said all that this is a great base to add some ear candy to.

Thanks for sharing.

I took all your advice and I think the track is better for it, now with added middle 8 and ear candy. Thanks for all the help.

https://soundcloud.com/cr...b/gunricks-at-midnight

Nicely done! I like the middle section that shifts the harmonic center for a little while. Now when the guitar comes back ~3:24 it sounds like 'return' instead of 'repeat'. Piece has much better balance to my ears, now. Great listening, thanks for posting.

Very atmospheric piece, I enjoyed the ride!

The production is top notch.

Steve