Current Tape Reviews
Artist Name: Herman Gundersen |
Title: 7th Wave |
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Date Posted: December 2011 |
Genre: Rock and Pop |
Equipment Used:
Mac mini running Steinberg Cubase 6 and EastWest Symphonic Orchestra plug-in; AKG C214 mic on Martin DCX1E, Gibson Les Paul electric guitar.
Production Notes & Credits:
"7th Wave" is a male vocal rock song. Sjur Herman Zeiner-Gundersen wrote performed and recorded the track at his home studio.
Reviewed By: Marty Peters
Recording: Nice tune here that seems to be victimized by some ambience and balance disparities. The song intros with a distant miked acoustic guitar, followed by a big "in your face" slap bass and and then a very room ambient drum kit. Next up are the dry vocals followed in turn by a rather distant Earth-Wind-&-Fire-themed piano/horn bed.
Starting to see a pattern here? While we routinely preach the value of ambience and dynamics in this column, the ad hoc nature of Herman's choices troubles us some.
Suggestions: In our opinion, consistency is one of the real keys to a good mix. We suggest that Herman re-evaluate what he wants his song to be. If it's a more ambient vibe, then bring the bass guitar way back into the mix so that it doesn't dominate the proceedings, and "wet' up the vocals in order to blend them with the acoustic guitar and drums.
If on the other hand Herman chooses to go for a bulkier sound, we suggest he lose the drum ambience and re-record the acoustic guitar using a close mic technique, which will be much more in line with the bass. Oh, and don't apologize for your synth bed -- turn it up, loud and proud!
Summary: A Tale of Two Mixes. Unfortunately, we really only need one.
Contact: Herman Gundersen, zsjuz@hotmail.com
Starting to see a pattern here? While we routinely preach the value of ambience and dynamics in this column, the ad hoc nature of Herman's choices troubles us some.
Suggestions: In our opinion, consistency is one of the real keys to a good mix. We suggest that Herman re-evaluate what he wants his song to be. If it's a more ambient vibe, then bring the bass guitar way back into the mix so that it doesn't dominate the proceedings, and "wet' up the vocals in order to blend them with the acoustic guitar and drums.
If on the other hand Herman chooses to go for a bulkier sound, we suggest he lose the drum ambience and re-record the acoustic guitar using a close mic technique, which will be much more in line with the bass. Oh, and don't apologize for your synth bed -- turn it up, loud and proud!
Summary: A Tale of Two Mixes. Unfortunately, we really only need one.
Contact: Herman Gundersen, zsjuz@hotmail.com
About: Marty Peters
