Page 1 of 1
Tell me why my songs sound so unprofessional
Posted: Tue Jul 30, 2013 11:55 pm
by Rhett
I'm not talking about musical/melodic wise because I'm getting much better in that area. I mean my overall mix and quality. It just sounds like it's been made in a toaster.
Why?
Soundcloud
Re: Tell me why my songs sound so unprofessional
Posted: Wed Jul 31, 2013 12:02 am
by Hashkey
Looks like you are using some heavy heavy compression there.
Re: Tell me why my songs sound so unprofessional
Posted: Wed Jul 31, 2013 12:08 am
by Phatscout
Alright, I'll try a quick list
[*]Drums don't seem to cut through the mix (try sidechaining like everything to the kick just a bit, except other drums)
[*]Overall muddy mixing in general (try using more EQ to ensure that everything "has its place in the mix" [If you want some more info on this read
http://www.dnbscene.com/article/88-thin ... q-tutorial. IMO it's one of the best introductions to EQing out there)
[*]Not much sub bass either tbh.
I dunno, mixing is just something you just get better at as time goes on. Read the DSF mixing thread, and then just do it man.
Re: Tell me why my songs sound so unprofessional
Posted: Wed Jul 31, 2013 12:26 am
by Rhett
FatScout wrote:Alright, I'll try a quick list
[*]Drums don't seem to cut through the mix (try sidechaining like everything to the kick just a bit, except other drums)
[*]Overall muddy mixing in general (try using more EQ to ensure that everything "has its place in the mix" [If you want some more info on this read
http://www.dnbscene.com/article/88-thin ... q-tutorial. IMO it's one of the best introductions to EQing out there)
[*]Not much sub bass either tbh.
I dunno, mixing is just something you just get better at as time goes on. Read the DSF mixing thread, and then just do it man.
Thanks for this. I really need some constructive criticism.
Re: Tell me why my songs sound so unprofessional
Posted: Wed Jul 31, 2013 10:17 am
by Demon
i agree with the above comments .. also maybe lay off the reverb on some of your sounds, you will be shocked at how much freq space you will free up..
Re: Tell me why my songs sound so unprofessional
Posted: Wed Jul 31, 2013 10:22 am
by mati-b
Basses sound really fat, very nice, but maybe there is just too much reverb, i would suggest reducing the amount of reverb and add some hihats/percussion and the song seemed to lack it
Re: Tell me why my songs sound so unprofessional
Posted: Wed Jul 31, 2013 10:31 am
by BEEPBEEP
This sounds professional man send it out.
Re: Tell me why my songs sound so unprofessional
Posted: Thu Aug 01, 2013 6:26 pm
by HoogerJ
My two cents: Don't drench everything in reverb. Don't compress everything to death, but use all effects subtle, unless you wanna get freakish. Give all sounds their own space in the mix (watch out for conflicting frequencies).
But the most important lesson I learned the last year, is that it is SO important not to try and sound loud while working on a song or doing a mixdown. There are shitloads of tutorials to find here (moneyshot thread!!) and on youtube. But general rules of thumb are:
- Leave 6 db of headroom on your final mixdown. Your track can be brought up to 0 db while mastering
- Start with your kick around -10/-12 db and then try to mix the rest the best you can
- Use your ears!
Re: Tell me why my songs sound so unprofessional
Posted: Thu Aug 01, 2013 8:22 pm
by bassbum
You're close to pro IMO.
With the sound I think you're going for... You are lacking punch in the snare because you need to boost the fundamental more. Normally around 120-200hz. Will give you more of a "smack".
Some things you need to compress to hell for that sound IMO like the kick and the Snare. I like to brink wall limit my kick and snare. The closer to the front of the mix and the more attention I want on something the more I will compress it. Just the way I do it though.
Like the others said lay of the reverb. If your tracks start to sound a bit empty you can add ambiance with the right use of reverb and delay on the hats.
Also a little flange and/or phase on stuff like that chiptune intro will make it sound more pro and less dry. The transients sound a bit flat on that parts as-well.
Re: Tell me why my songs sound so unprofessional
Posted: Thu Aug 01, 2013 11:32 pm
by ChrisPlatow
Hashkey wrote:Looks like you are using some heavy heavy compression there.
I think easing off the limiter would help a lot
Re: Tell me why my songs sound so unprofessional
Posted: Sat Aug 03, 2013 10:37 am
by tchoyy
I agree with what was said.
IMHO :
* too much reverb on the drums, particulary on the snare. the drums need more punch.
* too much compression.
* There is too much distortion, maybe due to the compressor.
Actually It seems to me that you only try to do the loudest tune before trying to do a clean mix.