Topic: Constructive criticism requested

[yousef]

(I suspect that this should really go on the post-processing board but I thought there might be more passing traffic here)

This is Manchestertaper's first multitrack recording, ahead of a couple of nerve-wracking gigs next week:

http://www.sendspace.com/file/4x5916

It's Franz Nicolay solo - accompanying himself on guitar, accordion or banjo. We recorded six channels: vox, guitar, accordion, banjo plus a pair of DPA 4022s at the back of the room.

The accordion didn't come through for some reason but was picked up on the vocal, banjo and ambient tracks. The DPA tracks sound very boomy and distant.

This is a rough first mix (albeit with some reverb, compression and panning) and we'd appreciate the panel's thoughts on improvements. The first thing that occurs to me is that the banjo could do with taking back a notch on some of the songs but I'd also be interested to know if people thought the ambient tape needed pushing up a bit further at the end of each song to get more audience noise in. Thoughts on EQ would be welcome too.

Please have a listen and let us know your thoughts...

[u2_fly_2]

It sound´s great, interesting musician too :-)
I listened to it on my headphones, if possible perhaps that the song/vocals could be more in middle (both left/right channels) but otherwise I think it sounds really great! Keep it up and thanks for taping!

[yousef]

Thanks for that - I'll pull things back towards the centre a bit.

Did you notice any obvious issues on the accordion-based songs?

Thanks again 

[u2_fly_2]

Thanks for that - I'll pull things back towards the centre a bit.

Did you notice any obvious issues on the accordion-based songs?

Thanks again 

the accordion...maybe perhaps I would keep it on either the Right or left channel only, so that it sounds a little bit like it´s coming from a "distinct place". Maybe it gives that feeling that it´s not buried in the mix, but having said that I think it sounds great as it is, so maybe it´s as good as it can be already 

Just curious, How will you approach that sometimes he seems to stop singing and talk a little bit (I don´t know this artist at all) will you raise the levels when the music goes off, or will you keep it intact? Will be interesting to hear :-)

Keep your good work up and btw I checked out your site too, interesting, will def. return and check out your upcoming concerts, cheers and thank you!

[yousef]

the accordion...maybe perhaps I would keep it on either the Right or left channel only, so that it sounds a little bit like it´s coming from a "distinct place". Maybe it gives that feeling that it´s not buried in the mix, but having said that I think it sounds great as it is, so maybe it´s as good as it can be already 

I think that might be tricky as what you hear is basically what is coming through the vocal mic plus a little bit from the ambient source but I'll have a play around and see what can be done.

I know what you mean about the spoken-word bits and wasn't sure what (if anything) to do with them - I need to listen a few more times and get more of an overall feel rather than listening to songs and instruments in isolation.

And thank you for your kind comments about the site - we've got some great stuff coming up over the next few weeks...