Topic: Mandolin Post-Processing Help

[Jacklaster]

Hey guys-

We just recorded some demos in my living room with the Zoom R-16 (which is pretty much awesome, by the way). We're a bluegrassy/jam band type, and I'm mixing it all down.

I've attached a sample for you to hear, this is one of our tracks, 'Good Man Should.' I would love to make the mandolin POP more. It sounds kind of muffled to me. Maybe it just needs a little EQ, but I wanted to post it here since you guys may have an idea. The whole song is multi-tracked, so the possibilities are endless. It's hard to describe what I'm looking for really, just something more polished and professional. Any ideas? I'm working in Garageband for the majority of this, but also have Logic and Soundtrack Pro.

Any other input in the mix other than mandolin tips would be mighty appreciated as well!

[boojum]

No track posted. 

To get that "pop" you can get the mic closer to the mando.  That way it will pick up that sharp, clear sound.  I am guessing that your mics were not that close.  When you post the track we will all have a better idea.

In post it is possible to boost the upper mid range to help with that.  Post that track.  ;o)


Cheers

[Jacklaster]

OK, since it wont let me attach the mp3 no matter how small I make it, I'll just post a sendspace link if thats cool. This had a zip file with 4 demos in it. They all have the mandolin in it, but the two tracks it is easiest to hear are in 'Good Man Should' and 'Reckoning.' Let me know what you think!

Thanks!

http://www.sendspace.com/file/bapwhr


Thanks for the input boojum, but I don't think we could have gotten the mic any closer. It was literally 2 inches away, his hand actually hit it a couple times because it was so close. I think the problem is in the tone of the mandolin itself. Just wondering if anyone else notices this and if anyone has ideas on how to improve it, or the overall mix in general. Thanks!

[anr]

First of all, I really like this!

Here's a link to one track I've played around with; see what you think. 

The download link is: http://sharebee.com/cff09bc1
Filename: Day To Day alt.mp3   Size: 6.94 MB

[Jacklaster]

Thanks for the compliment anr!

I listened to your version, but I can't really tell much of a difference in the tone of the mando. It sounds to me like you dropped alot of the bass out of the mix. I appreciate the effort, but we definitely don't wanna sacrifice the bumping bass!

I'm mainly looking for input, not necessarily hands on demonstrations. Since you guys would be limited to these low bit rate mp3 mixed versions, it's not the best way for you to get your input across. If someone, like anr, really wants to play around with the mando, I could post a link to the mando's channel alone. If you do this though, be aware that I would need explicit instructions on what you did to achieve your end result.

If not, just let me know what you think in general, tips, or constructive criticism. Thanks everyone, and thanks again to anr and boojum!

[anr]

The key is in what you said, I was only really playing around to suit my taste.   My hearing is largely shot in the upper frequencies so I guess I hear too much bass. 

I think the solution lies in what other posters said - the recording method.  I'm no recording engineer, just an enthusiastic amateur who knows what he likes. 

[admkrk]

i'm a little confused. you say you recorded it on a zoom and that it's multi-tracked. i'm not familiar w/ the zoom, but afaik, it's just 2 tracks [left/right]. if you have a separate track for each instrument on the other hand, it's a no-brainer. just boost the gain on the mandolin track, even if you have to lower the others a bit. and yes, the mandolin is all but hidden in there, it needs to be brought more to the front.

oh yea, i haven't listened to the other tracks yet but i like this too so far.   

[jefflester]

i'm a little confused. you say you recorded it on a zoom and that it's multi-tracked. i'm not familiar w/ the zoom, but afaik, it's just 2 tracks [left/right].

OP said "Zoom R-16"

http://www.samsontech.com/products/productpage.cfm?prodID=2009

[live2496]

Thanks for the compliment anr!

I listened to your version, but I can't really tell much of a difference in the tone of the mando. It sounds to me like you dropped alot of the bass out of the mix. I appreciate the effort, but we definitely don't wanna sacrifice the bumping bass!

I'm mainly looking for input, not necessarily hands on demonstrations. Since you guys would be limited to these low bit rate mp3 mixed versions, it's not the best way for you to get your input across. If someone, like anr, really wants to play around with the mando, I could post a link to the mando's channel alone. If you do this though, be aware that I would need explicit instructions on what you did to achieve your end result.

If not, just let me know what you think in general, tips, or constructive criticism. Thanks everyone, and thanks again to anr and boojum!

On that track it seems evident from the intro that you need more lows to give the mandolin some body. I would also boost the highs carefully to give it some brightness like the acoustic guitar.

Nice job overall on the mixes. You have a very full-bandwidth recording there and not much would be needed in mastering.

[admkrk]

OP said "Zoom R-16"

and i went ahead and bypassed my ignorance on the latest gear and answered as if it was multi-tracked. if i was looking for new gear, i'd be looking in a different place.

i still say treat it like foh and just bring the mandolin more into the mix, everything else is fine.