I think I hear the bass clipping at the 2 minute mark, but other than that the mix is alright. I really like that ending, it feels cheeky.

I think I hear the bass clipping at the 2 minute mark, but other than that the mix is alright. I really like that ending, it feels cheeky.

I like the blend of electric guitar and more cinematic orchestral elements! You've got some interesting moments of unison between the two in there. If anything, you could probably brush up the track by stripping away some of the material. There's a lot going on at points, and it feels like the different instruments would sing more clearly if they grouped up on the same melody. Take that with a grain of salt, though. (And I agree with Devieus about that ending, it works very well!)

I like the blend of electric guitar and more cinematic orchestral elements! You've got some interesting moments of unison between the two in there. If anything, you could probably brush up the track by stripping away some of the material. There's a lot going on at points, and it feels like the different instruments would sing more clearly if they grouped up on the same melody. Take that with a grain of salt, though. (And I agree with Devieus about that ending, it works very well!)

I like the arrangement! For the mixing (take with a grain of salt): try cutting the reverb on your double bass, or at least high pass it. I think that's contributing a lot of the mud in your mix. With so many instruments, I'd also check to see if any of them are fighting with each other (what is playing in the same octave at any given point in your arrangement?)

Mixing is tough but you'll get there! Just keep practicing

I like the arrangement! For the mixing (take with a grain of salt): try cutting the reverb on your double bass, or at least high pass it. I think that's contributing a lot of the mud in your mix. With so many instruments, I'd also check to see if any of them are fighting with each other (what is playing in the same octave at any given point in your arrangement?) Mixing is tough but you'll get there! Just keep practicing :)

Props for putting together a really strong, jazzy arrangement. It all sounds really good once all the instruments get into full swing.  I don't really notice deficiencies in the drums, but definitely stronger as the piece gains momentum. Love the doubled melodies on guitar with other instruments and the interplay of the brass.  You have some really good work here, just keep mixing and recording and get the material out.  That's the best way to improve.  I have learned a lot by listening to the wide variety of musicians on WB as well. 

Other thoughts, work environment (dedicated space), proper head phones, and monitors are important if you can get 'em In general, I find getting bass frequencies under control are a challenge to focus on.  Sloppy bass can impact the rest of the mix (I'm a text book example). Anyway, that's my two cents. I really enjoyed listening to your comp!

Props for putting together a really strong, jazzy arrangement. It all sounds really good once all the instruments get into full swing. I don't really notice deficiencies in the drums, but definitely stronger as the piece gains momentum. Love the doubled melodies on guitar with other instruments and the interplay of the brass. You have some really good work here, just keep mixing and recording and get the material out. That's the best way to improve. I have learned a lot by listening to the wide variety of musicians on WB as well. Other thoughts, work environment (dedicated space), proper head phones, and monitors are important if you can get 'em :) In general, I find getting bass frequencies under control are a challenge to focus on. Sloppy bass can impact the rest of the mix (I'm a text book example). Anyway, that's my two cents. I really enjoyed listening to your comp!

I think you could cut out more low end overall. That double bass does seem like is giving you a lot of problems, I'd cut the low end on that for sure, or even hand off that riff to another instrument. There is also a few noodly parts with the piano and the oboe, almost like they are fighting for attention, I'd probably do a lot of editing out stuff and focusing on a few main elements at any given time, that will help open it up a bit. This track kind of reminds me a bit of Tortoise TNT, one of my fav albums! I'd give that a listen for some mastering inspiration!

I think you could cut out more low end overall. That double bass does seem like is giving you a lot of problems, I'd cut the low end on that for sure, or even hand off that riff to another instrument. There is also a few noodly parts with the piano and the oboe, almost like they are fighting for attention, I'd probably do a lot of editing out stuff and focusing on a few main elements at any given time, that will help open it up a bit. This track kind of reminds me a bit of Tortoise TNT, one of my fav albums! I'd give that a listen for some mastering inspiration! [url="https://littleanimalgifs.tumblr.com/post/37170706898/turtlefeed-bonus-reblog-tonight-because-theres"][img]https://media3.giphy.com/media/HsGvB8tdhVVC0/giphy.gif?cid=ecf05e479a4a1237053a670f6682e3b9463b33153bf8f5fa&rid=giphy.gif[/img][/url]

I have to say, I am really impressed with this composition and production - I'd love to learn how to do virtual orchestral like this!!!

I have to say, I am really impressed with this composition and production - I'd love to learn how to do virtual orchestral like this!!!

downloaded and favorited!!

downloaded and favorited!!

This is really cool, it's a great mix of free-flowing melodies and great rhythmic ideas. I empathize with the mixing struggle a lot lol. The hardest mixes develop your ear the most though so it's time very well spent.

This 100%. The low end is sacred space, make sure you highpass absolutely everything, and keep a sharp eye on the reverb tail and low cut.
The bass also varies quite a bit in volume, it could do with some compression to keep it under control. It has a pretty long booming release that's overpowering in the mix, which should probably be faded out for more control. The long release also takes away a lot of rhythm from the track by making the rhythmic ideas less obvious.

As other people mentioned the instruments are often competing for the same frequency space, and it's not entirely clear what's supposed to be the main focus. At 01:10 they feel like they're playing their own distinct melodic lines simultaneously rather than supporting each other.  The instruments could also be arranged to emphasize the rhythmic motifs a little more clearly. The section starting at 0:48 does this pretty well, but the long release on the bass hurts the motion, making it less clear what's happening.

I hope that helps a bit and made sense. A lot of the issues can be solved by highpassing and getting the bass under control. This is a great piece though, it's really fun to listen to and I really like the ideas in here. Good luck with it!

This is really cool, it's a great mix of free-flowing melodies and great rhythmic ideas. I empathize with the mixing struggle a lot lol. The hardest mixes develop your ear the most though so it's time very well spent. [quote=Mission Crossing] try cutting the reverb on your double bass, or at least high pass it. I think that's contributing a lot of the mud in your mix. [/quote] This 100%. The low end is sacred space, make sure you highpass absolutely everything, and keep a sharp eye on the reverb tail and low cut. The bass also varies quite a bit in volume, it could do with some compression to keep it under control. It has a pretty long booming release that's overpowering in the mix, which should probably be faded out for more control. The long release also takes away a lot of rhythm from the track by making the rhythmic ideas less obvious. As other people mentioned the instruments are often competing for the same frequency space, and it's not entirely clear what's supposed to be the main focus. At 01:10 they feel like they're playing their own distinct melodic lines simultaneously rather than supporting each other. The instruments could also be arranged to emphasize the rhythmic motifs a little more clearly. The section starting at 0:48 does this pretty well, but the long release on the bass hurts the motion, making it less clear what's happening. I hope that helps a bit and made sense. A lot of the issues can be solved by highpassing and getting the bass under control. This is a great piece though, it's really fun to listen to and I really like the ideas in here. Good luck with it!

This is really cool, reminds me of Tortoise too. I miss that band...

This is really cool, reminds me of Tortoise too. I miss that band...

the first minute would also make a great surf instrumental

the first minute would also make a great surf instrumental