Mix Feedback - Brett Kissel "Cool With That"

[Rattleshock]

https://soundcloud.com/glennkelton/brett-kissel-cool-with-that

Just finished a mix for Juno winning artist Brett Kissel. I used Cubase 9 with Slate Digital and Solid State Logic plugins, and the bundled Steinberg plugins.

I don't usually post my work, but any comments or criticisms are more than welcome.

CHEERS!
Glenn

[Sam Inglis]

Blimey, country music has changed!

I thought it was basically a good mix, but something about the vocal processing bothers me. It feels like the hard consonants are jumping out of the track, as though the vocal has been heavily compressed with too slow an attack time.

[Dave B]

Caveat : My exposure to country is courtesy of Whispering Bob Harris every week

At the risk of causing offence, I'm not convinced by the mix. Several things stood out :

1. It's very heavily compressed and I find that country is one of the last refuges of playing dynamics
2. It's very .. middly .. ? .. the bass isn't there and the top isn't very open
3. In fact, it has quite a 'closed in' sound - possibly over compression
4. I could be wrong, but it sounds like the vocals are auto tuned. Something is sticking out about the tuning - hey, maybe the guy has absolutely perfect pitch, but it's making my spidey senses tingle

The instruments are all balanced fine. Maybe it's just vicious mastering, but I listen on domestic speakers and had to go back to another track to check and it's confirmed my suspicions. Whilst the track is well balanced, it just isn't 'breathing' as it's too in your face.

But hey - you're mixing skills are still light years ahead of mine

[Aled Hughes]

I'd agree with the above. Also sounds to me as though the vocal is heavily gated in a 'set and forget' way - some breath noises and consonants jump out from nowhere.

[Drew Stephenson]

There's certainly a lot to like about the mix, and it plays very well on my laptop and with earbuds. Giving it a proper listen on a full range system does highlight the points made above though.

[Rattleshock]

https://soundcloud.com/glennkelton/cool-with-that

Wow. Thanks for the feedback, guys! I made a few adjustments, based on your comments. This is my new print of the song.

Here is the dilemma, the artist wants things a certain way, so I am working toward what his preferences are. I agree about the over-compression, and yes, there are some rogue breaths that I still need to deal with. I have another 8 hours on it today and hope to complete all the minor edits and polish off the remaining details.

You guys are awesome!
CHEERS!
Glenn

[Dave B]

The newer mix is an improvement - it's nicer towards the top end, but still sounds a little light and indistinct in the lows. But I'm guessing that that is a function of the artist's request for it to be heavily compressed. It's a more modern sound, but (and I suspect that you're the of the same mind) not necessarily right for this song. IMHO obviously.

There's still some strangeness on the vocal processing - possibly some automation to duck bits or a touch of de-essing? The new brightness is emphasising the sibilance a bit more

HTH

[Rattleshock]

https://soundcloud.com/glennkelton/cool-with-that-april-4-mix

This was the mix I delivered originally (No 'Mastering'). Then the feedback to make it 'radio compressed' came lol. I am no mastering engineer, I am still honing my day to day skills at mixing, so perhaps my approach to the processing was heavy handed. I need to learn more on processing a completed mix to get closer to a 'mastered' sound. The problem is me, and my lack of experience in doing so.

[Rattleshock]

https://soundcloud.com/glennkelton/brett-kissel-cool-with-that

This is the final mix. Client is happy and so am I. On to the next one. Thanks for the feedback guys!

CHEERS!
Glenn

[Dave B]

Best mix that you've done! I can hear some bass.

As long as the client is happy then smile, take the money and move on to greater things!

[Rattleshock]

Thanks, Dave. Cheers!!

[Drew Stephenson]

That definitely works better for me as well

[Rattleshock]

Thank you, Drew!

[Martin Walker]

Nice work Glenn!

Slick and well-balanced - and your client approves, so that's the best bit

Martin

[Rattleshock]

Thanks, Martin! client happiness is more important than any compressor