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Author Topic: Mixing resonant percussion into your track  (Read 9263 times)

tatsumi

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Mixing resonant percussion into your track
« on: February 12, 2016, 04:30:29 pm »
Hi guys :) so I have a quick question for anyone who is better and more knowledgable at advanced mixing than I am (which is probably a lot of people).

In a few different wips I start i often find myself being drawn to interesting percussion sounds like bells, tambourines, or more exotic sounding hits. the issue that I seem to be running into is that these types of elements seem to make my spectrum analysis become pretty rough looking. This happens even when I find the element to sit well in the mix and be cohesive with the rest of it all.

Just to give a bit more detail, the issue isn't resolved just by lowering the EQ at the specific frequency because the percussion loses it's flavor with that specific band. The resonance coming from that specific frequency range is what makes the sample interesting.

My question is, should these elements be mixed so that the spectrum looks smoother? Or should it not be too much of an issue if it pops out of the range a bit in a frequency band? I know the ultimate test if whether it sounds good or not, but I'm wondering if there's an issue that I can't pinpoint because my ears aren't trained well enough (I'm no pro at this).

Hopefully that wasn't too hard to follow. Thanks guys!

edit - here's a direct link to the wip I'm trying to mix: https://soundcloud.com/tatsumiport/wip-clip-poet-and-i-didnt-even-know-it

thanks :)
« Last Edit: February 12, 2016, 08:13:45 pm by tatsumi »
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Schematic

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Re: Mixing resonant percussion into your track
« Reply #1 on: February 12, 2016, 04:36:46 pm »
This might sound like I'm being an asshole so let me just say I don't intend it as such at all:

Use your ears not your eyes.

Sharp spikes at a particular frequency is the nature of resonance, so of course it will look that way on a visual frequency analyzer. But ignore the analyzer and listen, does it sound right? Does it feel like it's fitting in the mix? If yes, then it's fine. If no, then there is work to be done but base it on what you're hearing not what you're seeing.

IMO analyzers are great for a quick reference point for very broad strokes, but are next to useless when it comes to narrow bands within a particular mix.

All that said, maybe post a screenshot to show just how much of a spike we're talking about? Include an audio clip if we want to get really serious about it. Discussing audio is all fine and dandy but it's pretty futile without all hearing the same thing.
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Marrow Machines

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Re: Mixing resonant percussion into your track
« Reply #2 on: February 12, 2016, 04:57:31 pm »
You could have a build up in the particular percussion's set of frequency with other elements in your track.

You also might need to remove that sample entirely.

I suggest you come back to it after a few days, when you get enough advice, and discern what actually needs to happen.

Would love to hear your end results and what you did to get the desired effect.
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tatsumi

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Re: Mixing resonant percussion into your track
« Reply #3 on: February 12, 2016, 05:08:26 pm »
Quote from: Schematic on February 12, 2016, 04:36:46 pm
This might sound like I'm being an asshole so let me just say I don't intend it as such at all:

Use your ears not your eyes.

Sharp spikes at a particular frequency is the nature of resonance, so of course it will look that way on a visual frequency analyzer. But ignore the analyzer and listen, does it sound right? Does it feel like it's fitting in the mix? If yes, then it's fine. If no, then there is work to be done but base it on what you're hearing not what you're seeing.

IMO analyzers are great for a quick reference point for very broad strokes, but are next to useless when it comes to narrow bands within a particular mix.

All that said, maybe post a screenshot to show just how much of a spike we're talking about? Include an audio clip if we want to get really serious about it. Discussing audio is all fine and dandy but it's pretty futile without all hearing the same thing.


Don't worry, i don't mind the bluntness and honesty at all, it helps to get a better product, so I appreciate it!

Here's a screenshot of the analysis on the master bus. The frequencies in particular are in the 5K to 10K range.

http://imgur.com/OtTBVnL

Also, I agree with you on the fact that the sound will always be more important than any visual feedback, I'm just wondering if I'm creating any sonic issues with my mix that I can't pick out just by listening, whether that be due to my lack of good experience or the low quality, non-treated room that I have my stuff in :)

Thanks for the feedback!
« Last Edit: February 12, 2016, 05:11:17 pm by tatsumi »
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tatsumi

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Re: Mixing resonant percussion into your track
« Reply #4 on: February 12, 2016, 05:10:47 pm »
Quote from: Marrow Machines on February 12, 2016, 04:57:31 pm
You could have a build up in the particular percussion's set of frequency with other elements in your track.

You also might need to remove that sample entirely.

I suggest you come back to it after a few days, when you get enough advice, and discern what actually needs to happen.

Would love to hear your end results and what you did to get the desired effect.

Yeah, I'm gonna give it a few days in order to come back and listen again with fresh ears :) thanks for the tip!
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lopryo

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Re: Mixing resonant percussion into your track
« Reply #5 on: February 12, 2016, 06:25:39 pm »
following the "use your ears not your eyes" logic, I would rather hear a clip than see a screenshot. I think if it's not sitting properly in the mix, it's more likely to be an arrangement issue. maybe it's either too quiet or loud, or needs to be pushed further into the background with reverb, lopassing, or compression, or maybe it's just competing too much with the other sounds.
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tatsumi

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Re: Mixing resonant percussion into your track
« Reply #6 on: February 12, 2016, 07:32:12 pm »
Quote from: LoPryo on February 12, 2016, 06:25:39 pm
following the "use your ears not your eyes" logic, I would rather hear a clip than see a screenshot. I think if it's not sitting properly in the mix, it's more likely to be an arrangement issue. maybe it's either too quiet or loud, or needs to be pushed further into the background with reverb, lopassing, or compression, or maybe it's just competing too much with the other sounds.

fair :)

here's a clip - the specific percussion I'm talking about are the bells and tambourine hits at the beginning of each 4 bar loop (the hit on the offbeats of the first measure)

https://soundcloud.com/tatsumiport/wip-clip-poet-and-i-didnt-even-know-it

I actually think they sound pretty ok, I'm just wondering if I'm being over critical based on the spectrum

thanks :)
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Midge

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Re: Mixing resonant percussion into your track
« Reply #7 on: February 13, 2016, 02:42:07 pm »
you could also try something a bit more 'natural' sounding than making an EQ cut - for example some compression. To be more specific I suppose this can be achieved by a multiband compressor, or something like Fab Filters Pro-MB
You can focus the range onto the really resonant sound and then set it up at a threshold so when the sound becomes 'too resonant' (for lack of a better term) - or in other words if it is spiking a little too much, the compressor starts working and provides some smooth and subtle gain reduction. Give it a go. Often when I'm working with really resonant sounds I will do a combination of EQ and compression to see what works.
You can also try something a little outside the box to try smooth off that resonant sound - for example experimenting with reverbs or even phasers can sometimes make them appear not as sharp and annoying. I accidently stumbled on the phaser one by setting it to the phasers 'stereo enhance' preset and for the sound I was working on...with a little adjusting it did smooth that resonant peak out a little. 

have a play around, hope something works :)
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tatsumi

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Re: Mixing resonant percussion into your track
« Reply #8 on: February 13, 2016, 03:24:04 pm »
^ this is great advice, super super helpful! Thanks so much!
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