NOOB HOME RECORDING (011) PLASTIC FLOWERS RAW VOCAL MIX

After completing the levels-only mix I went through the POD Farm vocal presets and found one that had a clean reverb effect. I stuck with my plan to record wet so that I didn't have to fiddle with the dry track during mixing.

I recorded one track for the main vocal first. Then another performance track doubling the chorus parts only.  I did one rough pass to include the main vocals to the levels-only mix. When I was happy with it, I proceeded to do the back up vocals. I used the same POD Farm vocal preset but adjusted the reverb module to increase the depth and make the back up vocals sound farther from the main vocal. I duplicated the back up vocals and panned them left and right.

Here's a clip.

Levels-and-Panning-Only Rough Mix including Vocals

So far so good :)

I'll let it stew for a bit to give my ear a rest and listen to it a few more times. Then I'll make a final decision whether to proceed with the mixing segment.

See the Plastic Flowers NHR String

NOOB HOME RECORDING (010) PLASTIC FLOWERS ROUGH INSTRUMENTAL MIX

After recording the basic parts, Guitar, Bass and Drums, I did an initial "levels and panning only" mix to get a rough idea of the final product and also to make it sound somewhat pleasing when I start laying down vocals. I think it improves my performance when the music sounds good, at least in my ears.

The tracks I ended up with are:

Mixing Tips Roundup

As I approach the mixing stage of my musical project, I thought it best to compile my favorite guru advice in one place.

These tips could have been kept secret but instead, these guys went out of their way to write, record and shoot videos for the general home recording public... for FREE!

They will forever remain in my "Book of Awesome". Thanks and more power to you!

• Joe Gilder's tips on identifying focus, mixing in general and mixing in mono.

• EQ tips from Ian Shepherd.

• Sage advice from Bobby Owsinski on monitoring levels when mixing.

• A few mixing bites from the guys at Home Recording Show.

• And the mother of all mixing tips... Graham Cochrane's collection of 5 Minutes to A better Mix videos.