#40 Prodigal Son - Vocal Banana Split

[Deliza]

Lovely thing... so it was a SM7 on vocals? That could explain some tonal changes from line to line, especially noticeable in the first verse, like 1-3 lines are way brighter than 2-4? Tried to do some vocal splits to compensate.

Is this super tincanlike sounding? I was halfway happy with it until I checked in my MP3 and it was all bass, so I remastered and lost any perspective.

Ps - Added new version (v2), hopefully it sounds more natural

[kapu]

sounds good! although the overall sound feels a bit too bright. maybe you overcompensated this in your mastering? levels seem to be in balance and sound stage feels convincing. maybe roll back to your more bassy version? ^_^

[Deliza]

Mastering can only get so far, I should remix but a priori easy things like this get pretty confusing when you're dealing with compression and tape effects on tracks, busses and master.
I'm getting deaf or I have to change those wrecked earpads. Sony MDR7506 are some hideous shame, they're literally desintegrating and I've been nothing but careful and nurturing to the them.

[Roy]

What Kapu said. I'd err on the side of this song being too bassy than too bright. It can support a lot of low end, there's space for it. And brightness can take away from the intimacy. I like switching the vocal and making the second vocal the lead. Is there an edit in this? Something felt different but I was distracted.

[Deliza]

The bridge after the second vocal leading part is cut to half you know, just because

I was a bad girl and used no reference tracks for this mix but now I've learned my lesson!

[Roy]

Ah. I thought so.

Also, for the curious, I think the vocal was an SM7-a Sytek Preamp-Apogee Duet. There might have been a dbx 160X but I don't think I used it going in.

[Dangerous]

I can agree with the comments here. As you mentioned Deliza, referencing would have helped with your tonal balance. I must say, I love the vocal switch through the bridge, a great contrast that you then marry into the second part of the song nicely. Very fitting. Well done.

Dave

[Deliza]

Thanks, Dave! Hope you find time to try this.

[Fenekucci]

I too liked that switch you've made with the vocals... probably cause i've heard it too many times with the original arrangement
It sounds real balanced and controlled, a bit too bright and happy for me, but nevertheless it still feels right. too bright - still right.
Mine sounds like a total depression attack compared with that

[Deliza]

Thanks! Mix print was pretty dark and bass heavy, so was first mastered version. I only realized after going for a walk and comparing with some tunes. So I had to remaster with lots of EQ.