What's wrong with this mix (the vocals)?

Hi there, I started to mix a recording I already discussed in into the instrumental now. But somehow it does not really fit in. Can anyone tell me why exactly this is? Or what it is that makes it not fitting? What would you do when mixing this. Also: I feel that it is difficult to bring it in line with the second verse (different vocalist, me :-) ). So here is what I am talking about: Any comments, suggestions and the like would be highly appreciated! Regards, fladd

Hi, thanks for the suggestions. A deesser is already in use (maybe I should tweak it more). I will try the EQing a bit more and see what that buys me. Anyone else? fladd

Yes, try to eq the background string so that it does not overlap the vocal frequency.

Okay, I tried to put in all suggestions: . What do you think? fladd

Based on listening through my crappy internet laptop speakers, there is nothing "wrong" with the vocal mix. In fact the mix sounds pretty good. However, there is no bass and a very "light" drum track in this song. The instrumentation is very diffuse and atmospheric. Which is not bad, but it means that the aggressive, percussive, saturated vocal delivery is going to be extremely prominent no matter how you mix it. There is simply nothing else in the mix that has enough weight and substance to counter-balance it. There's nothing wrong with that, but it's a little like serving grilled beef in a white wine sauce-- the meat is certainly going to a be a much stronger and bolder flavor than the accompaniment. Sometimes that can be an interesting contrast, but there is a reason why beef is more commonly served with a richer, heavier red sauce. If you want to build a more robust backing track, you might try replacing either the harpsichordish line or the "vocal" synth swells with an electric guitar sound or a more aggressive synth, and/or adding a bassline based on the same. You might also try replacing the delicate drums with some fatter, rounder sounds that have a little more depth and sustain. Have fun.

Hi, thanks for the reply. The impression of the thin background might, however, be due to the laptop speakers, because there is quite some driving bassdrum in there. Another question would be, how to eliminate the pop sounds (mostly of the letter 'p') in the second verse? I did use a pop shield! fladd

definately smoother feel - less spikey, glad you got it more to your liking... :)