Ok fellas I was looking at this thread...and I'm hoping that you guys can help me out. I've been studying the mixing and mastering process via the internet and things of that sort. I started from scratch and I'm progressing slowly but surely. Ok, now after 3 years (lol) I've just purchased Pro Tools Le 6.4. I have a MXL 990 Condenser Mic Running thru an ART Tube Pre Amp directly in to the MBox. I've had no real problems adjusting to the interface and things of that sort. I've just mixed down a test freestyle that one of my friends layed down when I got the system up and running (I do Hip Hop/Rap primarily). Now, the standard process I use to clean the vocals coming in to the MBox are as follows..
First - Noise Reduction
Second - Compression
Third - De-Esser
Fourth - Very Light Reverb
Fifth - Parameteric EQ
Sixth - Normalize or Limit
I dont use presets I try to listen as I clean them and do everything by ear (I read that somewhere). Unfortunately, I am not satisfied with the finish results. The Mix is audible and I can hear everything but for some reason it lacks that punch...the EQ's dont seem to be right either...The vocals are not melting into the track like I want them to...As I edit the songs...I listen to them thru a stereo/surround system with L/R Speakers a Center Speaker and a Subwoofer. I'm saving up for some studio powered-speakers.
I've attached a link to the song I just mixed...It's called "Strat's Birthday Freestyle"
Strats B-Day Freestyle
Is there anyone out there with more experience then me, that can Listen to this mix and give me some pointers or maybe point out wat I may be doing wrong...I'm pretty sure..I'm over doing something...I just dont know wat it is...Thanks for anyhelp or advice u guys leave me...I have pretty thick skin so dont hold back anything...ha ha
Oh Yeah one more thing...The vocals were Mono and the Track (which is a random instrumental) is in Stereo...I'm not sure if that makes a difference.