Odd one: I’m looking for reference tracks for audio mixing/mastering. We have an acoustic trio project with Dobro, guitar, stand-up bass, and vocals. I’m trying to mix/master some of our amateur recordings. Using professional reference tracks in similar genre/instrumentation is a time-tested technique for helping the process.
Anyone know of any professional recordings with exactly this instrumentation?
I’ve tried Trey/Rob, Dan/Gaven, Jerry…but find either missing or extra elements in the mix. The missing or extra instruments makes for tougher referencing due to EQ profiles and such.
Any tips appreciated. Can be bluegrass, country, folk, Americana…as long as contains those 4 instruments.
Thanks!
T-Bone Burnett's album from 1986 is pretty close. Very sparse arrangements, mostly T-Bone and Jerry Douglas with a little bit of accompaniment here and there. The quieter tunes have fewer instruments. Recorded live to two track!
The Bird I Held in My Hand: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQSaviKr_Gs
Shake Yourself Loose: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIbtbRk-gWA
I Remember: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Xi6VbR1hHk
Closest that comes to mind are the "Auldridge, Bennett & Gaudreau" projects (adds mandolin). Very "open" sounding.
h
quote:
Originally posted by PeterJT-Bone Burnett's album from 1986 is pretty close. Very sparse arrangements, mostly T-Bone and Jerry Douglas with a little bit of accompaniment here and there. The quieter tunes have fewer instruments. Recorded live to two track!
The Bird I Held in My Hand: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQSaviKr_Gs
Shake Yourself Loose: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIbtbRk-gWA
I Remember: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Xi6VbR1hHk
Thank you Peter! These will work very nicely as references. Excellent songs as well! :)
quote:
Originally posted by hlpdobroClosest that comes to mind are the "Auldridge, Bennett & Gaudreau" projects (adds mandolin). Very "open" sounding.
h
Thanks Howard! Just listened to an ABG track (This Old Town), will scout a few more. I think I can slice a section here and there for usage. Love the "glue" on those master tracks...and of course the stellar playing!
(head slap) How could I forget Skip, Hop & Wobble -- Jerry, Russ Barenberg & Edgar Meyer. No vocals, but that's the trio you're looking for
quote:
Originally posted by PeterJ(head slap) How could I forget Skip, Hop & Wobble -- Jerry, Russ Barenberg & Edgar Meyer. No vocals, but that's the trio you're looking for
LOL thanks! I've been using that album as my default, but the missing vocals make it a tougher comparison. But helpful for sure. Appreciate it!
quote:
Originally posted by hlpdobroHappy to help in any way I can:
Sweet setup! My studio recording/DAW rig is rookie by comparison.
Ha...
A lot of the hardware you see is out of commission/outdated and replaced by software.
I realized that I did a track that's close to what you wanted. Again, an added mandolin.
fwiw Click Here!
quote:
Originally posted by hlpdobroHa...
A lot of the hardware you see is out of commission/outdated and replaced by software.
I realized that I did a track that's close to what you wanted. Again, an added mandolin.
fwiw Click Here!
Nice Howard! Sounds great. Do you remember what reverb (presumably a plugin...) you used on Dobro? Also, the bass is mixed great. Really good clarity. Excellent tune! I can reference this for sure.
Part of my challenge is bleed between the acoustic guitar and vocals (same person/performance). We recorded live in studio, and while it sounds organic, I'm somewhat limited on treating the individual tracks.
I think the dobro reverb was a stock Cubase plug in called "Reverence" , I took the "Small Wooden Church" preset and tweaked it. If it'll help I can take a screen shot of the parameters I used and send it to you. You'd have to apply the parameters of your particular setup.
I got advice for tracking the bass from Missy Raines husband, engineer Ben Surratt. Based on my mic inventory he suggested double micing and mixing the 2 bass channels. In my case it was a AKG C414B/ULS on the body and to get a sense of attack on the neck, a Shure SM-81.
Yes, any time you track vocal/inst. together you'll have to make "decisions".
quote:
Originally posted by hlpdobroI think the dobro reverb was a stock Cubase plug in called "Reverence" , I took the "Small Wooden Church" preset and tweaked it. If it'll help I can take a screen shot of the parameters I used and send it to you. You'd have to apply the parameters of your particular setup.
I got advice for tracking the bass from Missy Raines husband, engineer Ben Surratt. Based on my mic inventory he suggested double micing and mixing the 2 bass channels. In my case it was a AKG C414B/ULS on the body and to get a sense of attack on the neck, a Shure SM-81.
Yes, any time you track vocal/inst. together you'll have to make "decisions".
Many thanks! I use Reaper but have some pricey reverbs with similar room options. I'll tinker around.
Appreciate the bass mic tips. Can use for future sessions. I have a single mic'd bass track and can't adequately balance boom and attack, in spite of my creative EQing. (Actually I DI'd also, but that track was useless...).
Now I know...lol.
Again, thanks!
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