The 'Three Plugin' Mixoff

[Heb]

Heres mine, did it during lunchbreak on computerspeakers so I will most likely regret posting it
Time ran out so no automation..

https://www.box.com/s/2nwj2ntjw6pmej1z2z1s

Sonnox Eq
Sonnox Comp
Sonnox Reverb

[hamish]

Originally Posted by Marcel K-O

Thanks for the fun... I really enjoyed the limitations.

ReaEQ , ReaComp , Magnus Ambience

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...hMe-Save1b.mp3

Very interesting twist on the electric lead tone, getting something real nasal and out of phase (strat style)

[hamish]

Originally Posted by Heb

Heres mine, did it during lunchbreak on computerspeakers so I will most likely regret posting it
Time ran out so no automation..

https://www.box.com/s/2nwj2ntjw6pmej1z2z1s

Sonnox Eq
Sonnox Comp
Sonnox Reverb

Heh, yeah it might be a little bass heavey. Nothing to regret though, sounds fine for a quick mix.

[Argle]

Track updated to fix volume.

[hamish]

Originally Posted by jsaras

http://www.audiorecordingandservices.com/3_plug_mix.mp3

I used the UAD 33609 compressor because I generally like its sound and it's extremely versatile, ReaEQ (which I use all the time) and several instances Valhalla Vintage Verb used mostly in subtle ways.

No automation at this point. I just wanted to get a good ensemble sound.

J

I like it so far, very similar to the preview mix, but drier vocals.

[FKAB]

Originally Posted by hamish

Err, I wouldn't call that 'gentle' really. There are some pretty nasty waveshaping artifacts happening there, so I'd check that out again (compare to other mixes).

It is interesting as a more lo-fi heaving type of thing, it does have some added vibe, especially the bass. Is that SSL compressor the Sony Oxford plugin? Can you oversample it, but I think more likely you have to back off your ratio.

Hah, you're being kind Hamish. I just listened to it with fresh ears, it sounds like crap! Back to the drawing board!

[jsaras]

I didn't listen to the preview mix, but hopefully the similarity won't be held against me.

[Billoon]

OK, heres my first go. I'm pretty happy with it but would love some constructive criticism.

Theres been some great stuff so far, cool to hear the different interpretations.

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/...%20Me%20v1.mp3

[Dannii]

Originally Posted by hamish

Hi Dannii, that's a classy mix, you have got a big 'wall of sound' going there, especially by putting the vocal deep into the thick of it. Your reverbs are beaut, that's Valhalla right?

You are one of 3 or so who have brought up the bass sustain, and even with the success of your mix I'm not convinced that is the best way to do it. I may have to put that one down to taste.

Cheers for the feedback Hamish. I came back today with fresh ears after actually getting some sleep and I completely agree with you about the bass. I've made another mix, this time without the additional sub bass track with the sustain and it sits MUCH better now. The only other thing I did was to adjust the EQ on the main bass track to bring out a bit more fullness and the whole bottom end of the mix now sounds much cleaner and more defined.

I updated the download link in my original post here... http://forum.cockos.com/showpost.php...1&postcount=38

...and yeah, the reverbs are Valhalla. I actually only used reverb on the drum overheads and the vocals. The rest of the mix is natural room sound from the mics.
I did add a delay to the acoustic guitar track though. The delay channel was panned opposite the direct channel and rolled off with a LP filter. The delay was done without using another plugin. All I did was duplicate the track and shift the audio.

[Andy Hamm]

Here is my mix file with my ReaVerbAte settings in it.

[Kainz]

Threw up something quickly while having a break from other stuff. I decided to compress/process it bit more because, well I think the whole point is to hear what different plugins actually do to these tracks! =)

https://www.dropbox.com/s/njcolsjhsf...0-%20Kainz.mp3

Plugins:

A.O.M. TranQuilizr as the EQ
Klanghelm DC8C as the compressor
Reverb is Lexicon PCM bundle and from that the Room -algorithm.

I went for "roomy and raw" and "liveish" overall tone, yet at thesame time I tried to make it sound processed and somewhat modern.

[Itch]

Hi all, amateur home recordist here so I have no idea if this is loud enough or too loud but here is my mix.....

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ij07wfmawr...0challenge.mp3

Plugs used : ReaEQ, ReaComp and ReaDelay

EQ and Comp on pretty much every track, a 3 instances of Delay (as busses)... 2 for the vox, panned left and right and at different times to create a stereo vocal and the other for the guitar solo. struggled with the low end on this track as my room isn't great and I've never had to mix an upright bass before! I got the kick sounding the way I want it, kinda flappy and loose but the bass just gets in the way.... anyway, any pointers would be greatly appreciated!

[FarBeyondMetal]

I did a mix with some of my "vibe" plugins. There's nothing surgical like I would normally do and the EQ doesn't even have Hi or Lo pass, so it's definitely just a "for the hell of it" mix

Plugins used were Hornet MultiComp, Ignite PETEQ-1a, and SKNote VerbTone.

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...%20Behrens.mp3

[pitpat]

My humble entry. Got to work on this for a couple of hours.

Plugins used - ReaEQ, ReaComp. Some automation, Track doubling for tap echo. Reaper's built in pitch shift ( item based ) for track double.
This is not compressed much at all. Am a fan of good dynamic range.

V2 - https://www.box.com/s/uj7gy77ucghpmfitddqe ( brighter mix with little increase in bass )

[Tomas Ve]

Here's my take, using Satson Channel, Sonimus EQ and ReaComp and a couple of shifted tracks

https://dl.dropbox.com/s/335xuqk2eg6...omasve-003.mp3

[Alxi]

Great to see all the people getting on board.
I'll work on it probably tonight

[hamish]

Originally Posted by Andy Hamm

Here is my mix file with my ReaVerbAte settings in it.

Hey, thanks for doing that!

[hamish]

Hi, I'm really glad so many people are joining in.

If you're a bit nooby you're still certainly welcome, it's open to all who take it in the right spirit.

I'd consider a hot mix by someone who is NOT a noob with higher rms than even -10 dBFS to be less welcome, considering the great dynamic mixes that have been posted.

If you're noob and unsure about correct use of the LUFS meter then please download the mixes by henge, pattse or dannii and use them as a guide. Your mix shouldn't sound louder than those.

[hamish]

Originally Posted by Dannii

I've made another mix, this time without the additional sub bass track with the sustain and it sits MUCH better now. The only other thing I did was to adjust the EQ on the main bass track to bring out a bit more fullness and the whole bottom end of the mix now sounds much cleaner and more defined.

I updated the download link in my original post here... http://forum.cockos.com/showpost.php...1&postcount=38

Oh Yeah! v3 is a cracker, I think that is very good, the rhythm section just lopes along like that. Also given that I'm too busy listening to all the mixes to work on my own I can rest assured that there is a mix that sounds perfect to me, and that I wouldn't bother trying to better. Maybe I'll have to get Valhalla after all!

Originally Posted by Dannii

I did add a delay to the acoustic guitar track though. The delay channel was panned opposite the direct channel and rolled off with a LP filter. The delay was done without using another plugin. All I did was duplicate the track and shift the audio.

I think eveyones on to the 'plugless' delay trick now ; )

[grinder]

Just an interloper following progress, very interesting would have a go however at the download my mouse would not give me save as! So no files
Hey for me so far

Dannii no 3 mix, super
Epic sounds
Heb (would like a softer drum intensity so the lead break gets to show the laid back intensity) personal preference real great separation without loss of tone.
Marcel
Dannii
Orkdadin

Just my feelings
Grinder

[hamish]

Originally Posted by grinder

Just an interloper following progress,..

Hi, I'm sure there are others listening too, so please do give feedback on mixes you like, or generally.

To be even more helpful, mention the system(s) that you have listened on like car stereo, laptop speakers, reference headphones, nearfields, band PA whatever..

I guess I should add that too, I've listened on reference headphones, multimedia speakers and nearfields (but with no subwoofer)

[hamish]

Originally Posted by Tomas Ve

Here's my take, using Satson Channel, Sonimus EQ and ReaComp and a couple of shifted tracks

https://dl.dropbox.com/s/335xuqk2eg6...omasve-003.mp3

Competitive 'modern' mix you are using the bass sustain too, which
does contribute to a big bottom end, but I'm not keen on it myself, it
is just not as well defined rhythmically

I dig that you can hear all the slap noises but maybe it's just a little overdone. Excellent creativity, very aggressive mix.

[hamish]

Originally Posted by pitpat

My humble entry. Got to work on this for a couple of hours.

Plugins used - ReaEQ, ReaComp. Some automation, Track doubling for tap echo. Reaper's built in pitch shift ( item based ) for track double.
This is not compressed much at all. Am a fan of good dynamic range.

https://www.box.com/s/bmhpn55f8zvvc0obnfnd

Super wide mix, dynamically, but maybe at the expense of bass. You have almost nothing under 35/40 Hz

Nice original 'vintage' blues delay and reverb references

[hamish]

Originally Posted by FarBeyondMetal

I did a mix with some of my "vibe" plugins. There's nothing surgical like I would normally do and the EQ doesn't even have Hi or Lo pass, so it's definitely just a "for the hell of it" mix

Plugins used were Hornet MultiComp, Ignite PETEQ-1a, and SKNote VerbTone.

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...%20Behrens.mp3

Great dynamics, and using the full range of frequencies. I'm starting to think it doesn't need much HP, I've been boosting now, I've come to the point where I reckon the lows are very important to the arrangement.

Getting a 'big' sound with your reverbs, good automation on the vocals
to get the nice details. Possibly drums up a little, not getting much cymbals.

[hamish]

Originally Posted by Itch

Hi all, amateur home recordist here so I have no idea if this is loud enough or too loud but here is my mix.....

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ij07wfmawr...0challenge.mp3

Plugs used : ReaEQ, ReaComp and ReaDelay

EQ and Comp on pretty much every track, a 3 instances of Delay (as busses)... 2 for the vox, panned left and right and at different times to create a stereo vocal and the other for the guitar solo. struggled with the low end on this track as my room isn't great and I've never had to mix an upright bass before! I got the kick sounding the way I want it, kinda flappy and loose but the bass just gets in the way.... anyway, any pointers would be greatly appreciated!

Original/creativel with the vocal and lead guitar phrase doubling,
sonics are ok, but still could be evened out a bit more

Your wide dynamics has come at the expense of bass, you have very
little below 40 Hz, but the recording has good energy right down below
20 Hz which really makes it work

Also your peak was 6.3 dB below 0, but that's no big deal. Most others have peak near 0 dBFS.

[hamish]

Originally Posted by Kainz

Threw up something quickly while having a break from other stuff. I decided to compress/process it bit more because, well I think the whole point is to hear what different plugins actually do to these tracks! =)

https://www.dropbox.com/s/njcolsjhsf...0-%20Kainz.mp3

Plugins:

A.O.M. TranQuilizr as the EQ
Klanghelm DC8C as the compressor
Reverb is Lexicon PCM bundle and from that the Room -algorithm.

I went for "roomy and raw" and "liveish" overall tone, yet at thesame time I tried to make it sound processed and somewhat modern.

excellent wide clear spatial aspect. but some gritty problems in the upper
midrange - treble (1 kHz - 6 kHz) Things are getting a little scorched.

I dig your bass, and you have all the bottom octave and subs of the mix.

[hamish]

Originally Posted by Billoon

OK, heres my first go. I'm pretty happy with it but would love some constructive criticism.

Theres been some great stuff so far, cool to hear the different interpretations.

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/s/...%20Me%20v1.mp3

warm and natural mix good blend of the parts. open in the midrange.


I like your use of the bass, you have the groove working imo

really couldn't fault your balance here at all

one thing I have learned though is that there is 'good energy' under 20 Hz in this one, and you have sanitized it more than you may have wanted to. I'm wondering if the producer was thinking club systems when he recorded this? Anyone mixing with subs?

[Andy Hamm]

Originally Posted by hamish

....I'm wondering if the producer was thinking club systems when he recorded this? Anyone mixing with subs?

Always, I never mix for small speakers unless I absolutely have to.

[Heb]

Here is another quick mix I did using only DSM from pro audio dsp and the sonnox reverb.

Just did it to test if I could get a decent result with the DSM only

https://www.box.com/s/ne2jzp3etue7bl988qal

[Sound asleep]

Originally Posted by Heb

Here is another quick mix I did using only DSM from pro audio dsp and the sonnox reverb.

Just did it to test if I could get a decent result with the DSM only

https://www.box.com/s/ne2jzp3etue7bl988qal

I love sonnox reverb, and use it a lot but it is limited.

I haven't heard the stems yet, but that would be a challenging reverb to have as your only reverb in your arsenal. But still, it has found itself, on a very high percentage of the songs i've mixed.

[Heb]

Originally Posted by Sound asleep

I love sonnox reverb, and use it a lot but it is limited.

I haven't heard the stems yet, but that would be a challenging reverb to have as your only reverb in your arsenal. But still, it has found itself, on a very high percentage of the songs i've mixed.

I wouldn't call it limited but complex and a with a different workflow than most other reverbs.
It can take some time to get used to, but when you get there it's awsome in my opinion.

[Billoon]

Originally Posted by hamish

warm and natural mix good blend of the parts. open in the midrange.


I like your use of the bass, you have the groove working imo

really couldn't fault your balance here at all

one thing I have learned though is that there is 'good energy' under 20 Hz in this one, and you have sanitized it more than you may have wanted to. I'm wondering if the producer was thinking club systems when he recorded this? Anyone mixing with subs?

Thanks for the feedback, Hamish, much appreciated. Very good of you to take the time to do this for everybody.

After comparing my mix to some of the others, i agree the sub-bass could be better utilised. I'm mixing on 5" monitors so i'm probably not getting a good idea of whats really going on down there. This make me want a sub now.

[grinder]

Just an interloper following progress, very interesting would have a go however at the download my mouse would not give me save as! So no files
Hey for me so far

Dannii no 3 mix, super
Far beyond Metal, gorgeous verses, lead guitar a bit peaky in lead break, thought the bass could be a little more present and defined, other than that I give your effort a - almost as good a mix as those latest awesome mixes involving the great Joe Cocker!
Epic sounds
Heb (would like a softer drum intensity so the lead break gets to show the laid back intensity) personal preference real great separation without loss of tone.
Marcel
Dannii
Orkdadin

Just my feelings
Grinder

[Dannii]

Originally Posted by hamish

Oh Yeah! v3 is a cracker, I think that is very good, the rhythm section just lopes along like that. Also given that I'm too busy listening to all the mixes to work on my own I can rest assured that there is a mix that sounds perfect to me, and that I wouldn't bother trying to better. Maybe I'll have to get Valhalla after all!

You'll love Valhalla. It seriously covers so many bases so well. Awesome algo's.
Thanks for your feedback again with this mix. I'm still not 100% satisfied though. The piano and acoustic guitar fight a little too much for space in this mix. My idea was to have them working together as a rhythm section in the same space with the lead guitar 'standing' opposite in the mix. On the one hand, the mix does achieve that but at the expense of piano/acoustic guitar definition.
I'm going to play around with them and see what I can come up with and will post the new mix shortly. I'll leave mix three up too just in case others end up liking it better.

Originally Posted by hamish

I think eveyones on to the 'plugless' delay trick now ; )

It's a good thing to have limitations on what we can use sometimes. It makes us think outside the box. The limitations on this project actually remind me of my days of 16 tracks on open reel tape and a hardware rack of FX. Razor blades and sticky tape, bouncing tracks and recording FX to tape made us creative with what we had. These days, it is so easy to just add another EQ or another compressor without thinking about such limitations.
Don't get me wrong, I love the freedom of the capabilities of our modern DAW's but an exercise in limiting ones self doesn't hurt sometimes.

Originally Posted by hamish

....To be even more helpful, mention the system(s) that you have listened on like car stereo, laptop speakers, reference headphones, nearfields, band PA whatever..

I guess I should add that too, I've listened on reference headphones, multimedia speakers and nearfields (but with no subwoofer)

I'm mainly monitoring on my mid fields which I custom built (the crossovers are my own design). They are Crown ES212 bass boxes for bass, sub bass and lower mids, Auratone 5c cubes for mids and ribbon tweeters for upper mids and HF. They basically cover everything from around 15Hz to about 30KHz. I'll post some pics below.

I also monitor on AKG K240m headphones which, interestingly, are what was used for the musicians in the recording sessions of this song (except for the drummer).
The AKG's don't have the low extension of my mid fields but they do give me a really nicely balanced reference from around 50Hz up.

Originally Posted by hamish

...one thing I have learned though is that there is 'good energy' under 20 Hz in this one... I'm wondering if the producer was thinking club systems when he recorded this? Anyone mixing with subs?

I agree that there's lots of usable LF in this. It is common place to roll off the LF at around 20 - 30Hz in many mixes but that approach seriously impacts the 'feel' (literally on decent monitors) of this track. I deliberately used low shelf EQ (gentle boost) on the bass and kick track for this mix rather than bell EQ in order to emphasize the infrasonics and get those intestines shaking!!

As mentioned above, here's some pics of my monitors. Those of you who know of the dispersion pattern of ribbon tweeters will notice they are not mounted in the typical vertical alignment in the pic below. This pic was taken during experimental listening tests and I now have them mounted vertically as opposed to what is shown here...

Crossovers during design and construction


...and one of the monitors

[hamish]

Thanks for the feedback, info and new mixes everyone. I think we've got more than 26 mixes now.

While it's a bit early to make a call my feeling about this little project is that I've learned about, by order of significance

1) file sharing systems

2) approaches to mixing

3) plugins

I've been thinking that the best way to compare plugins really would be if people made multiple mixes, going for that same 'vision' of the song but using a different 3 plugs. (Heb has kind of started this already)

So far stylistic differences are far outweighing plugin sound.

[pitpat]

Originally Posted by hamish

Super wide mix, dynamically, but maybe at the expense of bass. You have almost nothing under 35/40 Hz

Nice original 'vintage' blues delay and reverb references

Thanks for having a listen. I wasn't able to get a tight bass without hi passing the instruments at 35 - 40Hz. I should try harder to get a better bass, i guess. I have posted a brighter and deeper mix, however. thanks

Originally Posted by hamish

So far stylistic differences are far outweighing plugin sound.

I guess even if everybody were using the same plugins, the sounds would vary quite drastically. :P

[Wolffman]

A bit late to the party but i made it

Well, this was harder than i thought it would be, getting an average rms of -15db without getting overs on the master bus ( without a limiter ) proved a challenge, for me anyway.

Plugins.

ReaComp
TB Equalizer ( toneboosters )
Classik Studio Reverb

My Mix

https://www.box.com/s/2oknwnk7lskj00cuji4l


Cheers

[henge]

Here's mix 2 from me. Warmed up the highs and extended the low end and added more ambiance. Great fun!!

https://dl-web.dropbox.com/get/Stop%...2245JGcvNocFeA

[henge]

Originally Posted by hamish

So far stylistic differences are far outweighing plugin sound.

Not surprising as everyone is going to have a different take on how they want stuff to sound.
Very interesting to be able to compare so many different approaches.
Just goes to show that it's not the plugs but the users...

[henge]

Originally Posted by Wolffman

A bit late to the party but i made it

Well, this was harder than i thought it would be, getting an average rms of -15db without getting overs on the master bus ( without a limiter ) proved a challenge, for me anyway.

Plugins.

ReaComp
TB Equalizer ( toneboosters )
Classik Studio Reverb

My Mix

https://www.box.com/s/2oknwnk7lskj00cuji4l


Cheers

Nice mix Wolffman!