<pony> <orchestral> From the Earth to the Sky

[CitricAcid]

I'm really only looking for mixing critiques on this one. There's probably some stuff that I could go back and fix compositionally, but I've been working on this thing for WAY too long at this point, and I want to see it out the door.

What sucks is that I've been working on this one for so long that all the parts that I used to think sounded amazing now sound boring to me.

http://www.mediafire.com/listen/h3i849abn2cmco7/FTETTS%20Mix%201.mp3

Basic mental image I'm going for:
"Rainbow Dash teaches Scootaloo how to fly. After gradual improvement, the sky becomes her home away from home."

This image will be going up with the video:
http://pyrestorm.deviantart.com/art/Rainbow-Dash-and-Scootaloo-357354462

[Injustrial]

What strikes me as the biggest problem is that I don't hear the bells clearly enough throughout the song. They shine really nicely at times, and then drown. Not sure if it's your frequencies messing with you or the levels, but something's not quite right.

your percussions sound a bit weak, but I guess if you'd punch them up, they'd steal too much from the piece itself...

However, I love what you've got going here. It's insanely Final Fantasy-ish, with some very nicely done "bow-work" and a lot of Zelda-style segments. You've got a nice progression and some stellar composition here. I know it's not what you're asking for feedback on, but I just had to compliment you on it.
It sounds professional, it feels professional, and I'd call it professional!

[CitricAcid]

What strikes me as the biggest problem is that I don't hear the bells clearly enough throughout the song. They shine really nicely at times, and then drown. Not sure if it's your frequencies messing with you or the levels, but something's not quite right.

Yeah I think I did mess with the levels on the bells. I'll go back through and try and fix that.

And thanks for the compliments!

[Injustrial]

NP, man. And seriously, that's the only thing I can really hear that's off. Everything else seems like it's properly fitted and sits nicely in its own place.

*Envy*

[Callenby]

I know you said you're only looking for mixing advice, but I have to say that I got the overwhelming sense that this might do well with a quicker tempo. Not drastically faster, just enough to give it that much more sense of drive.

Like Injustrial said, the bells are a tad hard to distinguish.

1:55 I'd bring out the brass a little more. Conversely, the solo violin melody after that is a bit too loud.

Then, during your quieter B section, maybe make it less quiet. Contrast is a good thing, but I feel that it's much too soft here.

The sudden deep, deep bass at 4:22ish was a bit odd. Not a huge deal, but I think it could do with raising the bass up an octave or so. The very high and very low notes together is a pretty stark contrast but you might want that, in which case it's fine, so long as you're aware.

Also, he percussion that begins at 5:20 felt quite sudden. Maybe ease its introduction a bit, especially since it drops out and then back in.

I hope that helps. Just very, very minor things. Don't feel obligated to follow any of this.

[Injustrial]

A lot of stuff I didn't even think about at first

This is a prime example of someone working within your genre, having more insight into your project than someone outside looking in. After reading through the points brought up and really listening, I'd have to agree with most of them.

The only thing I'd really protest against is

The sudden deep, deep bass at 4:22ish was a bit odd. Not a huge deal, but I think it could do with raising the bass up an octave or so. The very high and very low notes together is a pretty stark contrast but you might want that, in which case it's fine, so long as you're aware.

I found the sudden deep end to be interesting, rather than jarring. A nice contrast to what's already on display. I guess it comes down to personal preference, but I liked it. Others might not. *Insert pretentious speech about searching your feelings*

[CitricAcid]

I know you said you're only looking for mixing advice, but I have to say that I got the overwhelming sense that this might do well with a quicker tempo. Not drastically faster, just enough to give it that much more sense of drive.

I actually started to think the same thing recently. I might go back and bump the bpm up a notch or two (not much, though). I'll just have to export the stems and import them into my mixing project again.

Conversely, the solo violin melody after that is a bit too loud.

Yup, I agree. I was actually already planning on fixing this.


I'll look into the rest, too. At best I might get around to it this evening.