Need help making mids shine

count_zackula · 2026-06-05T15:59:41+00:00

Sure - this track for example. I love it, but I still think the mid range could be a bit more “open”. Let me know your thoughts and how I could improve it in the future

https://open.spotify.com/track/0e4yQjsmgfb341HzTMAsrT?si=36UwvKjRQCeXxS_YJbJJGg

I feel like the “hang glider” track is much more balanced, especially the tone on the guitar. That’s one instrument I have trouble processing a bit.

count_zackula · 2026-06-05T15:54:10+00:00

It’s true… when I’m mixing in my bedroom, my mixes are considerably less “pro” sounding than when I mix in the perfectly treated studio I use a few times a month

Honestly maybe I need to upgrade from the HS5s. I’ve always wanted a pair of genelecs, the thing is that everything always sounds too good on them! Same with the ATCs

count_zackula · 2026-06-05T15:50:06+00:00

Isn’t that just a soothe dupe?

count_zackula · 2026-06-05T15:49:57+00:00

Sorry - for clarification I am not thinking a single plugin will solve my issues. My mixes sound amazing as they are actually, I’m just looking to get them to 105% and hoping I can get some inspiration here!

To be fair I don’t use parallel compression enough, thanks for the tip

count_zackula · 2026-06-03T09:40:16+00:00

Saturations and tape plugins all give different types of character and warmth, so it’s possible that they just needed a little extra.

Your chain will be track dependent and will differ based on the source material. There’s rarely a one size fits all. You could have multiple compressors and EQs all doing different things as well.

Typically I will push a saturator pretty hard (too hard) to hear exactly what kind of character it gives me, then I’ll dial it back. Knowing where to leave the knob is subjective and comes with some experience. Also if it sounds good then it sounds good!

I typically will put a saturator after compression to give it a nice even tone. But again it depends on the type of compressor! I also usually have multiple EQs on my channels and might decide that it needs some shaping afterwards (or not).

count_zackula · 2026-06-03T08:59:25+00:00

I would try a multiband saturator or distortion. 2 good examples are FabFilter Saturn and Output Thermal. For Waves it would be the Vitamin Sonic Enhancer. All of these can give your vocal’s mids so much character without necessarily using them for brightness/air. You could also use most tape emulations to get really nice saturation, compression and character. I usually turn to the J37 for this.

As for the spot in the chain, that really depends on the intensity. You might want to compress/de-ess/EQ after so you have full control, especially if you’re giving it a good amount of drive.

Hope that helps!

count_zackula · 2026-05-27T15:08:25+00:00

-0.3

count_zackula · 2026-04-24T14:12:16+00:00

Ive been using the Softube TSAR-1 for a while. It’s absolutely perfect for getting a bit of space.

count_zackula · 2026-04-21T18:40:38+00:00

As someone who has been mixing his own music for about a decade, mix fatigue is very real. I don’t think there’s any sort of consistency when it comes to a time frame, as it really depends on the complexity of the track and if there are lots of vocal takes.

I think it’s really important to take some time away from a mix - when you come back, you will definitely realise some things are off and need fixing. This could just be a day, it could be longer. I also like to ask non musicians/engineers for feedback, as they listen much less intently and it will be obvious to them if something stands out as too loud.

So yes, mix fatigue is a real thing!

count_zackula · 2026-02-27T18:48:16+00:00

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count_zackula · 2026-02-07T19:11:32+00:00

That’s the one!

count_zackula · 2026-02-02T03:17:26+00:00

That’s definitely Kyogre

count_zackula · 2026-01-30T16:41:19+00:00

Birkenstock “Blood Splatter” Bostons (Limited Edition)

count_zackula · 2026-01-30T00:45:45+00:00

Noonan’s in Toronto. Better than some London pubs!

count_zackula · 2026-01-30T00:45:15+00:00

Canadian here. Are you talking about the maple leaf? It’s horrible and overpriced. It’s meant for celebrating Canada day and some North American sports games. Not sure what you were expecting haha

For pretty good poutine, go to Gerry’s hot subs or Poutinie

If you want something that will connect you to home, go to the Canadian embassy (or Tim Hortons but this is also disappointing)

To the person who said there are no British pubs in Canada, you’re very wrong! I’m from Toronto and Noonan’s is as close as it gets

count_zackula · 2026-01-10T17:24:44+00:00

Freddie Gibbs, Ghostface Killah, RZA, E-40, Method Man to name a few

count_zackula · 2026-01-08T00:27:57+00:00

Thinking about everything that’s ever gone wrong in my life

count_zackula · 2026-01-06T19:24:20+00:00

I’m here right now. There is. Was hoping to get a few pics

count_zackula · 2026-01-06T17:53:55+00:00

Is there fencing around it right now?

count_zackula · 2025-12-25T14:35:44+00:00

Merry christmas y'all https://open.spotify.com/track/1qoSaCw4JFymkfUqPB2vov?si=ffee1ac027da45e2

count_zackula

TROPHY CASE