Tag: opeth

JOHN DOUGLASS: Mixing Opeth, Common Production Mistakes, Plugins vs. Analog Gear

On this Mixcritmonday episode, URM founder Eyal Levi is joined by producer/engineer John Douglass to critique user mixes of the Opeth classic “Heir Apparent.” Before diving into the critiques, they get into a killer discussion about the current state of music production. They cover how much easier it is for beginners to get decent sounds now, the incredible evolution of musician skill over the last couple of decades, and how digital tools like plugins and amp sims have finally reached a point where they can go toe-to-toe with high-end analog gear.

In This Episode

The main event features Eyal and John giving detailed, constructive feedback on three different student mixes. They tackle common but crucial issues like un-panned rhythm guitars, out-of-control low end in the kick drum, and over-compression that squashes the life out of beautifully recorded tracks. A major theme is that the source material is so good that it requires a delicate touch, not a heavy-handed template. They point out specific frequency problems, phase issues in the vocals, and highlight how dynamic balances between the song’s heavy and soft sections are key to getting the mix right. It’s a masterclass in objective listening and knowing when not to process.

Products Mentioned

Timestamps

  • [0:38] Do beginners realize how spoiled they are with high-quality multitracks?
  • [2:36] How production technology has advanced in just the last five years
  • [3:44] Why it’s easier than ever to get a “decent” recording
  • [5:02] How drummers’ relationship with click tracks has completely changed
  • [6:40] The rising technical skill of young musicians
  • [9:28] How streaming royalties are raising the quality of music again
  • [10:23] We’ve entered the age where plugins have finally caught up to analog gear
  • [11:14] The Taylor Larson NTM session: Amp sims vs. real amps
  • [12:39] Critiquing the first mix from Chris Uber
  • [15:58] The tell-tale signs of a mix done by a guitarist
  • [17:30] The importance of A/B referencing against the commercial mix
  • [19:24] Diagnosing phase issues between vocal tracks
  • [24:47] Critiquing the second mix from Ethan Layman
  • [25:04] The huge mistake of not panning the rhythm guitars
  • [31:24] How over-compression can make a good performance sound bad
  • [32:52] These Opeth tracks are so good you could just do a faders-up mix
  • [36:30] Critiquing the third mix from Marcus Stone
  • [39:49] When a snare sound is so loud it literally hurts your eyes
  • [42:39] Preserving ghost notes when you’re gating a snare
  • [44:51] Analyzing the low-end balance between the kick and bass

Unboxing Opeth “Heir Apparent” raw multi-tracks

This is the definition of “epic”!

This month on Nail The Mix we’ve got Jens Bogren mixing “Heir Apparent” by Opeth, and let me just say that it’s truly an honor and a pleasure to dig through this massive beast and get an up-close look at all the insane little details that make it so special.

Opeth “Heir Apparent” raw multi-tracks [UNBOXING]

Opeth ‘s “Heir Apparent” session mixed by Jens Bogren is RIDICULOUS!! It has layers and layers of guitars, vocals, synths, effects, and some of the most incredible natural metal drums you’ll ever hear. Eyal Levi takes you on a guided tour of this jaw-dropping session in Pro Tools.

Layers and layers of guitars, e-bow, synths, percussion… this song has EVERYTHING in it, and every single note is played perfectly and engineered with insanely meticulous attention to detail… seriously jaw-dropping!

Even if you’re not a fan of the band, holy crap – you NEED to watch this. It’s a master class in tracking, engineering, songwriting and arrangement… you could study this session for weeks and find something new every time!

Want more? Click here to get instant access to these multi-tracks and a front row seat for Jens Bogren’s live mixing session.

Nail The MixNail The Mix is our online mixing school that gives you REAL multi-tracks from REAL bands, plus a mixing class from the producer who recorded it. Past guests include Periphery, Gojira, Meshuggah, Machine Head, A Day To Remember and Bring Me The Horizon. Join now for instant access!