Mix Challenge

Hello:

I've seen the lists and I'm marked with an "X" for arrangement modification. I didn't know this wasn't allowed; in fact, I indicated it in my mixing process. Sorry for the mistake. I didn't understand this, perhaps due to my poor English level.
I read that drum replacements weren't allowed, nor were instruments added, and that modify the structure of the song wasn't allowed. But I didn't see that vocal repetitions couldn't be used with creative effects. Based on the above, I understand that delays also aren't allowed, which are simply repetitions.
I'm new to the forum, and just to be clear, are only equalizers, compressors, and reverbs allowed?
And another question: how do I indicate that I want to use the wildcard?

Thank you, and I apologize again for the misunderstanding.

Kron wrote: ↑

Sun Jun 29, 2025 11:41 CEST

how do I indicate that I want to use the wildcard?

You don't. Wild card mechanic

Henrik Hjortnaes wrote: ↑

Sun Jun 29, 2025 12:13 CEST

Kron wrote: ↑

Sun Jun 29, 2025 11:41 CEST

how do I indicate that I want to use the wildcard?

You don't. Wild card mechanic

¡AH!, OK. I understand that it is automatically activated when you move on to the next round, right?

Thanks, Henrik.

Kron wrote: ↑

Sun Jun 29, 2025 11:41 CEST

I read that drum replacements weren't allowed, nor were instruments added, and that modify the structure of the song wasn't allowed. But I didn't see that vocal repetitions couldn't be used with creative effects.

This is explained in minute detail in the Rules and Guidelines (post #006, Mixing and Editing Guidelines, 8th bullet point), the TL;DR Variant (post #003, 4th bullet point) and the Mix Pack bundled "TL;DR Rules.txt" (paragraph 3).

You copied a vocal part into a pure instrumental section, something wasn't there before, therefore changing the arrangement.

Kron wrote: ↑

Sun Jun 29, 2025 11:41 CEST

Based on the above, I understand that delays also aren't allowed, which are simply repetitions.

I'm new to the forum, and just to be clear, are only equalizers, compressors, and reverbs allowed?

Of course delays are allowed. The contestants have artistic freedom in terms of mixing (no limits on used modules/effects, neither hardware nor software) - within given boundaries. See Rules and Guidelines (post #006, Mixing and Editing Guidelines, 2nd bullet point).

Kron wrote: ↑

Sun Jun 29, 2025 11:41 CEST

And another question: how do I indicate that I want to use the wildcard?

As mentioned in post #169, there is an Addendum to the Rule Set, explaining how the Wild Card mechanic works. Should our Song Provider decide to select your entry for Mix Round 2, you can then advance through this particular mechanic.

The original HH is still there, nothing was "shifted", it's just a single delay panned opposite.

Mister Fox wrote: ↑

Sun Jun 29, 2025 12:31 CEST

You copied a vocal part into a pure instrumental section, something wasn't there before, therefore changing the arrangement.

Ok. I understand now.
Thank you so much for clarifying.

Davias wrote: ↑

Sat Jun 21, 2025 23:54 CEST

Hello,

a great and interesting song to mix again this month.

Since most of the tracks were very clean from the start, I tried to add vibe, space, spice, and some kind of fullness in the spectrum, to try to reach that padded ambiance.

I used SSL channel on all tracks for console vibes.
I used Shadow Hills mastering compressor on the mixbus
I compressed the beat with a dbx 165 clone.
I put a lot tapes, on different busses, and some saturation here and there, on busses, usually I did use them on individual tracks.

Here is the mix : https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GDGD97fvLZfZekEkU8t8EDjNGVN8Qc2O/view?usp=sharing

Good luck to every participants, I never get tired of this contest, hope everyone had fun.

Cheers

EDIT : hehe I always mix on the verge, dire conditions, and mentally unstable ppl invading my home. Nevermind. But I realize the first plucked synth is kinda absent from the intro, I clearly forgot to do the lastest full A/B check. But I do note it if by chance I reach round 2 ^^

Hi @Davias

I was randomnly checking some mixes and stumbled upon yours.
To me I think yours has a very good balance between the bass and the kick of the drums. The bass in the beginning almost sounds like a big chopper landing, which is pretty cool for the vibe in this song.

One thing I would like to hear a bit more are the high frequency sounds in some of the synths, e.g.: with the "bell" sounds but also on the piano. I think it would make the solo part more interesting when listening to it.

I think I could learn from your low-end balance though. When you have some time, could you check out my mix as well and give me some advice if you feel like doing so? https://drive.google.com/file/d/1duFUhv ... drive_link

Too bad I didn't double-check my Loudness specs thoroughly at the end of my mix. Went a bit beyond the given parameters. Will definitely recheck in the next contest.
Thanks again for hosting this great platform @Mister Fox and providing such a captivating song @BenjiRage.

Cheers,
Koen