Hello guys, I just found Billie Jean raw channels through internet and re-mixed. I haven't listened it for a long time, so i did not listen again the original mix until i'm done with mine. I listened it after i bounce my my mix for comparison. They were and -still- are so much different. The difference is not just fx and pan choices. Even balance is so different. I know there is not just one perspective and it's totally subjective but i asked me "boy what the hell is wrong with my perspective" when i compare two versions.

Can you take a look and find an obvious mistake that can't just explain as 'another perspective' ?

Thanks.

this is the link to my version (Just Mix): https://vocaroo.com/1gTzuio74t9m

This is the link to original version (Also Mastered):

 

whats wrong with ur mix?

i can still hear michael jackson and the music :D

 

What Re-mix ? Dude i think the multi track version is 8 something mins, u just trimmed the edges rendered it as mp3. agree with the panning u did.

multitrack
https://remixpacks.ru/load/2/pop-1-0-6671/

 

i found it from here:

https://www.reddit.com/r/MusicStems/comments/i6n18k/request_michael_jacksons_billie_jean/

i just took the .wav files 39 seperate tracks, i checked it same number and names as you sent.

I found problem about bpm / import issue this .wav files playing at 114.5 bpm but original song is something else.

 

U know the internet, 1 file circulates for ages and then it gets renamed goes around again

Well not entirely, maybe Quincy Jones decided to remove parts that arent necessary to make it more funky.

If u r into mixing multitracks heres my fav yt channel dude work is spot on
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI7NzN_pjO1o1eoR_dhaUSg
This is one my favs god damn its better than the original in my opinion

Ths may be mixed from a 12" version i dont rem. exactly
Original

There so many others but this one comes to top of my mind

 

The difference is the saturation on the analog mixer, you are probably doing it in a DAW being careful not to go into the red, while Bruce Swedien did it on a desk just touching the red (where you get the best balance of SNR and drive) and then going into tape. THEN mastering.

 

Your version is just...... flat. Only way I can describe it.

I guess this is why proper producers do more than just move faders on a swanky console.

 

Last edited: Nov 21, 2021

Differences I hear in first two mins.

Very little compression on the original.
Lots more reverb and delays and fades.
Less low end.
Not as clean as yours but that's not a plus or minus, there is a lot of reverb and post production stage to push it up.
Mu-tron on Bass, might be some saturation, kind of hard to hear past the FX in a full mix.
Lots more Pans and Pan in fades, lots more fader work period on the original.

The console added something but not so much that it would change the sound that much.

Harrison consoles esp. the 4032 and 3232C aren't especially colorful, they have solid 9low end but tilt bright with exceptional for the time good mid and high detail and for the time superior transient response. It doesn't sound like that console is being pushed either, there isn't much red on those VUs.

There was an article on Sound on Sound like 10 years ago or something about mixing Thriller and Mr. Swinden. Do the search engine thing if you care. I don't remember much other than it exists. It might be behind a pay wall or not. Never know till you try.

Nothing wrong with what you put out, it could use some fader work in some palces but it sounds fine.

Thanks for providing an non limited mix when asking to a mix check, it really helps to pick things out easier.

If you are trying to dissect it, hope that helps.

 

Yep, I love mixing multitracks since i've not doing this professional, yet, for improving my mix quality. I will check it out, thanks.

Some valid tiny wallet analog problems... I guess you are right, I'm working in the box without any analog gear. I'll look some ways to ITB things that make sound mor analogish.

For now, maybe flat and even a bit balanced mix works for me as the best. I think I will wory about swanky console things later on.

Well, now I'm working about %30 on my interface output, I did not measured but even lower than 85 db SPL since i've read about mixing at lower volumes. I decided loudness is not the best. It's just making my mixes harsh and unnecessary loud. It is hard to get familiar with it but already i got a special thanks for decent, detailed level!

I read about some console review about MJ's thriller album which is mixed at harrison consoles, but i'll check it out. I do not know how much it will help since i've got any chance to reach any type of console to try similar sound to achieve, sadly. Only chance to get some information for try to improvise it in DAW. But again thanks!

 

And it sounds good. You mixes sound better now and your ears will thank you for years to come.

I am not in disagreement here.

Yes the 4032 and the 3232 are Harrison consoles, but they are clean consoles. So my point is there is no big console big console magic in play here. It's just effects choices and automation between your mix and his. If I remember correctly BS is a less is best mixer when it comes to compression and Eq and most of his style is based on well synced lanes (not a problem in a DAW with proper PDC) and creative busing and effects. Try a little bit of mono reverb or delay on the bass, see if you can get a Mu-Tron emulation the rest is just automation and reverb.

Have a good holiday bud.

Cheers

 

hiya
I also re-mixed it from the multitrack. imo it sounds better to me than yours, but its up to your interpretation.
https://voca.ro/1fbycGE7RprX

 

ye it's a good one but the bass is so boomy on my mdr 7506, also much louder and much more fx. But still it can be better than mine!

Also my loud mastered version is here: https://vocaroo.com/12wPvwFSODiV

 

Last edited: Nov 21, 2021

I totally agree with you! Guess i m a bit lack of usage creative fx sends etc. Well i'm gonna think about it. Thank you for your positive comments.

 

This russian site is insane. Thank you so much for showing it to us.