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Re Dirt Roads v3 My latest and last update to RDRs, the judges decision is final and no further correspondence will be entered into. Thank you for your feedback DC Ron, Guitarhacker and MarioD. I've got the vocals centred a lot more and cut a lot of the vocal reverb out and it does sound a lot better to my ear. Although having said that, depending on the which set of headphones or speakers I use, the vocals sound a little bit muddier in some. It's amazing the tonal variation you can get just using different equipment. Overall though, musically it has a better spread and the vocals are coming at you, rather than all around as they were in v2. Again thank you for everyone's advice, production for me is still a huge learning curve. I appreciate it muchly. Feel free not to listen again if you overheard it already. Kind regards
Last edited by Knee Wobbler; 01/09/26 07:44 PM. Reason: Updated audio production.
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Hi, Lee. Still a nifty song, but the vocals are spread TOO much and have lost focus to my ears. I'll usually keep the lead vocals and harmonies tightly focused near center and spread the non-bass instruments and BGVs as a starting point. As Mario sez, YMMV...
DC Ron
BiaB Audiophile
Presonus Studio One
ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM
Presonus Faderport 16
Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
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Hi Lee, I like the backing tracks much better. They sound livelier. I'm with Ron about the vocal. My technique is exactly like his. As Ron just said YMMV - ducking and running for cover 
Dad, how will I know when I've become an adult.
When your day is ruined because they rearranged the grocery store.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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Journeyman
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Hi Lee!
First off, huge respect for pushing through the rocky road of revisions (no pun intended!) to get this track to where it is today. The version you’ve shared feels like a spark of progress—vocals are punchier, the mix has more space to breathe.
Your comment about --"the judges decision is final and no further correspondence will be entered into" -- tells me that song fatigue has set in. Every creator hits that “I’ve heard this loop 37,000 times” wall. But trust me, this one’s a keeper. Time + distance might help you see its potential in a whole new light.
I have to say, after hearing your comments about the vocal clarity shifting depending on the headphones, I’m suddenly really curious what this song would sound like in a totally different context—a stripped-down, “unplugged” vibe perhaps? Just brainstorming here: two acoustic rhythm guitars panned hard L/R, your single-tracked vocals front and center with barely a whisper of reverb, and maybe a slide guitar or a harp solo … I’m not saying it’s the next step (by any means—this version is solid as a rock!), but I could get lost in a hazy, dusty take on it.
Keep riding those red dirt roads, Lee. You’ve got a great instinct for storytelling and a voice that definitely deserves to be front and center. Can’t wait to hear what’s next—rock version, unplugged experiments, or even a detour down a completely unexpected lane.
Rock on,
Izzy
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Man, I love hearing songs develop and this one really took a higher position on the top-shelf with each pass. Yeah, I agree the vocals are more right-at-ya now --a good place to be. And such a good vocal it is. Dirt roads sound so good on this ride.
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Yes, you’re right Izzy, song fatigue has set in. But I must say your idea of a stripped back acoustic version, does have merit. I’ll keep that thought in mind for the future, right now I’m happy with this version and to let the song drive off into the sunset. I don’t hate the song, it’s just reached saturation point and I need to let it rest for a while.
Thanks for your kind comments and suggestions Izzy, I value your insights most highly.
Kind regards.
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Thank you Marty. It’s been a bit laborious getting it to this stage, but it’s been worth it. A lot of valuable thoughts and recommendations were given and I needed that feedback to get it to this level. Production is enjoyable but perhaps not my forte, I’m still a rookie at that aspect… but I learn!
Kind regards.
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Hi, Lee. I think I missed the first two versions. Nice sound, but I think the instruments are stomping the vocal a bit. Might I suggest having a look at Trackspacer? It's my favorite lazy cheat, because it can carve out space without adding obvious pumping. But I'd definitely wait until it's on sale. 
-- David Cuny My virtual singer development blogVocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?BiaB 2025 | Windows 11 | Reaper | Way too many VSTis.
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Thank you DC. I'll keep an eye on Trackspacer, sounds like a good plugin to have. As you say, i'll wait until its on sale....everything sounds expensive when it's converted into Aussie dollars!!
Thank you for listening, kind regards
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Excellent tune Lee. Excellent vocal and backtrack. Cool production. Dialing in the mixing is an art in itself. One of my favorite things to do. Gives the fingers a rest from the guitar playing.
Some basic thoughts. Vocals dead center, drums and bass dead center. All the rest volume balancing left and right with there own space. One you get it close then create a template and you have a great place to start time. Ray is an excellent source for mixing. He has great ears..
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Lots of great advice there Scott, I appreciate your insights there and take it all on board. What I really like about this forum is that everyone is keen to help each other and give advice and praise freely where needed. It is such a large community and knowledge base which I will continue to tap into.
Thank you for your listen and kind comments, much appreciated. Kind regards.
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I'm late to the party on this, didn't hear the first two versions.
First of all, I really like the song! This is the second song from you I've heard I think, and I like your style, good groove and feel, two things I always listen for.
Good vocal, and really nice job on the guitar! You have some good advice on the mix so I won't comment on that.
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Thank you Blue for your very kind words and listen. Yes, a lot of good advice which I hope I’ve absorbed and can put to good use on future numbers. Im glad the groove and feel appealed to you, that lets me know I’m on the right track.
Kind regards.
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Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
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Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac Videos
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