Besaid Island FFX Vocal Mix - Which reverb? Pg 3

[DragonAvenger]

I've been wanting to do this for a while, and finally got around to commissioning my friend Georgasmaster (I made him dinner) to create a pop-like mix to Besaid Island from FFX. I'm pretty amazed with what he came up with, and I can't wait to get this finished already. That being said...

http://darlantandragonavenger.googlepages.com/Besaid_Island_DragonAvenger.mp3

I did a very quick recoding of the lyrics (about 2 takes) to get a feel for how this is going to sound. I don't want to go in depth with this yet because my recording equipment sucks, and I will be upgrading once I get about $350.

Intonation/volume/production aside, what are people's thoughts on this? I'm mostly concerned with:

1. Thoughts on the actual arrangement; Georgasmaster wants to know if there is anything that can be improved. I specifically want the ending to be changed, because I don't like the slide at the end. Anyone have suggestions?

2. The lyrics. The quickly turned into a love song, and it sounds very typical of one to me. Anything a little to cheesy? I plan on changing the "Always mirthful" verse. I did try to add some in game referrences, namely describing Besaid a bit, referring to Tidus as a whole, the love scene (Suketi) and of course "This is my story."

3. Instrumentation vs. Voice - Should we take out the instrument doubling the voice? Should I sing those high notes, or leave them for the instrument?

4. What else could be better?

Lyrics
:arrow: Waves that lap across the beach,
The soaring gulls and leafy trees
Sun, oh yea, and so warm...

It doesn't matter where we go,
Just tell me that you love me so
I do, oh yes, oh I do...


Gentle hands and eyes so bright
Please bring me close and hold me tight
Your arms, ooh, are so warm...

Crystal lakes and waterfalls,
Swimming under tiny stars
The night, yea, So calm...


Always mirthful, laughing strong
Nothing ever gets you down,
Please, smile, for me

Tell me what you want to be
Let me be in your story,
Oh yea, uhhuh, I love you.

Thoughts, comments, constructive criticism very welcomed!

[The Vagrance]

I'm not a huge fan of vocal remixes, almost all of the time they come off cheesy as the remixers try too damn hard to write lyrics to corrospond to the song too much instead of letting it flow naturally. But, I'll give this a shot.

I like the intro, the bells are nice but you ought to maybe try putting them a bit more into the background, aside from that, I love the sounds. It gets a bit repetitive before the vocals. You need them to come in sooner or change things up faster. The drums/percussion aren't bad, they fit the mood but you need to make more than one loop for them, they get repetitive. The vocals, unfortunately, aren't improving my stance on them in remixes one bit. They sound poorly EQed, the recording is crap, you're alright at singing but you don't have the kind of voice to carry a song without any effects, at the very least have some kind of chorus-like effect on your voice to make it seem like there's more than one person. The voice in general isn't anything special though, good for just simple acoustic type stuff with little production, simple things, but for pop-songs you have to have near-perfect pitch (a lot of times auto-tune helps a lot), but not much you can do about that aside from add effects. The lyrics for this are pretty cheap as well, the main rule of pop songs is to try to sound complicated and deep, while in actuality the lyrics are (usually) quite shallow, unfortunately you just kinda went for shallow lyrics in the first place. This isn't bad, but if you're going for a more poppy sound, there's quite a bit of subtleties that needs to be worked on.

[ambient]

2. The lyrics. The quickly turned into a love song, and it sounds very typical of one to me. Anything a little to cheesy? I plan on changing the "Always mirthful" verse. I did try to add some in game referrences, namely describing Besaid a bit, referring to Tidus as a whole, the love scene (Suketi) and of course "This is my story."


FYI: its Suteki.

I'm sorry, I'm going very brief on this one. The intro is a little too long. Vocals come in at about 2:00 into the track, it's just too long to wait. The vocals themselves lack in several respects. First of all, the singer is a little offbeat here and there. Have her practice a little more with the instrumental, and she should be able to get the timing down. Then, of course, there is processing of the vocals. There are so many different things you can do to make the vocals creative, but the bare minimum is reverb. You could also have her sing it over again a little quieter, or create polyphonic effect by having her sing different notes and then superimpose certain parts of the vocal track.

Keep at it.

[DragonAvenger]

I know all this stuff about the effects and reverb and EQing and stuff, but that wasn't the point of posting here, as I said in my first post. I don't want to do a serious recording until I get better recording equipment. This was just to get the basic feel of the mix, and garner opinions on it before I really get into it.

I know the singing was a little off, and certainly out of tune (again, read, sung in two takes...for the entire thing), but that will be fixed in the serious recording. I do know I have to line up better with the instrument, but that's only really if I desire to keep the instrument doubling the voice in the first place. I do think I'm going to harmonize parts of this the second time around, because it probably will sound rather empty without it. I just have to figure out said harmonies. :)

The intro definately is too long, and I think I'm going to ask Georgasmaster if he can maybe cut it in half or so. I'm not sure if I want to add some scat singing before the actual verse comes in (a'la 4:38). Anyone have thoughts on that.

I'll have to talk to Georgasmaster, and see what he can do with the drums. I know he uses Garageband, and I don't know how difficult it will be to change loops and stuff. It shouldn't be too much of a problem.

As for the lyrics, in defense of myself, I think the referrences to the game add the depth that lacks in the actual words, if that makes sense. I don't really listen to that much pop, so this is a new experiance for me in the first place. I'll probably be tweaking a lot of this as I go.

[lightwarmth]

Ok. This isn't bad. It gets really tiring quickly.... I could use something like acoustic guitar or something. The pads and drums are nice at first but variation is needed (this is to the remixer himself). Also, don't like the ending... needs something warmer and more final.

As to the singing...

Hmmm... even for 2 takes I'm just not sure on the vocals. You sound a bit like you're doing karaoke not like you own the song. practice it, put lots of feeling into it. I know singing is an intensly personal thing... you have a nice enough, but it is unrefined. You've got some nice vibrato at the edges of your phrase endings. But for the song ... you totally need to a bit more body. It's sounding a little nasal. Don't force those high notes. The whole time you just don't convince the listener of anything... I can totally picture how I'd love this song to sound, something warm, more confident, (better recorded, but you're fixing that). Also, work on being absolutely on pitch.

Don't mean to be a downer, but I'm super super super picky with vocalists. Who do you listen to for inspiration?

[DragonAvenger]

Don't mean to be a downer, but I'm super super super picky with vocalists. Who do you listen to for inspiration?

Hmm, good question. I don't really listen to pop music as a habit, and really I enjoy instrumental music more often than vocal music. I would have to say whoever sang the theme to Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles has my favorite voice, so I'll go with her.

If you want to hear my life story, I'm an instrumental music education student, and my formal training consists of one semester of voice class with about 25 other students. Basically what I know about voice is what I've overheard and what I can translate from playing the trumpet, so I already know my voice really is nothing that special.

I will definately work on getting a fuller, more open sound though. I did record somewhat late at night without a great warm-up, so that might be contributing a bit, but I know I have a thin voice overall.

Thanks for the comments!

[Rafajafar]

I dont know why but the intro reminds me of little eyes from Yo La Tengo. I know it's a stretch, but it does.

All in all, it's sleepy. Sounds like something Annie Lennox would sing... and I would promptly change the station on the radio.

I don't like how the synths go with what you're singing. It comes across cheesy. Let your voice pull off the melody, not the synth... unless you want to add some much needed bass with your voice via the synth.

I know you said not to bust on the vocals, but you have a lot of work to do before this is production. If you can't hit the "yeaaah" note, don't sing it. Get someone else to. My advice, contract your throat as you get higher. Do not try to sing the high notes with the same inflection as the mid ranged notes. It'll add a sexy, "grit" to your voice and increase your range. You need to project into the microphone on your next takes. Bigtime. Make it sound like a woman is singing, not a girl. As it is right now, the voice sounds like something you'd hear on Nick Jr. That has *nothing* to do with your voice, but more how you decide to give your voice body and depth. Next time you record, put emotion into it. Sing as though no one is there and you really mean what you're saying. You may feel foolish at first, but when you hear the difference it makes, it'll go away. Also, make sure you stay on key. Practice practice practice, you can do it!

All in all, it's a good first cut. Expect a lot of revision before it's production quality, though. Hey, and when you get that recording equipment, can I borrow it sometime :-P This 1/8th inch mono plug I have ain't cuttin it.

[DragonAvenger]

I posted this at VGMix, but might as well do it here as well, right?

I got an update, with new equipment! *cheers*

http://darlantandragonavenger.googlepages.com/BesaidIslandRemix.mp3

Georgasmaster came through again, removing most of the melodic line doubling the voice and shortening the beginning. I still can't thank him enough for the amount of work he put into this, and how awesome his arrangement came out.

The problem (there's always a problem) is that I don't really know much about how to use all this wonderful stuff yet, so I'm slowly learning through doing. Some of the problem's I've noticed/know about:
-Overall vocals are quiet
-Some clipping on notes
-Intonation (not due to recording, but just some notes here and there)
-No reverb/effects added - just straight, dry voice

So, if anyone has tips/advice on that stuff, or more, please feel free to give (constructive) criticism, please!

If people are having problems downloading this, tell me please. Googlepages has been very finicky about not letting people get a full download in. I can accomadate you if you're really interested in hearing it. PM/AIM me!

[ink]

It's very nice so far. I'm not sure if the vocal style fits though...

[DragonAvenger]

http://darlantandragonavenger.googlepages.com/Besaid_Island_Remix.mp3

Alright, is it done? And a better question, do you think it would pass? Comments welcome!

[ericharris]

on the down side, the vocals seem very dry but good nevertheless and could use some effects like reverb and delay or some shit like that. Also, although i haven't heard the song in a while (last time I played the game which was a several months ago) it doesn't seem very true to the original song and the judeges are REALLY picky about not having the orignal melody in there somewhere.

On the up side, the instruments are truely flawless and the singing is not american idol good, but still good like best singer in your high school good. Overal, i like it but the jugdes aren't as forgiving as me.

[OA]

The backing track is perfect, imo, so i'll focus on the vocals, which is what needs the most work.

dry dry dry vocals
it sounds like someone is standing next to me singing the melody along to my mp3 player. It needs some reverb, it sounds like everything else has it, so why ignore the voice?

It sounds like the comping before and around the 3 minute mark is a little unconfident.

The second verse and on sounds much more confident than the first.
The way "smile" is said seems really forced, though i'm not sure how to fix that for you.

The singer has a good contemporary voice, but you need to mix it in with the music, and have the first and third verses sound as confident as the second.

Make these changes and it will have a good chance to be accepted; blow it off and it won't.

[DragonAvenger]

The backing track is perfect, imo, so i'll focus on the vocals, which is what needs the most work.

dry dry dry vocals
it sounds like someone is standing next to me singing the melody along to my mp3 player. It needs some reverb, it sounds like everything else has it, so why ignore the voice?

It sounds like the comping before and around the 3 minute mark is a little unconfident.

The second verse and on sounds much more confident than the first.
The way "smile" is said seems really forced, though i'm not sure how to fix that for you.

The singer has a good contemporary voice, but you need to mix it in with the music, and have the first and third verses sound as confident as the second.

Make these changes and it will have a good chance to be accepted; blow it off and it won't.

Thanks, I can see what I really need to work on now. I'll be recording tomorrow, hopefully I can get it all down without a problem

And, to your response to georgasmaster's track, he says "Thank you thank you thank you!!!!"
:)

[avaris]

yeah the instrumental is awesome, def pop.

As an example for some of the vocals effects, djp's xenosaga 7yearsBroken is a good example. How he has his voice echo in parts. Especially on those drawn out notes.

Lyrically, the "oh yeah" parts seem a lil cliche :wink: But I get the idea. Maybe try something different there.

Production wise maybe use some similar effects that are on the instrumental on parts of your voice, so your voice blends into the feel of the instrumental more and presents more of an even feel. The two just feel seperate at the present moment.

With the right attention in implementing the vocals this one will be pretty friggin awesome.

[John Revoredo]

i'm having damn problems with those googlepages. I only could download 1:30 minutes.
What i heard was nice (no problems there)
Couldn't hear nobody singing,though.
use putfile or something like that.

[DragonAvenger]

http://darlantandragonavenger.googlepages.com/Summoners_Love.mp3

Ok, so that's a rerecorded version of the first and third verse. Overall the vocals are a little quiet, because I'm in a rush and simply forgot to turn them up a notch. Otherwise, comments, etc, please.

There is no reverb because I've discovered that I don't have any good program for adding reverb to the vocals. I'm asking for someone's help with that, with full credit given during submission time. Any takers?

Thanks for your help!

PS - Prometheus, if you want I can email you a version of the song, if you'd like, otherwise I'll probably throw the song up on putfile or something later tonight if you want.

[ericharris]

what you could do is try to find someone with a guitar pedal and sing through the pedal with some effects on. I would love to try and help you because this song but alas, i am a n00b

[Dhsu]

I really don't think you need to worry about the volume of the vocals...it sounds just fine to me. As for reverb, couldn't you ask Georgasmaster to do it for you? Or possibly Mythril Nazgul?

Other than the reverb, I think this is very close to being done. The low notes could still use some work, but I don't think they'll be terribly distracting if you leave them alone.

Also, this isn't a big deal, but I personally think it might sound better without the vocals at 4:08; to me it sounds like that section should be more of a peaceful instrumental interlude, so the vocals sort of intrude on the peacefulness and break the mood. The vocals at 4:29 are fine though, since the song picks back up with the drums and such. Maybe you could replace them with the ones at 4:08 or something along those lines.

I do like the additions to the solo at 2:32. The "I love you so" is a little cheesy, but I can deal with that. And the "smile" is much better. :)

This mix gets better every time, and I can't wait to hear the finished version. Keep it up!

[DragonAvenger]

I really don't think you need to worry about the volume of the vocals...it sounds just fine to me. As for reverb, couldn't you ask Georgasmaster to do it for you? Or possibly Mythril Nazgul?

Georgasmaster doesn't have much in the way of reverb himself, sadly. And, no offense to Myf, but he has another mix of mine that he's yet to do something with, and that was back in Febuary! (Mind you, I entirely understand what it's like to be busy, and even be that busy, so I don't blame him or anything, I just want to get this one done a little faster :wink: )

I'll take a look at the other points you mentioned when I'm back at my own computor. Thanks for the comments!

[Dhsu]

I really don't think you need to worry about the volume of the vocals...it sounds just fine to me. As for reverb, couldn't you ask Georgasmaster to do it for you? Or possibly Mythril Nazgul?

Georgasmaster doesn't have much in the way of reverb himself, sadly.
I find that odd, considering his accompaniment has a considerable amount of reverb itself. As for Myf...you just have to bug him a little more. :P

[DragonAvenger]

Summoners-Love---Final-Fantasy-X (http://media.putfile.com/Summoners-Love---Final-Fantasy-X)
That's for Prometheus and others who hate Googlepages. It's not updated or anything, hopefully that'll be taken care of tomorrow.

[DragonAvenger]

Double posting in my own thread because I can.

http://darlantandragonavenger.googlepages.com/Summoners_Love.mp3
Or
http://media.putfile.com/Summoners-Love

Moved things around, a'la Dhsu's suggestion. Also, recorded some of the beginning notes to verses louder.

Done? (Minus 'verb)

[avaris]

I don't know what it is but this version feels so much better...I don't know haha. Everything seems to flow much better. The last couple verses were great vocally and arrangement wise.

In the beggining the na na na I love you so part. For some reason I think it would sound better if the vocal were less pronounced and sang with a more a "whisper" like voice.

All the work you guys have put into this mix is really starting to pay off, this mix just screams to be in an old john cusack 80's film :wink:

[Zipp]

I really don't think you need to worry about the volume of the vocals...it sounds just fine to me. As for reverb, couldn't you ask Georgasmaster to do it for you? Or possibly Mythril Nazgul?

Other than the reverb, I think this is very close to being done. The low notes could still use some work, but I don't think they'll be terribly distracting if you leave them alone.

Also, this isn't a big deal, but I personally think it might sound better without the vocals at 4:08; to me it sounds like that section should be more of a peaceful instrumental interlude, so the vocals sort of intrude on the peacefulness and break the mood. The vocals at 4:29 are fine though, since the song picks back up with the drums and such. Maybe you could replace them with the ones at 4:08 or something along those lines.

I do like the additions to the solo at 2:32. The "I love you so" is a little cheesy, but I can deal with that. And the "smile" is much better. :)

This mix gets better every time, and I can't wait to hear the finished version. Keep it up!

Dhsu is dead on, as usual. I would add my support for removing the "I love you so" lines, they're just too cheesy.

It's getting better, much better than the original vocals. And the background is awesome. Great background.

The vocals are at their best in the end, somehow they fit better there than elsewhere... or maybe that's just me finally getting used to them. The lyrics are a bit too pap for me to love, but the phrasing is very nice.

In any case, glad to see you're working on this mix still, it's going some good places.

EDIT: You know, despite myself... I actually like the lyrics. So I wouldn't reccomend changing them. Even the "I love so" lines, which used to make me cringe, are growing on me. But only the first one. I think the ending line is too weak as is.

[DragonAvenger]

I really don't think you need to worry about the volume of the vocals...it sounds just fine to me. As for reverb, couldn't you ask Georgasmaster to do it for you? Or possibly Mythril Nazgul?

Other than the reverb, I think this is very close to being done. The low notes could still use some work, but I don't think they'll be terribly distracting if you leave them alone.

Also, this isn't a big deal, but I personally think it might sound better without the vocals at 4:08; to me it sounds like that section should be more of a peaceful instrumental interlude, so the vocals sort of intrude on the peacefulness and break the mood. The vocals at 4:29 are fine though, since the song picks back up with the drums and such. Maybe you could replace them with the ones at 4:08 or something along those lines.

I do like the additions to the solo at 2:32. The "I love you so" is a little cheesy, but I can deal with that. And the "smile" is much better. :)

This mix gets better every time, and I can't wait to hear the finished version. Keep it up!

Dhsu is dead on, as usual. I would add my support for removing the "I love you so" lines, they're just too cheesy.

It's getting better, much better than the original vocals. And the background is awesome. Great background.

The vocals are at their best in the end, somehow they fit better there than elsewhere... or maybe that's just me finally getting used to them. The lyrics are a bit too pap for me to love, but the phrasing is very nice.

In any case, glad to see you're working on this mix still, it's going some good places.

EDIT: You know, despite myself... I actually like the lyrics. So I wouldn't reccomend changing them. Even the "I love so" lines, which used to make me cringe, are growing on me. But only the first one. I think the ending line is too weak as is.

Thanks, glad to know people actually do like it, cheesy lyrics and all :)

What do you mean about the last line? The "I love you..." with the fade? Any suggestions?

I think I might bring down the volume of the 'off' section as Avaris suggested, but I'll have to see, since I did already send out the lyrics to a couple of people, so it might be difficult/annoying to change things now.

Thanks for everyone's comments though, I'm actually feeling confident in this mix!

EDIT: ^That's a lie, I'm still gonna be like the guy in this picture ('cept I'm a girl...)
http://www.ocremix.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=91063&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

[MarioSunshine]

This is one of the best mixes I've ever heard in my entire life.

Seriously, at home I blast this, in my car I blast it, in my sleep I blast it.

This shit is just so much fun to listen to, it's hard not to, this ROCKS!

[Dhsu]

The song definitely sounds better with the instrumental interlude at 4:08. I do think the entrance at 4:29 is a little harsh...maybe soften up the attack on the "I", or reduce the volume of that section. Or perhaps replace it with one of the sections you cut out (I don't exactly remember which, since you deleted the old versions :( ).

As for the ending, I think it's decent enough, but it does leave the song unresolved (not necessarily a bad thing though). Anyway, I dunno if Georgasmaster is still around to help you, but if you want to make the ending more "satisfying," then he could just add an ending chord/cadence, or maybe a short outro with fade. And while he's at it, maybe he could extend the 4:08 interlude a few more measures so you can put the stuff you cut out back in. ;)

Speaking of the ending though, I think there are slight timing issues starting at 4:48...seems like you come in a microsecond later than the bass notes.

Anyway, I think at this point, these are all just small nitpicks. There's still the issue of the low notes, but that's probably just a matter of vocal range, and I don't really have any suggestions for that apart from formal training and practice. Or maybe just soften up the attack on "gentle" and "crystal". But yeah, I guess it'll be up to the judges to decide whether it's a big enough problem to reject it (a lot of people tend to be sticklers over vocals).

Still, we're finally gettin' there! Hope you find someone to help with reverb soon. I'm sure it'd make it sound tons better, and maybe even cover up some of the problems with the vocals. It'd be really nice to see this on OCR. :)

[DragonAvenger]

Summoners-Love-Reverb-1 (http://media.putfile.com/Summoners-Love-Reverb-1)
I've got three people who said they want to do reverb for this, so the only fair way I can think to pick between them is to let other people decide. So far I've got this one from Ambient01. The last verse is missing, but that'll get fixed.

Thoughts/comments/etc.

Thanks for your kind words, everyone.

[Hy Bound]

I like this reverb. The song kicks ass though, very well done and pro sounding. I would like to hear a weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee bit more spacial and a tad bit more wet reverb on the vocals, but it still sonds good. Good work.

[DragonAvenger]

Summoners-Love-Reverb-2 (http://media.putfile.com/Summoners-Love-Reverb-2)

Here's The Prophet of Mephisto's version of the thing. I'm not sure if my third person will be able to get something done in time, so it might be a choice between these two. I'll give it a couple of days.

[avaris]

Reverb 1 seems to emphasive the instrumental more. Voice sounds a lil more processed, but still really good. Volume is a little bit low on the vocals.

Reverb2 seems to emphasize your vocals more. Voice sounds more natural. Volume is a lil high on the vocals.

Basically I like 1 better. The overall feel is better. The whole seems to flow together better. But the vocals sound a lil better on 2 though. Well it's all up to you in the end anyways. It's nice to see vocal mix done with so much quality work. Must suck for you to try and do updates bc you gotta add new vocals over the song every time, kudos all the work on this one has def paid off :wink:

[DragonAvenger]

Wait wait! Not done!
Summoners-Love-Reverb-3 (http://media.putfile.com/Summoners-Love-Reverb-3)

That should be 3, but I'm lazy. This is the third version, done by a friend of mine at school.

So....
Summoners-Love-Reverb-1 (http://media.putfile.com/Summoners-Love-Reverb-1)
Summoners-Love-Reverb-2 (http://media.putfile.com/Summoners-Love-Reverb-2)
Summoners-Love-Reverb-3 (http://media.putfile.com/Summoners-Love-Reverb-3)

A couple things should be mentioned. Each of these can still be tweeked a bit here and there, like the volume, so it's not a set thing entirely. Which of these three do you think would be the best choice?

[MarioSunshine]

I like Reverb 4 the best but the song is only half way there

Reverb 2 sounds gay

[DragonAvenger]

I like Reverb 4 the best but the song is only half way there
In what way?

EDIT: Oh wait nm I see. I'll fix that tonight. The transfer must have not finished!

[kamoh]

Vocalist is overshadowed horribly by the music.
I love music and tend to discard vocals entirely (even after years of choir), but when they're there and they're not the focus it's irritating.

So...++dynamics vocalist, -dynamics background.

[DragonAvenger]

Link 3 is now fixed, and contains the entire song.

Kamoh, did you listen to each version, because the volumes are different in each. So far the third one (to me) has the best volume, but the first version is being worked on, so, yea.

[kamoh]

Link 3 is now fixed, and contains the entire song.

Kamoh, did you listen to each version, because the volumes are different in each. So far the third one (to me) has the best volume, but the first version is being worked on, so, yea.

No I didn't - hard to judge I know sorry...

*listens*

Far more musical...
Right now I've got no problems with the musical arrangement - and I like the vocals now (from a musical standpoint).

But I'm having a hard time finding the source...I don't remember Besaid being quite this way (same thematic level though)...

Maybe I'm just confused.

[DragonAvenger]

The theme is in the vocals, but twice as fast as normal. The ending of each line is a bit changed as well. Does that help? It should be straightforward.

[Dhsu]

Hm...I hate to say it, but to be honest, I don't think any of them do this piece justice. Prophet's version (2) is the closest though, in my opinion...it does a good job of bringing the vocals out, but the reverb and echo is just plain overboard. I think if he cuts down on those, it could work out. Version 3 is decent, but the vocals are too low and don't have enough presence. So increasing the volume and reverb would probably fix that. Actually, come to think of it, the end result would probably be the same as reducing the reverb and echo on Prophet's version. :P

So yeah, either way would work, I think. Also, if possible, try to find someone who has an autotune program or plug-in. Don't be embarrassed about it either...many, many professional singers use it for their studio recordings.

Good luck!

[prophetik]

yo, i've got the fl6 .flp file sitting on my desktop waiting to be edited, so if da decides she wants my cut, i can fool with it.

i know my version is too loud - that's the unfortunate problem of letting FL6 handle your mp3 files straight in. the reverb/echo makes more sense when it isn't blasting into your head and instead is just kinda chillin in the background with all the rest of the fuzz on this track.

i'm sending da a copy with better volume control soon. maybe then it'll make sense.

edit - i just emailed it to her. we'll see what she says.

[DragonAvenger]

Summoners-Love-Reverb-2-21 (http://media.putfile.com/Summoners-Love-Reverb-2-21)

I think it sounds much better, but why don't we open it up to the audience?

[avaris]

yeah this is def the best mastering on the vocals! You got my vote.

[Dhsu]

Better, but I would definitely cut out the echoes, except at key parts you want to emphasize (like the rhymes in the last verse, and the ending). It gets old if it's used all the time.

[elman]

...I hate to be Debbie Downer so far into the process, but I'm still not a fan of the way you sing the song. It's not that you have a bad voice, and the reverb makes quite a difference, but I think your voice still sounds flat compared with everything else. The notes seem right, but there isn't any emotion in them, or the emotion you're using just doesn't match up with the accompaniment.

There's such a great potential for this mix, I'm glad you're perfecting it and not hastily submitting it. Good luck!

[Chickenwarlord]

The voice has a twang to it that I would expect to hear in a theatrical production, without the volume that I'd associate with that backdrop.
I guess the thing that messes with my head is what I've become accustomed to from processed, recorded music.
It's certainly not bad, but it's not the best either.
Great relaxing background though.

[Zipp]

So sad... I can't get the remixes with reverb... do you have any other format?

[prophetik]

they were yousendit files, and the links have expired. if she cares, she might repost them, but i don't know if it'd be worth it right now. she's got a lot of responses already.

[DragonAvenger]

Actually they are putfile, and I didn't realize that they had an expiration date on them. Odd...

Anyways, PM me your email and I can send one of the versions if you'd like.

[Zipp]

Well, I'm torn. I've grown so used to the original voice, that I'm sad to hear it changed. In the end, I think this could sound good, but the echo needs to be turned down a bit, it's too much right now, makes her sound like she's in a different environment than the wide open beaches the song inspires.

[Dhsu]

I saw a judging decision where zircon recommended the Antares Autotune plug-in. You can download a 10-day demo here. (http://www.antarestech.com/download/demo.shtml)

[avaris]

I saw a judging decision where zircon recommended the Antares Autotune plug-in. You can download a 10-day demo here. (http://www.antarestech.com/download/demo.shtml)

WOW...too bad the PC demos aren't out yet. If i did all vocal mixes all the time I would def invest $100 in this plugin as long as it does what says it can do.

Good luck on the judging DA.

[DragonAvenger]

Whoa, this came back from the dead, haha.

I never did do any sort of auto-tune to the voice, so depending on judging I may just try it. Thanks for the link, Dhsu, and thanks for the well-wishes Avaris!

[_Raijin_]

so this has been submitted? not to put a downer on you but I doubt this will pass the judges. Did you think to double track and/or harmonise the vocals at all?(this should help to take the focus off of bad notes and flat areas whilst also fattening the sound and giving it more presence and diversity). Even with layers of reverb (and still a very annoying and noticeable delay effect) the vocals still dont sound great. Your voice has a lot of potential, in the hands of a good mixer. You just need to learn a few more techniques on mixing vox to get the overall sound that the vox need for this track.

[DragonAvenger]

so this has been submitted? not to put a downer on you but I doubt this will pass the judges. Did you think to double track and/or harmonise the vocals at all?(this should help to take the focus off of bad notes and flat areas whilst also fattening the sound and giving it more presence and diversity). Even with layers of reverb (and still a very annoying and noticeable delay effect) the vocals still dont sound great. Your voice has a lot of potential, in the hands of a good mixer. You just need to learn a few more techniques on mixing vox to get the overall sound that the vox need for this track.

I realize that it's got a good chance of not passing, however at the time it was at the best it was gonna be.

I don't want harmonization, I want this as a solo track. I also don't really know what you mean by vocal doubling, but it sounds somewhat opposite of "solo," so, probably not.

The vocals might not sound that great, but it was a pretty hard track to sing (ninths are hard! lol), and I am by no means practiced in singing, really. I do it for fun, and I enjoy it, but I certainly need work at it. For now, that's the best I've got.

As for getting a good mixer, I had three people offer, as you might have read earlier in this thread, so, those where the options I had, and I personally thing The Prophet of Mephisto did a good job. We're all learning here, I believe that's one of the points of this.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed, if nothing else!

[Dhsu]

Good luck on the judging. If it comes to the worst and you're rejected on grounds of the vocals, I strongly suggest that you submit the original instrumental. It's strong enough to stand on its own, IMO.

[_Raijin_]

I realize that it's got a good chance of not passing, however at the time it was at the best it was gonna be.

I don't want harmonization, I want this as a solo track. I also don't really know what you mean by vocal doubling, but it sounds somewhat opposite of "solo," so, probably not.

The vocals might not sound that great, but it was a pretty hard track to sing (ninths are hard! lol), and I am by no means practiced in singing, really. I do it for fun, and I enjoy it, but I certainly need work at it. For now, that's the best I've got.

It's cool if you dont want harmonization, it was just a suggestion for adding a bit extra to the track. As for double-tracking, this is a very common (and often overused) method of beefing up vocals or instruments. Basically it jsut consists of performing the piece, be it (usually) vocals, guitar, strings etc, twice or more, the exact same, or as close as possible. Due to inevitable human error you'll never record the same thing twice exactly the same and it's these small differences in the parts that, when put together, usually panned to opposite sides, that give a much fuller effect. I use it a lot on guitars and my own vocals, for heavy guitars its used on almost every song you'll hear these days, for vocalists though like me who arent all that strong it helps give a good overall sound, even though it may not have been the best performance(s). Completely up to you though what methods you use. If nothing else though you might want to try it and see if you like the way it sounds, just for the sake of trying something new, you'd be surprised at the results ;)

Good luck with the submission!

[Zipp]

I hope the judges accept it, it's got my nod of approval, anyways.

[Dhsu]

Well, looks like all your hard work paid off. I'd like to be the first to congratulate you on the acceptance of your track...you deserve it. :)

[avaris]

Congrats DA! How many takes did u have to do for this one again?

I'm glad to see some of the WIP forum junkies get some of their tracks on OCR (u know im talkin bout u OA!)

[DragonAvenger]

*SHHH* it's supposed to be a secret.

...*does a dance*

Thanks, both of you :wink:

[Robotaki]

Omg, finally! w00t. Ever since you helped me get on my feet (After my first terrible SoE remix, haha) I've been rooting for one of your tracks to get on the site. Guess this is the one. ^-^ GJ! Hope this'll just be the first of many too , k?

[OA]

grats ^_^

[Liontamer]

Wait, did it make it?

[DragonAvenger]

Wait, did it make it?
:(
It says 'to be posted'...is there something I should know about?

[Jillian Aversa]

Wait, did it make it?
:(
It says 'to be posted'...is there something I should know about?
Aw, Larry's just teasing you. Yes, it passed!

[Nicole Adams]

Hooray! I really liked this song. :D Nice work!

[Robotaki]

haha, it'd be such a shot in the foot if everyone thought it made it but it actually didn't =/

[DragonAvenger]

Wait, did it make it?
:(
It says 'to be posted'...is there something I should know about?
Aw, Larry's just teasing you. Yes, it passed!

Geez, I actually had a dream about this last night. AUGH!
*phew*

[tweek]

Was it a direct post? If not, where's the judges decision?

[prophetik]

Was it a direct post? If not, where's the judges decision?

it's in the 'to be posted' section of the judges decisions.

i say that we stop posting in this thread and instead post adulations of praise in the review thread when it gets posted =)

[DragonAvenger]

Was it a direct post? If not, where's the judges decision?

it's in the 'to be posted' section of the judges decisions.

i say that we stop posting in this thread and instead post adulations of praise in the review thread when it gets posted =)

You're silly, Proph. I'll take money over praise anyday :lol: (just kidding of course!)

Actually, I'll take more people willing to arrange new stuff for me over all of that.

The judges decision will get posted when the song is posted, that's usually how I've seen it run.

[Liontamer]

Was it a direct post? If not, where's the judges decision?

it's in the 'to be posted' section of the judges decisions.

i say that we stop posting in this thread and instead post adulations of praise in the review thread when it gets posted =)

You're silly, Proph. I'll take money over praise anyday :lol: (just kidding of course!)

Actually, I'll take more people willing to arrange new stuff for me over all of that.

The judges decision will get posted when the song is posted, that's usually how I've seen it run.
Yeah, ya'll can keep talking about it here until it's actually posted. Go right ahead.

EDIT: Reviews go here - http://www.ocremix.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=98089