Compyfox

Exactly, Yoshi. BTW skulkrusha: Nope. I didn't talk about using any compressor while producing. You can use one, indeed. But keeping that habbit makes your productions louder and louder and louder over the time without yourself noticing it. It's the other way, you loose more dynamics while "overcompressing" than lowering the volume and balancing the the instruments. Well... that's at least my opinion.

Debotron-6K: Look for "Harp Celtique" on Hammersound or some other Soundfont collection pages. It has 12MB and sounds very natural. Give it a try. Also fits into dark and ambient tunes.

I also agree with DM Lee to that question. Just tagging it "ReMixing" morphes it kinda into a "I 4m t3h ubern00b and 4h can r3m1x0rz - l1sten t0 d1z... N0W!!!111!! *OHMG!LINK!LOL!111!!!1". Perhaps renaming it into "Technical Corner" or back to "Remixing101" would help more. But that word alone... uh... not so a good idea if you ask me. */me sees more and more nonsense threads popping up than they already do*

Did you read on page 3 of this thread too? I've never heard of removing clipping that way. And I really discovered a lot. "CPU crackles/overdrives" are an other issue though that don't really count to clipping in the first place. cheers

I never said this thread is pointless. It's the other way, I even recommended this thread to stop other threads popping up with the same questions over and over. But thanks for the insult. Unfortunately you're wrong... he asked three times. First it was like "oh yeah, I like the Sephiroth samples because the song is popular at OCR now", then it was like "ya know what I mean STFU I need them now" and the third was like "I must need them, OMG I'm a n00b and I have the right to get it because my remix will be uberl33t!!!111one!". You get what I try to say? Sorry, but the hell I'll do. I said it already, and I'll say it again. The SF2 Savior Sephiroth was asking about isn't free, it's copyrighted by Squaresoft. That's why I do not give it out. I said "there are ways", indeed, because you can still get that file legally (that's the way I got it). But if he doesn't do any researches, then I'm really sorry for him. Spoonfeeding is usually not our job. There even are other ways, but neither I nor other OC remixers or staff supporting that method - so don't even ask. Just because you're a noob and spoiled with everything doesn't mean that you have the right to get everything for free (best: now!) or can get angry without a reason. Just my humble opinion to that topic. I leave the rest to one of the mods (if they want to say a word or two). Thanks.

I guess Trenthian wouldn't give them out. I know it because he said "it's only a matter of time until asks someone for the samples". Not to mention that the SF2/samples are copyrighted and not free. Besides... This is just another started cult like the "yet-another-Schala/Zeal" remixes. You don't "have to" remix it. Hell geez... it's not like you loose a live or something if you don't. So stop bugging Savior Sephiroth - one request is more than enough. And no... don't ask me either. I have the samples (indeed), but I won't give them out either. There are ways, but if you're too lazy to do researches - then we can't help you either. So don't expect any help.

INFO: For those who already downloaded the song about 1:15h ago, please redownload it, because there went something wrong with the file. It's updated now. Thanks. =) To the song: I was very impressed after I first heard that song from Trenthian (while it was still in early WIP stage). He just stared out remixing and this was the song he learned the most for further remixes like his "Breath of Fire - His First good Deeds" remix. So, yeah. This song is in fact older. =) Trenthian captured a very good mood of FF7's "One Winged Angel", together with some avertions from songs like "The Prelude" or "Aerith's Theme". It's experimental, indeed. And you have to listen to it at least twice to like it. But after that, it's really an agressive sounding tune. I keep the field open for reviews from other listeners, because Trenthian already had a hard time with my suggestions while he was still working on it. *g* cheers

Steinberg offers a really oldschool one called "Karlete" on their webpage at www.steinberg.net under "downloads". Elogoxa.net offers another kind of "tape echo", which is a bit special. It's called ELOTTRONIX. It's also free, but you have to get used to it. Elseways look on KvR for "delay" VST plugins.

Two links you'll ever need to know, and they're already in the "Compiled Links Guitde" thread (well... good if you can read, eh?!) www.kvr-vst.com www.databaseaudio.co.uk If you can't find your VST/DX/AU/RTAS Plugin there, you won't find it anywhere. And if you're just too lazy to look and to test stuff (sorry DMLee, but KVR has a sticky with "What is the best for my mastering needs" in the effects section of their board!), then noone can help you either. That's the best places for your needs. So... no stickyfication is needed! (I'm so sick and tired of Spoon-Feeding - well... that just my humble opinion.)

If you mean the compressor... For this testrange I simply used the built in Cubase VST5 Dynamics plugin, that is routable from AutoGate->Compressor->Limiter. Activity: Compressor only Threshold: 0dB Ratio: 2.0:1 (doesn't matter here, because the threshold is deactivated anyways) Attack: 10ms Release: Auto Make Up Gain: 12.0dB, 24.0dB (maximum) The endeffect is a brutally boosted sound without limiting as you can hear in the last two sound examples.

I guess we have to clear some issues about "clipping", because it seems like that a lot of you don't understand what "clipping" really is. First of all, like I said earlier, it's a certain amount of "overusing" the dB range. Everything that get's over it and your audiocard or software can't handle it anymore, this is called "clipping". The endeffect is a total disorted sound that can even have crackles in it. In old recording techniques (analog) this "overusing" was often used for adding a warmth feeling to a recording. A so called "band saduration" or "soft disortion" of the sound. If you still have an original tape left and you already bought the CD, compare both and you know what I mean. Digital recordings have it's good and bad sides. Good on it - clear recordings. Bad on it - always fear the clipping. But how do you "define" clipping? When do you get it? Good question I might try to answer. -------------------------------------------------- Threntian or Yoshi for example asked me to listen to their stuff to give some suggestions. The difference between those two: Threntian uses a 5.1 speaker system in stereo mode and FL, and I might suggest that Yoshi uses a normal PC speaker system and FL. Okay, set rules for now. As I listened to one of Threntians "Wrath" remix versions (the Sephiroth one at the RemixWIP section) I was like "whoa dude, the bass is too heavy and some instruments blow the dB range. Okay, back to Yoshies "Under the Mysterious Blue" remix. But here, besides of some volume issues - no clipping at all. Analysis: So why did it happen? First of all I'd suggest it counts to the use of the speaker systems and volume of the amp. If the amp is quiet, you push up the volume of your sequencer automatically and each system responds different. That's one point. Another point are the frequency ranges of the speaker itself. A studio monitoring system simply has a better frequency range than a PC speaker. Let's take a simple example (example, might not be true!): Studio Monitors: 20Hz - 30000Hz PC Speakers: 200Hz - 18000Hz You see the difference? Now combine, Sherloc Holmes and what do we get if we listen on different systems a - let's say - bass heavy track? Right, the monitor speakers don't give a f*ck about the frequency range, while the PC speakers are barfing like hell. A form of clipping occours! Next example: I just fooled around with Cubase VST5 a bit. This tool has a dB volume range from unlimited/-70dB (lowest volume) up to +0dB (balanced) and still up to +6dB as possible headroom where I can use "soft clipping". Okay... so I loaded up a sampler and made a simple OHMP-ZZZZ track with 140bpm. No effect, no EQ, no panning, just two simple mono tracks and a later added compressor. These are the standard settings. Volume at +0dB - the samples aren't normalized so I got a regular -3dB signal, which is normal in Cubase and gives me a huge headroom to play around with: BD-SNR -3dB Okay, now I simply raised both samples with 2dB. The outcome: BD-SNR -1dB Still no clipping occours. Now I'm using up my full headroom of Cubase VST5. BD-SNR +6dB (loudness) Still, the clipping is almost unnoticable. Well at least to me and my speakers. Not to mention that the Terratec Producer card has a huge headroom. You might discover something else now. Okay... now I'm overdoing it the first time, I add a compressor without limiting and boost it 12dB upwards. That's +18dB now. Be warned with your speakers, they might get damadged, but you hear the difference. BD-SNR +6dB (loudness) +12dB Overcompression And now I'm using the maximum possible setting from the internal compressor of Cubase just to show you what happens. +24dB boost, added to the +6dB that's +30dB! Be warned again, and this time... now we talk about clipping. BD-SNR +6dB (loudness) +24dB Overcompression You see... "Clipping" depends on a lot of things. Speakers, AudioCards, Sequencer Software, own fault... The next time before you scream again, think about if that situation really occours. And if you're serious with music anyways, better equipment helps a lot - especially with mixing. So stop with the "I have to compress" mumbo jumbo, because this often kills the dynamic of your song for sure. cheers. Fox

Yeah. Peak and Volume Meter is the same in that case. With "peak" I also mean the loudest sign of the amplitude in the dB range.

Clipping in short is a form of "disortion" if you get over a specific dB/dynamic range of your production setup. How does this occour? - Mostly the instrument too boosted, too loud - wrong leveling while recording - seldom but possible: if the CPU can't take it anymore (but here are latency issues and CPU limits more influenced) How does it sound: It sounds cracled/disortet. What can I do against it: "Compression" is the most used answer, but trust me. Nothing has to be at the +0dB range while producing, that's just ported into your head that you "have" to do it. But that's simply wrong, because you kill a lot of the dynamic of a song with it. You can always make it physically louder with specific tools in the end (after the song is finished). This is what we audio engineers call CD Mastering, but this is another way more complicated topic to cover. To avoid the most well known issues of clipping, just take the loudest instrument, level it so that the loudest peak reaches +0dB max and use this one as guideline for all other instruments. "Bah! Then the outcome is too quiet!!!", you might say. True but it's way more dynamic, not overcompressed and dull. Try it! Listen carefully and you're way more satisfied with your productions. Trust me, I'm doing this for years now.

If you mean VSTi/DXi or VST/DX plugings... Unfortunately only via a VST Host like Cubase, Logic (etc.) that's connected via ReWire so far. The advantage... you can fully controll Reason with the "Master Sequencer" (including automation). One of the disadvantages... more switching between programs and saving/making backups of two different files - which also means "loading" two files too or the song isn't completed the next time you want to work on it.

*.FXB is a file suffix from/for Steinberg Cubase since the implementation of VST and VSTi (years ago) into it. FXB stands for "Effect Bank" and are presets for your VST Plugin or your VSTi that you can aditionally load. I could tell you how to load the files with Cubase (because this is my main sequencer) but unfortunately not FL. I'm sure I've read that it should be possible to load FXB files with FL too, but I forgot where exactly. You can try it at the KVR boards (search function) or the official Fruity Loops page at "tutorials".

Hm... Nothing against the Crew of "OneUpStudios". Jaxx is a great guitar Player, Kassie a really good piano player (check out another collab with Mustin on this site) and Mustin knows a lot in producing. Please don't get me wrong, the song is good, but there are some things that are bugging me a bit. But listen to this song for yourself. Perhaps you have an own opinion about it. First of all the "70ies" thing: Okay, Master Pordon was right with the fact that the bass was louder at that time, but it's still a tad too loud. The next thing is the drumset. It's nice arranganged and all, but still too synthetic. If Mustin choosed to use perhaps another set (or the all so loved "Soundfonts"), perhaps this one had a bit more of "70ies Feeling". Not to mention the guitar, for this style a bit too quiet in my opinion. This can really destroy the overall mood sometimes. To the song itself: It's well produced - nothing to say against it. I also read two times the words "just professional" on this board. But there're some major problems with volume issues. Especially if some instruments get lost in the volume/compression mumbo-jumbo. A pity somehow. And Dark Paladin was right. This Remix is not only aviable on "OneUpStudios" but was on VGMix (while it was still up) too.

First of all, nice job. Mazedude asked in one of the threads on the board were german folks found together if someone could listen to his remix and tell him if the speech from Hitler was offending. At this time I thought "A Hitlerspeech? In a Wolfenstein Remix? This will attract some trouble." You have to know that "Wolfenstein 3D" and "Return to Castle Wolfenstein" is banned in Germany not only because of using the Swastika, but shooting on People, Hitler and some other stuff too. That's why I was sceptic. So I listened to this song and was impressed what he did out of the Opening Song. It's a nice balance of Electronic and Classic mixed with sad influences and the mindbreaking speech of Hitler. Even the speech was cutted perfectly, he felt that it was right this way and I have to agree. Unfortunately I don't have the original song in mind anymore to give more comments. But I also have to say out loud that Mazedude didn't want to offend anyone with this mix and that this is no Nazi propaganda! To the speech itself. It seems that Mazedude catched a "audio arrangement" of different speeches from Hitler. I found out that the part at the end of the Song was from his speech in Berlin in April 1933. Another part seems to be from his later speeches while he used his propaganda more for War agression. I guess the native german ones can hear out what he's saying. For all those who can't understand german, I wrote a translation from the file Mazedude was using: As I said earlier. Nice Job, perhaps we hear more from this kind of "mixing".

The first time I heard this piece at the WIP board, I was like "woha!". After it was finished I couldn't wait to see an official release, and here it is. SuperGreenX and MC did a great job on "Ancient Weapon" from the "Panzer Dragoon: ORTA" OST. The feeling fits the original term and let you believe you're actually playing this game. The screams of the Dragon go through your head and won't go away that easily - not to mention Orta's shocking "Taskete!!!!" (which is japanese and means "HELP ME!!!"). The pannings and mixing are great too, I just miss a bit balance in the bass and mids (volume), but that doesn't really matter. If there'll ever be a remix CD from PD:ORTA, I'd love to see this "rearrangement" on it. (but I guess this won't happen). The song had a side effect an me, too. After I heard the WIP I searched for more infos about "Panzer Dragoon: ORTA" and even reinstalled my old Sega Saturn to play "Panzer Dragoon ZWEI" again. Resumé: All I can say is "excellent work you two", perhaps we see more collaborations from you.

I'm a fan of almost all kind of music styles, but this one gives me the creeps. Don't get me wrong. This song fits the oppressed feeling that the game shows very well. I haven't played "Super Metroid" that long but even if you're not playing the game, it gives you the scary feeling of loneliness, trapped on an alien-filled planet who hunt you down to kill you. CotMM knows his business. This is a really good mix of ambient and industrial. I wish old games had soundtracks like this before.

Sorry to say that. But for me, it's nothing more than a ripoff from Van Valburg's "Man with the Machine Gun" on "Project Majestic Mix" CD. Okay, it's nice play with the synthy. But besides. Starblaze and DarkCecil13 are right. The Track panning is far too left, it's too much Base Drum. You can't hear the tunes clearly (in my opinion), sometimes it sounds simply wrong and not properly tuned. (Sometimes to "flat" or "naked" too). I don't want to insult you, Beatdrop. But this is a track what I produce in one night (with Cubase) or perhaps in two in help with a MIDI and Fruity Loops. I guess I stick more to Van Valburg's version and the original one.