Pyro Paper Planes

It's coming along really well, on a compositional level. My gripes are with the production: - Pan the two pianos. Right now, as previously mentioned, it sounds like someone playing with four hands on the same piano, rather than two pianos. - The piano sounds MIDI at times. It lacks that dynamic feeling of a piano (the little touches, tempo changes, etc). If it is MIDI, I'm tempted to ask if I could personally give it a go with my EWQL pianos. As I said, I have no qualms with the composition itself. Well done. Edit: There's an example of one of my pieces (recorded with a Korg M3). It's still lacking something when compared to a real piano, but it's definitely one of the best keyboard sample libraries I own.

All righty then! Well, it won't be too long I'm guessing. Thanks guys for your help.

Thank you. Perhaps I should modify the EQ of the synth pads? Not sure about the bass itself, as it drives the track. I'm hoping to submit this to OverClocked ReMix eventually...

EDIT May 30, 2012: I wish to thank everyone who gave advice to my mix. I've applied most of the suggestions in this topic, and have submitted what I think is the final version to Darren for Harmony of a Hunter: 101% Run (and I will send it to OverClocked ReMix soon). I'm still looking for criticisms for the track, but wish to keep all versions from here on in a surprise for the public. If you wish to hear it, please send me a Personal Message. Thank you again! Old Version: Source: Metroid II: Return of Samus is a very unique Metroid title. Apart from introducing some of the series most established power-ups, it also featured composer Ryoji Yoshitomi. His work brings a wonderful ambience to the Metroid series, ranging from the chirpy Chozo Ruins, the eery depths of the Metroid lair, to the lighthearted surface of Planet SR388. On a whole, I feel that Metroid II is very underrated when compared to its older brother Metroid. Out of my entire repertoire, SR388 has to be one of my most remixed pieces. It's a very versatile track, one that matches (if not outright better than) the original Brinstar theme in quality. I've built each mix from the previous arrangement. And now, you end up with "The Unnamed Frontier". This time, I decided to go with a very electro-chilled piece. It's a very subdued, peaceful track. Overtime, the beat builds up with minor progression changes. Featured throughout the mix is a saxophone homage to "Phendrana Drifts" that fits surprisingly well with most of the Metroid discography. The final fadeout combines both progressions, with reverb coming up slowly to blur out the mix.

Just a request. For Harmony of a Hunter, I contributed two tracks "Melting Sun" and "Lone Star" (which have been approved by OverClocked ReMix, and are awaiting posting). Might I request my name shows up as part of the arrangers? Thank you! OverClocked ReMix Link: http://ocremix.org/album/24015/harmony-of-a-hunter Other Source: http://vgmdb.net/album/27804

Update: http://tindeck.com/listen/foju Changed EQ for most tracks. Changed the bass. Rearranged percussion, including high-hats. Removed most vocals and DJ Scratches. Changed microphone setup for strings (using close microphones, toning down studio microphones). I don't know though... it feels like it's missing something. Any advice on what to do? Edit: That bass just sounds so... weak. Ugh. Any ideas on what to do with it? Whoa, and the strings sound really messed up at the end. I'll fix that next version.

I think you might be right. It's no where near as bad as some of my material from last year. Nonetheless, I have very little experience with mastering "full" pieces. It's odd that you should mention reverb, as I didn't add nearly as much reverb to this mix. Most of it is the natural reverb that comes with the patch I use (EWQLSO default studio microphone). Anyway, I'll get back to that. That most likely is the culprit. I am using three bass synthesizers mixed at around -8.0dB. Logic Pro's bass instruments are rather lacking. I'll mess around with the EQ, and perhaps even change the instrument altogether. Unfortunately, I believe they're at their highest attack. I could use Logic Pro's samples instead of EWQL, and perhaps cut back on the studio microphone. I'll add the instrument microphone too, see if that helps placement/attack. Piano in the verse, chorus, or both? The piano in the verse is a simple Logic Pro piano synth with a DJ EQ, to make it sound old school (it suits the style of the piece). The piano throughout the chorus is EWQL Yamaha Piano, using the player microphone + studio microphone. I could mess with the EQ, but I'm not too sure what frequency range I should use. I can mix up the chords for the second verse, as I did have a few more ideas I cut out at the last second. I must confess, I never seem to know what I'm doing when it comes to EQing my tracks. Do you have any advice for the instrument? Fortunately, they're mostly MIDI. The maracas and voice samples are loops, but the triangle, kick, snare, and cymbals are all separate MIDIs. Again, I'll explore with the EQ, see what I can do. Thank you for your honesty. It's criticism like this that actually helps me improve as a musician. If there's one thing I need to work on, it's equalizing my mixes. Whenever I use the EQ plug-ins, I feel like I can never quite get it to sound right, and usually end up using the stock EQ presets. I'll see if I can post an improved version soon. In the meantime, does anyone else have any thoughts on the piece? :3

Current Version Source Sonic the Hedgehog CD [JP Soundtrack] Stardust Speedway, Stardust Speedway "P" Mix http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgGeIjvNQkg http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhUQi-Zlm8E It's been a while, but I'm finally back with another composition! To contrast my isolated Metroid pieces (Melting Sun, Lone Star), I decided to go with an upbeat mix. With Sonic the Hedgehog CD being rereleased next month, what's better than remixing a piece from your childhood? Track Log December 1st http://tindeck.com/listen/gjkj First version, posted on forums for more feedback. Current Version Changed EQ for most tracks. Changed the bass. Rearranged percussion, including high-hats. Removed most vocals and DJ Scratches. Changed microphone setup for strings (using close microphones, toning down studio microphones). This is NOT the final version. So what are your thoughts on the piece?

I've checked it out. It looks very nice. Would you go with the Babyface or the NI Audio 6? Final question: I own a receiver unit (Onkyo). If I connected the optical out of the soundcard to the receiver for entertainment purposes, do you think it would work fine? How about surround sound? None of this is too important, but it's nice to have.

Ahh yes, Apogee was something I considered. My biggest issue with it is the lack of Windows support. While I compose all my music in OS-X, I have considered going back to a Windows environment with my next machine... Never heard of RME, I'll check them out. While I have a nice setup of equipment, I don't plan on recording anything too extreme (except the occasional MIDI piano and guitar recordings). I'm thinking $500 should be the maximum amount I spend. It would be nice to have two 1/4" outputs for speakers, and a 1/4 output for headphones (perhaps with a good amplifier built in). Simple volume controls would be nice too. If I was to buy an external soundcard, would I use it for gaming too? While it's not a priority, I do enjoy PC gaming. Thanks again.

I've been out of touch with Sound Cards for the past while, and there doesn't seem to be many topics around the subject... would anyone be able to help me out here? I'm still debating whether I should go with an Internal or External card. I tend to stick with playing piano and simply editing notes within a program (aka Logic Pro). At the same time, I would like to improve the audio quality coming out of my machine if possible. Here's the catch: My machine is a Mac Pro. Driver support might be an issue. I was debating going with the Native Instruments Komplete 8 Ultimate + Audio bundle. The only limitation after that would be the system's specs (it's a 2008 machine). But enough rambling. Thanks for your time.

That would be D minor.

I forget... I'll let you know asap. Thanks guys for your comments! And sorry for the slow responses, the forum didn't notify me of the new posts for some reason (probably had to do with my SSD failing on me X_X).

Thanks! I'll work on those kinks on my next version. I'll probably work on it again when I get myself a new set of samples (just saving up for them... in particular, the Komplete set).

http://soundcloud.com/pyro-paper-planes/sentient Inspired by those quiet rainy nights in the city. Original title was "Sentient Storm", but my friends preferred the title "Sentient". It was originally a longer piece, but after analyzing the piece, I decided to cut the length down. Otherwise, it just dragged on. When I finished this song, I had another song stuck in my head... it was a music video on youtube, of a bunch of people cleaning up the streets. But I can't find it for the life of me. Oh well. Enjoy.

http://soundcloud.com/pyro-paper-planes/distorted-illusion An original composition, inspired by the Deus Ex series. I arranged the track so it can easily fade from one mood to another, depending on the situation. You can read them through the timed comments. I'm very satisfied with the "Ambience" parts. Opinions on the piece would be appreciated.

That's exactly my thoughts. The bonus with Komplete is the expansions out there, but it's more expensive. Anyway, thank you for time and patience. Same goes to you, Rozovian. I suppose in the end, I'll try and save up for both of them. :3

Here are a few examples of genres I want to create: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ud663-0durU I'm essentially lacking in synthesizers and "good" percussion (snare hits, etc). Finally, I hope to add to my QL Pianos library by getting ahold of Emotional Piano. I'm wondering if Komplete will be able to do any of that. Am I rushing things? Am I just not spending enough time with the Logic synthesizers? I might be better off getting something like Omnisphere. Thanks for your time. Sorry for asking multiple times, I just want to be sure in my purchase...

I'm assuming you're new to creating music, which is fine. We all have to start somewhere. Firstly, the song sounds very MIDI. What samples are you using? There's very little dynamics to the entire song. The piano is constantly at the back, playing quietly. The flute is right up front and dry (too much so imo). It sounds like several ideas thrown together, but they're not working together. The arrangement is lacking in originality. In terms of instruments, in how the melody sounds, etc. Try to add something to it that's you. Finally, it's lacking in bass, low sounding instruments. Note that it's not always needed, but in the terms of style here, it needs it. Perhaps someone else can explain it. It's better than my first few songs, but you've got a ways to go. Keep at it though, and you will break through eventually.

I'm very, VERY interested in contributing to the project. If Saria's Song is still available, would I be able to take that? Previous Work: Old YouTube Profile: http://www.youtube.com/user/DaDude261 I will probably try something new. Not sure what as of yet. I was thinking of mixing it with the OoT title... Edit: D'oh, OoT Title has been taken. How about The Prelude, to Majora's Mask? Not a final decision though.

All right, keep your hair on.

You know, I never even noticed the cameos until people pointed them out in this thread. I DID notice the similarity to Kraid's theme, and just thought it was a coincidence. By far my favourite mix on an OverClocked ReMix album, if not one of my favourite pieces from this site. One question: Are the drums real? That deep snare is one of the best snare hits I've ever heard. The ride cymbals work well too. What type of reverb did you use for them?

I should have took more time to describe Kontakt, as that's pretty much what I meant. Emotional Piano REQUIRES a paid version of Kontakt... I think. AKA: http://www.native-instruments.com/#/en/products/producer/kontakt-5/ (For reference: http://www.soundiron.com/instruments/pianos/emotional-piano/) So my question is, should I go ahead and spend the extra $160 for the Komplete version (AKA $399 vs $559)? Or just stick with the base version for Emotional Piano, and look elsewhere for synthesizers? And what other synthesizers would you recommend in its place?

I own the CCC (EWQL Symphony Orchestra, EWQL Symphonic Choirs, QL Pianos, QL Ministry of Rock, QL Gypsy, QL SILK, QL Stormdrum 2). While I've owned it for 6 months, I've only really been able to use it in the past month. For sample instruments, they're some of the best that I've used. For a "real" instrument library, they're very good. But something doesn't sound right. I don't know if it's the PLAY engine, my computer specs, or something I'm doing wrong, but I just can't quite get it to sound right. Then again, listen to "The Crimson Depths". I believe that was mostly done with EWQL, and it sounds bloody fantastic (even the OverClocked ReMix team thinks so: )Here's one of my piano solos: I hate to destroy the illusion, but that piece wasn't done with a real piano: It was done with QL Pianos. While I consider it "finished", I can't shake the feeling that something sounds off. Without the "Room" microphones, the piece felt bare. With the "room" microphones though, it doesn't sound as clear as a real piano. If anyone has some advice, I'd love to hear it. In the end, I think if you take your time with the EWQL libraries, you'll have some phenomenal sounding libraries on your hand. Look at The Crimson Depths. Just be prepared to work on it: It took me a few weeks to work through the PLAY engine's quirks. Now, I don't own Kontakt. However, from looking at the demos they have some fantastic synthesizers. They also provide plenty of options for mixing the tracks themselves. Finally, they offer expansion: There are several third party libraries that require the Kontakt Player. One I've been eyeing in particular is the Emotional Piano. Every time I hear that library, my heart melts. So, what should you go with? It depends on what style of music you wish to compose. As a CCC purchaser, I'm not entirely convinced. Yet, Sam's track alone shows that it CAN be brilliant. If you're needing a more "varied" library, I think Kontakt will be the better option of the two. Here's my question for Kontakt users: What version should I get? Firstly, I own a Mac. Secondly, I really want to purchase the Emotional Piano library, but it requires Kontakt. The Logic Studio library is decent, and EWQL has some fantastic orchestral options. I'm lacking in decent synthesizers though. I think I'm edging towards the Komplete Edition (not the Ultimate Edition). It seems to include a good balance of everything. Blimey that was a long post.

I agree with all points about Mozzaratti's song. I still enjoy it, even with the mixing issues. *sits in anticipation of The Orichalcon's thoughts of disc 2*