zircon

FT means fallthrough, and typically that kind of mix is given more attention, not less. Your mix has been in there since about October 10, according to the post date. That's not so bad but I agree it should be moving along by now. I'll sticky it.

Quantum Leap Voices of the Apocalypse, which is no longer in production, is probably the best GIGA library you will find. There might be some copies left somewhere (was previously sold through Soundsonline.com) However, it has been succeeded by East West Quantum Leap Symphonic Choirs, which is the clear winner right now in terms of flexibility (word builder, male/fem choir, boys choir.) VoTA had the same kind of sound, and a more crude word builder, but QLSC is superior. Here's some further info; http://www.soundsonline.com/EastWest-Quantum-Leap-Symphonic-Choirs-pr-EW-165.html In terms of more varied material than a full film score style ensemble, you could look into Spectrasonics' "Symphony of Voices", which is AKAI format and a few others. Should convert easily to GIGA. No wordbuilder, but has combined and male/female choirs, boys' choir, soprano and tenor soloists, gregorian choir, various phrases, 'pop stacks' (think Enya) and SUPERB recording quality. It came out something like 15 years ago and I still think it kicks the ass of anything else in terms of the sound and playability, though unfortunately it's still expensive. http://www.spectrasonics.net/libraries/symphonyvoices.php

Oldest mixes to be posted are actually from '06 (Tales project) - someone yell at Kyle.

I've now voted on everything in the queue. Might not seem like a big accomplishment as we're sitting at maybe 15-16 mixes there right now, but I also voted on a ton more before that to keep the ball rolling, including a huge chunk of the old Sept + Oct subs. In addition I've also just recently passed the 3 year mark on the panel (Nov 10, 2004) and according to the forum search I've voted on nearly 600 mixes in total. It's truly awesome that for the first time in my years on the panel, we're almost in real time. Before I joined, I had submitted a number of remixes, four of which got rejected before my first one made it on, and I was always discouraged at the waiting time, which was (for a time) ~4 months and since then has not generally improved a great deal. I always wished that mixes would hit the panel and immediately be judged from the day I submit, and it looks like that day is almost here. I'm really glad that I've had the opportunity to give back to the site and hopefully motivate more aspiring (and veteran) mixers to keep submitting. I'll still NO y'all but before long you'll be seeing it nearly instantly!

I don't think it would really be possible to arrange this source and NOT have it be at least somewhat pushed to the background, as basically it's just two chords going back and forth with a simple riff on top.. but that being said, the drum and bass elements do tend to override the harmonic/melodic ones. I like the groove you've got going, as I'm often a fan of 'lighter' DNB that feels more jazzy and atmospheric than detuned and in-your-face. A little more melodic/harmonic substance would be great, in the form of additional pads or an extra instrument or two. Even some different mixing might be enough for that. Also, I would like to hear more variation in the drums as they seem static throughout. Fills here and there, DSP glitching, maybe a half-tempo break, anything to spice them up just a little bit more so they're not just on autopilot. There's a tiny bit of that now, but I think you could do a lot more to vary up the pattern. I agree with Larry that this is very cool. A little bit of extra work and you'll earn a yes from me. Also, try encoding with VBR next time so you can preserve more of the high frequencies. This 128kbps encode is a little lossy in that regard. NO, resub

Thanks for the comments! I'm finishing this up (in private) now, it will end up being about 5-5:30 but it's very dynamic throughout.

Mixing is definitely better overall; I would be careful about using so many chords in the lower brass, as that by default is muddier. More chords in the upper octaves might help distribute the 'weight' of the chords better. I do like how you improved the writing to be less repetitive and more dynamic. Another noticeable improvement. The drums don't really fit 100% right now though; sort of a hip hop style beat. I think some kind of acoustic or rock pattern might work a little better, but I'm not sure. Either way, a couple mixing things; the tambourine is mixed somewhat too loud, and the snare could be louder (but with less high end.) Try different things and see what works... WIP boards and the #ocrwip channel on IRC (irc.enterthegame.com) are good resources. Guitar is really nice throughout. I think the main thing I would do here is layer both the percussion AND the melody/harmony up more to create a greater swell and climax before the end of the piece. Right now, you've got a solid groove and some good variations and writing on top, compared to the source. But as a standalone musical piece, it could be more interesting. Converting a later section into something heavier in terms of drums and maybe adding a synth solo w/ some electric rhythm guitar, for example, could help in that department. Maybe add a section with a new chord progression AND new drums/instruments. As Larry said, you are definitely on the right track... do not be discouraged. Keep at it. Even if you don't have any ideas for this mix you can always apply them to the next. NO

What did they leave out in FFIV GBA...? I have the original SNES cart and the GBA ver, I don't recall any plot points changing.

If you had to pick only one, FF6 is the best IMO - it has the strongest plot, the most character development, the best graphics, the best music, etc. The combat system is very fluid. FF IV comes next in terms of story. It's far more linear throughout, though they improved the amount of sidequests and extra things you can do in the GBA version. That said, the story is definitely not as deep as FF6 no matter how you slice it, nor are the graphics as good. FFV arguably has the deepest system of customization with the job system, but the story is not particularly strong, and the graphics are not an improvement over FFIV. Lots of gameplay though. FFI&II are interesting. Neither have very complex gameplay, but the graphics and music are fairly good, and combat is fluid. They both feel more like FF6 in terms of overall presentation, which is a good thing. However, given that they're NES games, story is weak (moreso in FF1 than FF2) and gameplay could be deeper... still fun though.

pixietricks and I caught the first part - when's the rest going to be on? We were definitely enjoying it.

OK, that's not quite true... we've voted on numerous mixes using drumloops, even prominently, and passed them anyway (knowing full well they were just default FL, or Reason, or Garageband, or w/e.) It's by a case-by-case basis, but generally speaking, the loop just can't CARRY the mix. See what I'm saying? Like if it's a drum-centric style (eg. drum n' bass) and the primary drum pattern is a Reason default, yeah, that might not bode well, but if it's pop rock and you use one, well, that's not as bad.

http://www.ocremix.org/forums/showthread.php?t=12261 Original decision Source: http://akumunsf.good-evil.net/S/Super%20Dodge%20Ball.nsf - Track 8 ("Team Kenya") Remixer: The Prophet of Mephisto --- I (zircon) really liked the first sub but thought the mixing/production was dragging it down. That was the sole basis for my original NO, as I really liked the arrangement, interpretation, and part writing. Very creative overall! Brad came to me and asked for some help, and I offered to simply re-mix and master it myself. In doing so I fixed all of my own production/execution problems and I think the final result sounds good, as it gives Brad's skilled playing and sequencing (especially the bass!) the level of clarity and fullness they deserve. So: YES

OK, so I voted on this and apparently my vote got deleted somehow... I'll sum it up; * Arrangement ideas are pretty good, though the main theme could be more creative. * When you're doing a hybrid of orchestral + electronic, production is very important, it's more about execution than writing even. Drums definitely need to be changed, they don't fit. * Orch samples could be better but aren't awful. * 1:24 to 1:51 or so doesn't really go anywhere, just sort of messy. Nice effort, keep at it though, use our remixing forum and listen to lots of recently posted mixes to get a feel for where our bar is and how to reach it. NO

There are a lot of keyboards out there. I wrote a guide on this very topic, however; http://www.ocremix.org/forums/showthread.php?t=7918 If you want the abbreviated version, you want a "MIDI controller". You probably don't need any more than 2 or 3 octaves, which you can get at low cost from M-Audio or Edirol.

My main criticism of this is the sample usage and production. Everything sounds rather indistinct, and most of the orchestral instruments just sound cheap and thin. Excessive reverb is a contributing factor. The section starting at 1:45 is a good example of how the samples are not clear enough. The marcatos are incredibly weak - you can barely hear their rhythm. Darkesword pointed this out last time but I guess nothing was done about it. The brass sequencing has a real machine gun effect giving away their sampled nature. This is particularly evident at points like 3:22, the trumpet staccatos. It doesn't sound like you did any velocity tweaking whatsoever. The acoustic drums in the background, especially at 2:11, are so soft that they don't add anything, though the timpani are a little better. At times, brass notes overlap and cause audible phasing (eg. 1:55.) The sequence at 2:40 is as mechanical as I could imagine. Likewise, 4:23 is pretty bad in the realism department. The ending is supposed to be powerful but sounds really fake, thin, and brittle instead, as a result of the various issues I've mentioned. In general, you need to find some fast-attack samples and try to use and layer those where possible to give definition to your sounds. I can't tell what sampleset you're using but I'm pretty sure you could find better things for free.. remember that MIDI orchestration is NOT just about writing, but about technical ability and finesse. Normal orchestration techniques applied to low-quality samples will sound bad, so extra care must be taken. Your style reminds me of Jeremy Robson, who also doesn't usually have the best of samples, so don't get discouraged. Just keep working at it. The overall volume of the track is too low; it's not normalized, but even that aside, the dynamic range could be reduced and gain applied. The quiet sections are made nearly ineffective right now as you can barely hear what's being played on all the parts. The writing itself, throughout, is pretty good. Again, sort of reminds me of Robson. Unfortunately, I think the medley criticism still stands. The transition at 1:44 is weak (non-existent.) 2:33 has an abrupt key change, and then a shift in rhythm and mood at 2:39. Again, no meaningful transition to tie these parts together. A single exposed brass part at 3:51 through 3:55 doesn't really cut it either, as 3:56 picks up into something completely different. I could go on but I think you get the idea. While the individual arrangement ideas and concepts are solid, the overarching issue is that this doesn't feel like a single connected piece. At this point, it seems like you're tired and don't want to go back to this one. You're probably better off taking some of this advice and applying it to your next sub, but in case you do decide to resubmit this, improve the execution first then tighten up the writing between sections. NO

There's some clipping at :38, just thought I'd get that out of the way. The transition at :56 is really abrupt and doesn't connect with the intro at all. The freq spectrum once the whole 'band' starts playing doesn't sound full, either.. very much lacking energy/power as Larry said. I'm not sure why you're riffing on Bb in the rhythm guitar, sounds really weak.. why not play on the tonic, Eb? Would sound WAY heavier & better. In fact, in general, the main melody just doesn't sound right over your harmonies. You definitely need to rethink what's going on with the chords. Same kinda thing at 3:29 or so through 3:51, something is off. I liked the original material you added (such as at 2:10) but as Larry pointed out, when you are actually working with the source melody, you need to do more to have interesting supporting writing and variation/embellishment rather than a more straightforward approach. In general, performances are good, arrangement concept is good, drum/bass sequencing is on-target. However this needs more meat on the bones in terms of the interpretation of the source, and definitely could use some production touchups to make things sound more full. Lastly, re-examine the (power) chords you're using underneath the main MM3 melody, something doesn't seem right. Good luck! NO

You can program a beat in any software with a "piano roll" (editor of MIDI note data) and drum samples. You never NEED a keyboard to do anything in software, as you can simply use the mouse to create, delete, move, and resize notes. So typically you'll load up some kind of drumkit instrument and a few octaves of the (virtual) keyboard will be assigned to drumsounds. So C1 (two octave below middle C) may be a kick drum, D1 is a snare, F#1 is a closed hihat, etc. You can then create a sequence of notes to produce a beat. As for specifically what you need to do in Garageband, I couldn't tell you as I don't use it, but I know it's possible.

Yes, you can use premade loops in your remix. However... "Overusing common presets, relying heavily on prerecorded loops, or employing nothing but basic tones or "chiptunes" is discouraged." http://www.ocremix.org/info/Submission_Standards_and_Instructions In other words, don't use Garageband loops as the basis for your entire arrangement.

Well, not in the sense of them promoting it on their own sites, but they've willingly donated these prizes on my request (after I sent them the details.) I didn't just go out and buy a bunch of plugins to give away

I agree with Larry's production criticisms, eg. the kick being a little too loud and distorted. Leads definitely could be louder. However I would also like to add some others (including some performance issues) - * The guitars have too much reverb, I would definitely go for a closer sound. * The guitar performances don't seem as tight as they could be, if you CAN re-record and try to get things a little more spot on that would be great. * The rhythm guitar is too loud throughout - also maybe consider double tracking it and panning each opposite eachother (hard left and hard right) or use a stereo enhance effect. * Drums are pretty static throughout. I definitely like the groove but I would like to hear a few snare or tom fills here and there, and maybe some different fundamental rhythms. The interpretation is really good, no question about that. I certainly wouldn't mind hearing another minute or so of arrangement, as I could imagine a number of places you would go with it, but I'd be content if that aspect didn't change. Production/execution is my only real beef. NO, resub

Production seems to be the main issue here. I'm not sure the sax reverb early on is the issue with why it sounds farther back. It may have simply been recorded farther to begin with, in which case there's not a lot to be done. At 2:35 it definitely sounds like there is more added reverb, though. Either way, not a big issue imo. Volume levels across the board are really low though, and I feel like this could use more high end in general. The instrumental texture seemed more sparse than it had to be; a nice fretless bass walking around here and there would definitely add a level of interest that this could use. I think you tend to undershoot your orchestration/instrumentations... sax, piano and sparse strings would work better if the piano + strings were more interesting, but there's only so much you can do with that small handful of instruments. The strings could be more realistic, as Larry said, and here's what I suggest you do to help that. Find solo violin samples and layer those on top of your ensemble. Turn down the volume. Make the timing on the solo violin a little off, if possible. This setup allows you to (realistically) emphasize a voice of the string chord. Your interpretation of the source was quite good, on the other hand. Very nice additive writing and expansion on the simplistic monophonic material that you had to work with. No problems there. Just work on your production and maybe flesh out the instrumentation more. NO resub

11/25 - Thanks to IK Multimedia and eSoundz, I have another excellent prize to offer: the T-Racks mastering suite! T-Racks is my mastering software of choice; I've used it on virtually every remix and original track I've ever made since 2005 and it's just awesome. It consists of four low-CPU, analog modeled plugs - a compressor, limiter, EQ, and channel strip with all of those. This software is produced by IK Multimedia, one of the top VI developers in the biz, and distributed by eSoundz, a big audioware retailer which has a massive selection and fantastic deals for loyal customers. ALSO included are 50 free loops produced by Sonic Reality, another company I love. I used R.A.W. material all over Antigravity, including on Mindbender. Even if you don't win, definitely hit up both IK and eSoundz next time you're looking to make a purchase, you're pretty much guaranteed to find some awesome, innovative gear at sick prices.

Not all indie games qualify as acceptable source material, we'd have to determine it on a case-by-case basis.

Reuben Kee will be deeply missed. I cannot think of what else to say.

How common of a name is "Reuben Kee"? Are we sure this is the same guy?