Tyrian - Level Theme PCReMix [RESUB]

[timaeus222]

Hm... Yeah, aside from the snare, I'd say this is ready!

Try getting a stronger snare than that, or boost it. To me, it unfortunately sounds kind of weak right now, but I think it's just too soft and needs to be louder.

Really close!

[Magellanic]

Thanks again guys. I've also tweaked the snare as, yeah, it was weak-sauce. If I get chance I'll upload the revised version

[timaeus222]

Thanks again guys. I've also tweaked the snare as, yeah, it was weak-sauce. If I get chance I'll upload the revised version

I took a closer look at the waveform, and honestly, you have room to spare. It appears you're at -1.9dB! Some people boost their dB to -0.2! So since you have the headroom to boost certain instruments, do so (But not in the intro)!

Edited October 8, 2012 by timaeus222

[Magellanic]

Got a nice shiny resub of this: Data Flux

So, I've had some feedback from the judges which is great. Really highlighted problems that are so unbelievably obvious that I feel like kicking myself. Regardless, its great to come back to this one and give it another go.

I lost the later versions but that was no great loss if honest. I've pretty much redone everything so yeah....feedback is appreciated.

I'm keeping this marked as WIP for a few days as I'll come back to it with some fresh ears. It should then be easier to see if any further tweaks are needed.

[Archangel]

I already liked the previous track, but it's always good to hear a revised version!

The introduction is really beautiful (I love the soundscape!), and I love how the song goes from melancholic to euphoric.

Here are a few small details I would improve were I you:

1) At 3:46, you can hear some clipping. I assume you cut off a .wav file there and the clipping is actually that annoying interruption of sound you get when you cut off a recording. I usually automate the volume and lower it to zero just before the cut-off point to eliminate the clipping sound.

2) The song starts immediately after you press play. I usually leave about half a second of silence before the track starts.

3) I'd lower the volume of the cymbal between 0:42 and 0:49 for a bit. It sounds a little too exposed for my personal taste. It sounds fine afterwards, but in that segment, it's probably the scarse soundscape that makes it sound like it doesn't blend well.

4) I'd use some equalizer to push the acoustic guitar melody in the introduction a little more into the background. Not too much, though, just enough to make it sound less like it's played right next to your ears (I'm listening to this with my headphones). It's a little confusing the way it is, because the acoustic guitars at the beginning sound more overwhelming than the distorted guitars later on in the track.

That's all I can come up with now. I hope at least some of it is helpful. I have no doubt this will pass the panel. =)

Anyway, congratulations, you did a great job. Great choice of source and great guitar playing. Keep it up!

[Magellanic]

Thanks again for the feedback. I've tweaked what you said but also been developing the mix further and experimenting with the instrumentation and effects. Anywho, feedback as always is greatly appreciated:

Check first post for link

Edited May 12, 2013 by Magellanic

[timaeus222]

Sounds good so far. I personally feel like it's missing about 5% treble or so, because I can hear that the stuff above around 16000Hz is a little bit low. (And looking in my Param EQ, yeah, it does look like the song never reaches above 16240Hz.

Not a huge issue, but I did notice it right away. Your overhead drums should reach past 16000 since they have the possibility of being high quality samples. You can also have more low end, perhaps, below 60-ish Hz.

That's all I got. The clipping at the end is fixed.

[Magellanic]

Cheers for having a listen bud. I'm currently suffering from temporary deafness so will give it another once over when I'm feeling better I've been cautious on the top end because the last version was horrific in that range.

Edit: Final version in opening post.

Edited May 11, 2013 by Magellanic

[Eino Keskitalo]

I did have a chance to listen through your April version, and it was much improved. Didn't have the time to give it a proper critique, but it's good going!

--Eino

[SuperiorX]

Wow, I don't know how I missed this. I love the old Tyrian games and music . This is an awesome mix Liam, great job! The low end does feel a little empty (maybe a slight boost) but everything sounds very crisp and clear otherwise, well done!

[Eino Keskitalo]

Yeah, this is pretty good! (:

I can still hear a bit of off-time flubbiness in the lead at 0:27, acoustic at 0:41-0:42 - it's quite minor, and much improved from previous takes.

The acoustic in the intro is indeed a great addition. I like the trumpets in the background. Nice detail in the background overall.

--Eino

[timaeus222]

The bass is much better. 2:04 seems to have quite a bit of reverb. 2:10 has some brass that I can barely hear, which means everything is too loud right now.

[Eino Keskitalo]

I kinda like that there's stuff very far back, but actually I was thinking the piece was sounding a little loud (maybe even having too much limiting going on) but being unsure of my ears I didn't bring it up on my own. Anyway! I also forgot to say I really like the original soloing in the last third, it feels like the piece takes off after sort of building up, there's like a sense of freedom.. hard to express, but that's my favourite part.

--Eino

[Byproduct]

I love what you did with the track, very enjoyable to listen a fresh take on the tyrian theme. Nice amount of variation with the instruments too, and the 2-voiced overdrive guitar (1:28 ->) is just awesome.

However, the part at 1:56 - 2:08 felt dissonant to me, like the chords didn't follow the melody very well.

[timaeus222]

However, the part at 1:56 - 2:08 felt dissonant to me, like the chords didn't follow the melody very well.

I half agree with that. I think the chord at 1:58 is not fitting, and there is some slight misharmonization between the left and right hand of the piano only. The dissonance is fine as long as it matches the chord progression followed by the lead.