The Musician's Gig Room Chat V1 - Songwriting and Sound Design for all! - Creationism Corner

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[QUOTE=Xonax;50195571]-snip, amazon can't ship to Australia- On long term, is the TD-11k (or KV) any good?[/QUOTE] I have the td 11 box with mesh pads. Way better than rubber. Good sounds and even the rims can be a different drum sound. As for sound I find headphones work fine, over ear $20 ones work fine for me.

[QUOTE=halofreak472;50203332]Somewhat-fan of tech house. The initial loop you start with is a little bit too repetitive - techno/tech house is supposed to be repetitive, but if not done really well it can get kind of tiring listening to the same melody over and over. There might also be more you could do with the intro than just adding in a new layer of drums every 8 bars. It gets really good when everything starts kicking in about halfway through the song. Seems like you could have done a little bit more with it and extended the song by a bit, but it's good. I made jungle I guess [url]https://soundcloud.com/grandmamax/you-werent-listening[/url][/QUOTE] At first, I felt that the bass was weird, but it grows on you. I really dig the sound in fact, and the synth that comes in at around 1:10ish? Solid AF! The thing I feel is lacking the most is a punch in the drums. The kick doesn't really hit you in the face, and the snare I feel lacks some body as well. Granted, the drums are a sample so unless you either remake them or add a sample on top of the current drums, it's going to be hard to get them to push through, or get a sound that's not there. [media]http://soundcloud.com/skriket/fagelboven[/media] I re-arranged an old track with a more solid melody, some more dynamic changes and on top of it all ; Some pretty cheap strings.

[QUOTE=halofreak472;50203332]Somewhat-fan of tech house. The initial loop you start with is a little bit too repetitive - techno/tech house is supposed to be repetitive, but if not done really well it can get kind of tiring listening to the same melody over and over. There might also be more you could do with the intro than just adding in a new layer of drums every 8 bars. It gets really good when everything starts kicking in about halfway through the song. Seems like you could have done a little bit more with it and extended the song by a bit, but it's good. I made jungle I guess [URL]https://soundcloud.com/grandmamax/you-werent-listening[/URL][/QUOTE] Like it a lot as I'm a fan of jungle. Reccomendations would be to probably turn your "rhythm bass" down a wee bit and boost the <100hz a wee bit. What I think might be good is to have a dropper sample on a few of your kicks in your amen break; whilst it's a good loop, there isn't really any rhythm at all in your lower end. Although I'm not saying you need a kick drum beat, you need some heavier stuff synced to the beat, otherwise it starts to sort of lose its tempo. I really like ultrasonic sound by hive - the main break in it has very little bass to it, but the snare is pronounced at the same volume as the other instruments, and whenever the bass is meant to be noticed, another instrument comes in there and provides the kick bass. Abuse the hell out of your sub bass for jungle, that's what really makes jungle come alive [QUOTE=Skeeter;50205894]At first, I felt that the bass was weird, but it grows on you. I really dig the sound in fact, and the synth that comes in at around 1:10ish? Solid AF! The thing I feel is lacking the most is a punch in the drums. The kick doesn't really hit you in the face, and the snare I feel lacks some body as well. Granted, the drums are a sample so unless you either remake them or add a sample on top of the current drums, it's going to be hard to get them to push through, or get a sound that's not there. Listen to Soundcloud recording [URL]https://soundcloud.com/skriket/fagelboven[/URL] I re-arranged an old track with a more solid melody, some more dynamic changes and on top of it all ; Some pretty cheap strings.[/QUOTE] It's a nice tune to listen to, although i'd say your drums are definitely a bit cheaper. Is there a saxophone somewhere in that? My only gripe is the apparent lack of dynamics, the piano and strings definitely feel very staccato; I get a very "midi sequencer" vibe from it, I don't really know how to explain it more. You clearly have got volume changes in there, but the main melody just feels too "sharp". I've no idea how to articulate what I'm trying to say... potentially a bit more smoother and dreamier? [QUOTE=chaz13;50188000]Nice! Better recording would obviously be preferable, it's a little hard to hear at the moment. Some additional variations in the chords would be nice, try some augmented chords or 7ths and 9ths to mix up the repetitive "cling cling cling" if you see what I mean. Finally got the on my own cover recorded (and about 9 other songs, stay tuned!). Listen to Soundcloud recording [URL]https://soundcloud.com/prizymmusic/on-my-own[/URL] [/QUOTE] I'd personally give a little bit more on the high end on the piano but not enough to interrupt the strings. I like the vocals, they're pretty damn well sung. I get some slight hollowness from the vocals though, don't know why. Weirdly, the vocals sound a bit over-compressed ( no idea if you have or not ), to me I don't hear that much of a dynamic range, it all seems to be at one volume which definitely doesn't do on my own very well. It's a very expressive song ( someone in my showchoir literally brought the rest of the choir to tears singing this ), take advantage of it! This is a test rather than listening to the track, it's a portion of a cover of [I] Wollt Ihr Das Bett In Flammen Sehen [/I] by Rammstein, but I want to hear what the mastering is like I've usually gone OTT with mastering before and [URL="https://soundcloud.com/instantmix/wollt-ihr-das-bett-in-1"]absolutely murdered the track[/URL], trying to play it a bit safer and mix a little bit more like I would if I was actually infront of something like a midas desk [media]https://soundcloud.com/instantmix/mastertest/s-gx8Es[/media]

[QUOTE=Skeeter;50205894]At first, I felt that the bass was weird, but it grows on you. I really dig the sound in fact, and the synth that comes in at around 1:10ish? Solid AF! The thing I feel is lacking the most is a punch in the drums. The kick doesn't really hit you in the face, and the snare I feel lacks some body as well. Granted, the drums are a sample so unless you either remake them or add a sample on top of the current drums, it's going to be hard to get them to push through, or get a sound that's not there. [URL="https://facepunch.com/"]Listen to Soundcloud recording[/URL] [URL]https://soundcloud.com/skriket/fagelboven[/URL] I re-arranged an old track with a more solid melody, some more dynamic changes and on top of it all ; Some pretty cheap strings.[/QUOTE] I like the track, it has a lot of potential. I think the drums, although the rhythm is good, need something else cause the actual drum sounds themselves feel a little buried and static.

I think I have finished searching for a good set of drums and Amp. I am going with the Roland TD-11K. The guy we talked to said the K and KV are identical except for the K having 1 Mesh head rather than all on the KV. As the TD-11K (apparently all Roland Drums are like this too) doesn't come with a Pedal or Stool, we are getting the PEARL P-830 Pedal and the MAPEX 570A Drum Throne. And for an Amp, the Mackie Thump V3 12" Active Speaker..okay so it isn't an Amp, but it is still good, better/on par with/than the Roland PM-10, which is the same price. Prices. TD-11K = $1499 Pearl P-830 = $129 Mapex 570A = $129 Mackie Thump V3 12" Active Speaker = $499 Total is $2,256, rather than $2,626 which comes with different Pedals, Amp and Stool, big cost is the 11kv which is $1,999. Also since I kinda want to brag, even tho it's nothing important. I am also getting a H100i GTX Water Cooler ($159), Air 540 PC Case ($189) and a Deathadder Mouse ($65) Adding up to $2669, rather than $3039 with the more expensive Drums. I am quite pleased, what do you lot think?

[QUOTE=Instant Mix;50209185] It's a nice tune to listen to, although i'd say your drums are definitely a bit cheaper. Is there a saxophone somewhere in that? My only gripe is the apparent lack of dynamics, the piano and strings definitely feel very staccato; I get a very "midi sequencer" vibe from it, I don't really know how to explain it more. You clearly have got volume changes in there, but the main melody just feels too "sharp". I've no idea how to articulate what I'm trying to say... potentially a bit more smoother and dreamier? [media]https://soundcloud.com/instantmix/mastertest/s-gx8Es[/media][/QUOTE] I totally understand what you mean with the staccato feel, the VST I use is both a free one and doesn't have a lot of settings for the instruments. There's a lot of them though, which is kinda cool. There's no saxophone, I ~think~what you might hear is a trumpet I got layered really, really far back in the mix. The violin (there's a violin, viola, and cello, plus the trumpet) has a pretty airy sound too it as well which I think has almost a saxophone sound to it. I understand too what you're after in the way of making it more dreamy, I'm not entirely sure I can get that sound however with the samples I'm currently using, and I don't think I'll be able to get there until I either "fix" a solid sample library like East/West or the kontakt library (which is impossible :(() or I save up and get the real deal. Thank you a lot for the critique, I really appreciate it and I agree with you for sure on some of the issues, I'll see if I can redeem it somehow! [editline]27th April 2016[/editline] [QUOTE=Speedhax;50209970]I like the track, it has a lot of potential. I think the drums, although the rhythm is good, need something else cause the actual drum sounds themselves feel a little buried and static.[/QUOTE] Duly noted, I will see what I can do to liven them up a bit. :)

[QUOTE=Xonax;50211264]I think I have finished searching for a good set of drums and Amp. I am going with the Roland TD-11K. The guy we talked to said the K and KV are identical except for the K having 1 Mesh head rather than all on the KV. As the TD-11K (apparently all Roland Drums are like this too) doesn't come with a Pedal or Stool, we are getting the PEARL P-830 Pedal and the MAPEX 570A Drum Throne. And for an Amp, the Mackie Thump V3 12" Active Speaker..okay so it isn't an Amp, but it is still good, better/on par with/than the Roland PM-10, which is the same price. Prices. TD-11K = $1499 Pearl P-830 = $129 Mapex 570A = $129 Mackie Thump V3 12" Active Speaker = $499 Total is $2,256, rather than $2,626 which comes with different Pedals, Amp and Stool, big cost is the 11kv which is $1,999. Also since I kinda want to brag, even tho it's nothing important. I am also getting a H100i GTX Water Cooler ($159), Air 540 PC Case ($189) and a Deathadder Mouse ($65) Adding up to $2669, rather than $3039 with the more expensive Drums. I am quite pleased, what do you lot think?[/QUOTE] Good deal man, glad you're happy with your purchases, you got some kickass equipment!

If anyone wants some beat inspiration, here: [video=youtube;hqBSe_4llYw]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hqBSe_4llYw[/video]

[QUOTE=Skeeter;50205894] [media]http://soundcloud.com/skriket/fagelboven[/media] I re-arranged an old track with a more solid melody, some more dynamic changes and on top of it all ; Some pretty cheap strings.[/QUOTE] This is nice. The whole dramatic feel of the composition makes me think of a soundtrack to some historical drama. The drums caught me off guard at the beginning, their energy felt kind of too much for the melodramatic intro, that's my only gripe. But once you get used to the mood change, it gets pretty good. Overall I like your style, haven't heard anything much like this. [media]https://soundcloud.com/haharijs/uzvedies-pratigi-take-care[/media] A guitar oriented instrumental indie/postrock piece I made a while ago, forgot to post it anywhere. I kind of wrote it as it went, a stream of consciousness kind of thing. Fuck that sounded pretentious. Anyway, any feedback on composition/production greaaatly appreciated.

[QUOTE=CupUp;50237063] [media]https://soundcloud.com/haharijs/uzvedies-pratigi-take-care[/media] A guitar oriented instrumental indie/postrock piece I made a while ago, forgot to post it anywhere. I kind of wrote it as it went, a stream of consciousness kind of thing. Fuck that sounded pretentious. Anyway, any feedback on composition/production greaaatly appreciated.[/QUOTE] I like the style of the track, but maybe the kick drum kinda punches too much you know? Still I like the track itself, I feel it could be mixed a little better though when it comes to EQ and the like, but it's still cool. Here's a song I recorded a year and a half ago that I recently mastered a little bit. The main synth isn't as hard in the unmastered version, which is the reason I didn't master it for so long, but eh. [media]https://soundcloud.com/blazing234/from-the-heights-mastered[/media]

Can someone identify the genre I made here? [media]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQgETkYoIgo[/media]

[QUOTE=Speedhax;50239115]I like the style of the track, but maybe the kick drum kinda punches too much you know? Still I like the track itself, I feel it could be mixed a little better though when it comes to EQ and the like, but it's still cool. Here's a song I recorded a year and a half ago that I recently mastered a little bit. The main synth isn't as hard in the unmastered version, which is the reason I didn't master it for so long, but eh. [/QUOTE] Thanks for the feedback, I guess I should have cleaned the mix up a bit, but it just got to a point where every instrument was oversaturated with various effects, and it kindof spun out of control. Getting the bass to fit was a nightmare in itself. Regarding your track: For me the vocals seem to be a tad too loud. They kind of muddy up the mix, especially when the backing track gets compressed at times due to the vocals. I'd say reduce the low-mid end of the vocal track and also maybe compress the vocal bus a bit? Other than that I dig the bitter-sweet emotional state the melodies invoke.

[QUOTE=CupUp;50249798]Thanks for the feedback, I guess I should have cleaned the mix up a bit, but it just got to a point where every instrument was oversaturated with various effects, and it kindof spun out of control. Getting the bass to fit was a nightmare in itself. Regarding your track: For me the vocals seem to be a tad too loud. They kind of muddy up the mix, especially when the backing track gets compressed at times due to the vocals. I'd say reduce the low-mid end of the vocal track and also maybe compress the vocal bus a bit? Other than that I dig the bitter-sweet emotional state the melodies invoke.[/QUOTE] Yeah I find mixing those types of instruments difficult as well especially mixing real recorded guitar, it just takes a while. But the song is there for you, it'll just take a bit. I'll give that advice a try and see if I can do it, thanks man.

[QUOTE=Levakama;50242624]Can someone identify the genre I made here? [/QUOTE] Make your own genre.

Got some pretty good news. Was asked to score music for an audio documentary that will air on World College Radio Day, which will broadcast the documentary to over 850 radio stations. The guy in charge of WCRD advised Obama last year in college radio broadcasting. So its a pretty big deal.

[QUOTE=Speedhax;50239115] Here's a song I recorded a year and a half ago that I recently mastered a little bit. The main synth isn't as hard in the unmastered version, which is the reason I didn't master it for so long, but eh. [media]https://soundcloud.com/blazing234/from-the-heights-mastered[/media][/QUOTE] I really dig the vocoder in the middle I would reccomend lowering the volume of it tho, got to get the low end to pop so put an Eq and boost the 60 hz range. [editline]4th May 2016[/editline] [QUOTE=Skeeter;50205894] [media]http://soundcloud.com/skriket/fagelboven[/media] I re-arranged an old track with a more solid melody, some more dynamic changes and on top of it all ; Some pretty cheap strings.[/QUOTE] Yo this is really awesome. The only thing I'd really change would maybe have some velocity automation on the piano a bit. Not really sure what to describe about it. The composition itself is really great. Really mysterious and spooky. [editline]4th May 2016[/editline] [QUOTE=Llamalord;50197088] This is the first time I am finally comfortable with music theory and feel like I understand song structure and harmony a lot better than I did 6 months ago. I feel like I really am improving. [media]https://soundcloud.com/user-546421060/4222016-some-song-i-made-re-remastered[/media][/QUOTE] I really dig the overall feel of this track. I feel that ven If you're still working on the harmonics you did a really good job. But I guess if you're still worried about music theory and all I always say you have to learn the rules before you can break em. [media]https://soundcloud.com/corn-mouth/empathetic-rain[/media] This is me and my friend's latest Splattercore release. Fastest and most complex track I've ever done so far. Hope you guys dig it cus I was trying to blow our old stuff out of the water with this one.

I'm not familiar with the genre but I think you should have a powerful bass or overdriven guitar sound when you abuse the amen break. Build up to your drum slicing. The instruments just aren't very fitting (the flute works surprisingly well though, I blame Busdriver's Imaginary Places). The distortion kick near the end is a great touch. Also the intro sounds like Dramamine for the first 3 chords, maybe you should invert them or change the rhythm.

[QUOTE=Ott;50260686]I'm not familiar with the genre but I think you should have a powerful bass or overdriven guitar sound when you abuse the amen break. Build up to your drum slicing. The instruments just aren't very fitting (the flute works surprisingly well though, I blame Busdriver's Imaginary Places). The distortion kick near the end is a great touch. Also the intro sounds like Dramamine for the first 3 chords, maybe you should invert them or change the rhythm.[/QUOTE] I cant change anything this is the final release but thanks. Also whats dramamine?

[QUOTE=Ms. Gyroscope;50262106]I cant change anything this is the final release but thanks. Also whats dramamine?[/QUOTE] the Modest Mouse song

[QUOTE=Ott;50265357]the Modest Mouse song[/QUOTE] Never heard of either. The first double bass thing is a Sample. Its supposed to start on A major but Since I tempo synced it Its been changed. I did the other melody by ear. Same with the flute actually. I had to make sure I sync'd it the same as the double bass so it'd be sync'd with the tempo and be in the same key. I think its g major now? Not sure

[QUOTE=Ms. Gyroscope;50259253] This is me and my friend's latest Splattercore release. Fastest and most complex track I've ever done so far. Hope you guys dig it cus I was trying to blow our old stuff out of the water with this one.[/QUOTE] I really like this, i get a lot of 65daysofstatic from this don't know what splattercore is, but it sounds p nice [QUOTE=CupUp;50237063] [media]https://soundcloud.com/haharijs/uzvedies-pratigi-take-care[/media] A guitar oriented instrumental indie/postrock piece I made a while ago, forgot to post it anywhere. I kind of wrote it as it went, a stream of consciousness kind of thing. Fuck that sounded pretentious. Anyway, any feedback on composition/production greaaatly appreciated.[/QUOTE] i really like the sound, but musically, i'm not sure where it's trying to go i don't know that makes me like it more or less getting vibes of This Will Destroy You at parts, Slowest Runner at others (especially with that synth) [media]http://soundcloud.com/sharkalarm/wake-me[/media] [media]http://soundcloud.com/sharkalarm/escapist[/media] These are a couple things I did recently planning on making a music video for the first one

[QUOTE=inebriaticxp;50274068]I really like this, i get a lot of 65daysofstatic from this don't know what splattercore is, but it sounds p nice i really like the sound, but musically, i'm not sure where it's trying to go i don't know that makes me like it more or less getting vibes of This Will Destroy You at parts, Slowest Runner at others (especially with that synth) [media]http://soundcloud.com/sharkalarm/wake-me[/media] [media]http://soundcloud.com/sharkalarm/escapist[/media] These are a couple things I did recently planning on making a music video for the first one[/QUOTE] Really enjoy the feel of both tracks, i do feel that the vocals arent in a good part of the spectrum in the first track tho, theyre all but drowned out by the guitar musically theyre both really cool though, some solid tracks [media]https://soundcloud.com/tropicalgod/midnighttango[/media] heres something i just decided to finish up for fun after seeing that dog version of the song

[QUOTE=Colteh;50284292]Really enjoy the feel of both tracks, i do feel that the vocals arent in a good part of the spectrum in the first track tho, theyre all but drowned out by the guitar musically theyre both really cool though, some solid tracks [media]https://soundcloud.com/tropicalgod/midnighttango[/media] heres something i just decided to finish up for fun after seeing that dog version of the song[/QUOTE] This is fucking sweeeeeeet, good job! The intro is really cool but I think it needs toning down a little, some of the higher freqs get pretty harsh and the sub is kinda un-tamed. Same with the stab- kinda sample throughout, feels a little harsh. Absolutely dope though. Thrown together a neuro/grime thing for fun. Love a bit of Wiley. EDIT: New version [media]https://soundcloud.com/prizymmusic/flying[/media]

Just a quick question about connecting my Electronic Keyboard with Ableton. I've got the proper connection, and my keyboard can play through Ableton fine. I'm wondering though, can I play the sounds that my keyboard has pre-built in, or do I have to use the instruments/sounds that Ableton has only?

[QUOTE=4yourmalice;50296332]Just a quick question about connecting my Electronic Keyboard with Ableton. I've got the proper connection, and my keyboard can play through Ableton fine. I'm wondering though, can I play the sounds that my keyboard has pre-built in, or do I have to use the instruments/sounds that Ableton has only?[/QUOTE] If you connect your keyboards outputs into an audio interface, then yes. You would just need to either set it as a line in on an audio track, if you do not want to deal with MIDI, or set your keyboard as an external instrument if you want to deal with MIDI. Some keyboards do not let you do MIDI control and internal control at the same time though, so your best bet might just be to use an audio track.

[QUOTE=chaz13;50288449]This is fucking sweeeeeeet, good job! The intro is really cool but I think it needs toning down a little, some of the higher freqs get pretty harsh and the sub is kinda un-tamed. Same with the stab- kinda sample throughout, feels a little harsh. Absolutely dope though. Thrown together a neuro/grime thing for fun. Love a bit of Wiley. EDIT: New version [media]https://soundcloud.com/prizymmusic/flying[/media][/QUOTE] Damn siiiick, it made me remind about those dubsteplike songs with foreign beggars. Love it Oh look, I'm still alive. What's the musical term of "artblock" because that's what I had for like 2 months. Did this in an hour, it's not finished but I do love how the distortion turned out, except for the snare which is way too loud. It's a start. [media]https://soundcloud.com/plastermaster007/deepslider[/media] [QUOTE=4yourmalice;50296332]Just a quick question about connecting my Electronic Keyboard with Ableton. I've got the proper connection, and my keyboard can play through Ableton fine. I'm wondering though, can I play the sounds that my keyboard has pre-built in, or do I have to use the instruments/sounds that Ableton has only?[/QUOTE] If you want to control the sounds of your keyboard from the outside (your computer) then you have do fight around with MIDI. My experience with MIDI was horrible, not only did I have to use one of those super cheap MIDI to USB things for like 5€ but the keyboard I have has a pitch bend wheel and a few knobs which for some reason outputs key presses when used, really annoying since I do want to use those. [editline]11th May 2016[/editline] Is sliding the pitch and slowing the song down still a big thing on soundcloud?

That lead is way too loud, it's making the rest of the mix duck when it's going. Turn off the limiter so you know when things are peaking and need to be turned down.

[QUOTE=Ott;50304289]That lead is way too loud, it's making the rest of the mix duck when it's going. Turn off the limiter so you know when things are peaking and need to be turned down.[/QUOTE] Is it alright if I personally like it that way, after listening to it for a whole day I can't hear anything about it that I don't like. [editline]12th May 2016[/editline] post more music with distorted sounds

You need to listen with fresh ears. It's good to have a few projects going concurrently so you can take a break and "unlearn" one that you can't criticize anymore. When you come back to it, you'll be able to spot all the mistakes you've made right away.