WORKS-IN-PROGRESS for February, 2011

[jamiecypher]

#jamiecypher
I gave you feedback on the other thread!

Thanks dude, appreciate it alot! Your Cowbell song is so fat, I need to get my mixes sounding like that.

jamiecypher-Yo man welcome to the dubstep production scene, i'm very new myself but heres my opinion haha. First thing i think the intro is pretty cool, i however downt like the little metronome sounding noise you added to the snare in the drop. I also noticed i can barely hear the kick drum after the tune drops. Maybe EQ it and raise some of the upper end frequencies so that it's alittle bit more punchy through your mix. I like the crash symbol though, ive always been a fan of alittle crash in my dubs I like the second section of the track much better as well. The constant motion sounds pretty amazing. Overall i liked it alot man! keep up the amazing work!

Hey Mawsta, thanks for the warm welcome to the scene. Now that you point it out, yeah that Clave (That's the metronome sounding thing, it's some afro-cuban percussive instrument) you mentioned works nicely early in the intro but you're right, that's probably an instrument I shouldn't pair up with heavy beats, and if i'm going to use it I may stay more reserved and use it for a either a metronome or a little polyrhythmic action. I am glad that you enjoy the crash cymbal, I was kinda going for a "metal breakdown" beat, so it was between crash or china, and I chose the former. I'm big on crossover genres, and i'm glad you appreciated my metal take on dubstep. Really appreciate feedback that gives me ideas like this, I just don't have all the mixing know-how to make it polished, all I have is sequencing experience.

@ jamiecypher - sounds pretty good! the only thing I'd change out is the kick and snare samples... other than that, some proper mixing and that should be one pretty unique track

Thanks Barbearik! I was considering swapping the kick, but I went through like every snare in my DAW and couldn't find one with the punch that the 909 Snare that I put on there has. The rest of the kit is all live drum samples, which is within my comfort zone. Still pretty much a virgin at production, and my dubstep listening experience doesn't exceed 6 months. Any other tips are greatly appreciated, and thank you for taking the time to comment.

jamiecypher - good song. the middle quiet part is a bit long and repetative but it still sounds good.

Thanks Conor, I really am unsure on the middle part myself, not sure if I should shorten that then add another longer legit bridge after the second "verse/chorus"(using these terms loosely) sequence, and maybe then finish it out bringing the track to like 4:15 4:30 in length rather than a mere 3:12. Any other ideas are welcome! You rock!

@jamiecypher
The track is very interesting but I'm personally not a fan of using actual drumming plugins and real drumming techniques. It takes away from the whole dub feel. It is however very unique and I know there's a crowd out there that enjoy that type of stuff. Its just hard for me to say something sounds good or bad considering its not what I'm used to creating or hearing.

Like I said to Barbearik, I either need some examples of what drum sounds might work with this busy of a track, or someone to chat with about how to create a more dubby mood. To me, when I listen to my track, it feels like a metal song with wobble bass. I need to bring it back around and make it more atmospheric, and i'm not sure if the fact that I stayed within my comfort zone by using live samples(because i've used them in other genres, and know they maintain the punch I was going for during the busy parts) has hindered the track as a whole or not. If you can shed a little insight on my predicament it would be greatly valued.

jamiecypher: Interesting intro! I like the riff playing as it's a bit different. Now IMO the drums need some work. First off, I wouldn't add reverb to the kick. I would however add reverb to the snare . You've got the right idea as far as buildup, but it still falls a little flat. I would experiment with adding a little more silence after the vocal drop. After the drop, your main bass synth is a thin. Have you tried working with FM synthesis? You can come up with some thick dirty bass. Awesome communication between drums and bass after the drop! That is something I'm trying to work on. Another suggestion would be to have more than just 1 bass sound. Duplicate your midi bass track and create another sound, then interchange between the two. or three. or four. etc... Great job for your first dubstep!

This is my favorite piece of feedback i've gotten so far. Thank you valaB for taking the time to give me good examples of how to improve my overall sound. I totally agree the verb on the kick really stands out especially in the intro. I listened to my track and paused it during my dead air before the drop, and I wanted your take on it. Do you think I should keep the gap in time with the tune? Like add 4 counts of silence? Or just add a gap based on how it feels? It definitely will make the drop more dramatic. I also totally agree my synth bass needs work, but here's where I need some advice. I know i'm about to ask "The Question" that people get flamed for asking... but should I switch DAW's for more versatility? I am currently using Ableton Live 8, and after watching tons of youtube videos, I've yet to find someone who can make a bass that sounds much better than what I've got on my track currently. I have access to Reason 5, and I already learned my lesson about Fruityloops. You mentioned something about "FM Synthesis." Is this a VST plugin that I could possibly incorporate into Ableton? I -Really- need to fatten up my mix and make that kick drum stand out more during the busy parts. The hi-hat also gets drenched once the song picks up as well. I'm really having a really hard time getting pleasent sounds for my synth bass, I'd love to have all sorts of shapes and sounds to cycle between in my busy riff, but need advice to make that dream a reality. I thank you very much for your kind words on my "communication between drums and bass." I take pride in that kind of stuff. Being a bassist helps too, when I jam with my drummer I always make a conscious effort to ride that kicks rhythm. Really makes everything come together nicely.

Lastly, I want to thank everyone above who gave me feedback. Please please please if anyone could recommend some VST's or ideas (especially if you are fluent in Ableton Live) on how to fatten my mix up, I'd be quite thankful.

[jakedubber]

@Sonic Arts - I really like the style of your track. It's really different. Your kick and snare need to be way louder, but your hats are fine (although the samples you've used sound a little generic). I reckon panning the little glitchy sounds when you cut up your plucked string sound would be cool. Each cut of the sample panned differently would really make the song a lot more interesting. Cool ideas.

@NICORISONE - I still love this track man. Really lovely vibes. It makes me sad, but in a good way I really can't think of anything I'd change apart from adding and ending and a download link If pushed I'd say you could maybe add a tiny bit of delay on your percussion. Fucking beautiful production man. Top notch.

@ruthyloops - I've posted feedback on your track's Soundcloud page.

Thanks for all the feedback guys. I personally liked "Nice chunky bit of drive on those drums" from Debaser1 and "The snare has an awesome kind of trashy sound" from makerowner. It was just recorded on a single mic in my bedroom, hence the accidental drive and 'trashy' sound I agree though, I like how it turned out. Here's the updated version of my WIP.

Soundcloud

[jakedubber]

@jamiecypher - Throw me a PM if you'd like some Ableton Live tips. Hope I can help.

[jamiecypher]

@Barbearik - At first listen the progression of the bass line once it drops felt confusing and went in weird directions, I guess it was probably me not being used to hearing a key change to minor on top of the synth string lead playing in major. After listening to the entire track it grew on me. I really like how big you get your mix, and how well your snare manages to stand out in that wall of bass. Being a noob I guess I really don't have much to suggest in the production area. I'm just curious and I understand if you choose not to share your secret, but which DAW did you use to produce this? Any hardware involved other than a midi controller?

@Malleus - I posted about Mechsteppa in the January thread, but I really feel the need to say that you f-ing nailed the mechanic feel. I'd change nothing. A+ Let me know when I can purchase the full length.

@Nicorisone - Checked out your track you did with your one friend, the "not dubstep" one. Is that live guitar or a guitar synth? sounds like hammer ons. Just curious if it was a real guitar or if it was some really nasty digital manipulation. Anyways, I like the mood of it, hope you finish it and find a good direction to take it in.

@valaB - I love the triad piano stabs in your "P4" track. Brings back that dub-reggae feel. On a real note, your production quality is top notch man. I love the dubbed out ambient break at 2:10 and how it sounds like Whales or something. Also loving how warm the bass is at 3:45. Please shed some light on plugins and DAWs for me if you find the time. Seems like you've pretty much mastered what you do.

@Sonicarts - Cant wait to hear the new version of Campfire Dub.

@Jakedubber - You owe me a peek at your WIP since my feedback mishap earlier!

[Bass Sedation]

@superginger – “optix alone” That bass is thick. Digging the vibe of the track. The transition to full speed then back to half time was nice. I think the kick needs to be turned up just a little, or layered with a slightly punchier kick when the bass kicks in. Good track.

@mawsta – “the calming” – Nice drop. Good and wobbly at the 2 minute mark. The drum sounds aren’t to appealing to the ear. They get the job done, but they leave little to the imagination. This track just needs a little background percussion, put some life on that phat booty bass you made!

@barbearik – “Untitled” – Great synth intro. Very heavy drop. The beginning bass melody is really interesting. It was a little hard for me to follow. The transitions were cool, but they didn’t seem to create much motion in the song. Sounds great, bass is heavy, kick sounds great, kick ass arps…keep it up!

And now, the second revision of “Beast” for your consideration:
Soundcloud

[CoreyGoesRawr]

Sonic Arts- did you record yourself playing the mandolin? I like that you left scratch in from changing frets. the only problem I had was an error on my part I took a second listen and was like oh lol, real nice track man

valaB- nice track man only thing is the drop was slightly dissapointing, if you put the wind up sample at :25ish just before the drop I think it might help give the bass that extra umph but that's just me

nicorieone- real nice man great atmosphere and nice mixing only problem is the bass seemed to way over power everything else, I loved how heavy it was but it just seemed a bit too loud in the grand scheme of things.

malleus - my advice,FINISH the track lol last drop is a beast

djconer - I like the general idea of the track because it is your first things are going to be cheesy until you learn your program and develop your style. That said the lfo work for a beginner is pretty nice gj, you did a good job of building energy up to about 1:38 and I like the crash or ride or whatever you have going on but keep the kick and snare and it will have more of a breakdown feel to keep the energy high. all this of course is just my opinion so you know, whatever lol but keep at it and keep producing


edit Dear God I work slow lol when I started this there was one page lol I will come back in a min and get the people I missed too


This is a slight rework of a track I posted before, let me know what you think. I still haven't figured out what genre this is exactly lol but whatever.
Soundcloud

[antman]

@Jakedubber Oh my god man I love this track.... amazing drums. Nothing to really complain about!

@Bass Sedation For me the intro was a little too long. But other than that this track is fat as hell. Sick work and I see where you got the name from.

@Coreygoesrawr Like I said in my comment on your song, Sick remake. Another peice of pure quality. Hope to see more Corey.

Ok this might be the last time im posting this for feedback before I can call it done. If anyone has any suggestions or tips... or if you absolutely hate it just let me know what I can change and what I can work on. Thanks guys!

Soundcloud

[HomeNoiseRecord]

thanks for the constructive criticism folks. note to self: dont ask for any at the HomeRecording.com forum coz they will rip your mixing/mastering abilties to shreds! you guys are much nicer!

[Mortal]

@antman - interesting sounds, youre coming along well with this track. maybe work on your drums to give them a little more impact. also, work on post processing your sounds, like adding reverb, chorus, distortion etc. it just makes things flow a lot better, because your into seemed a bit static.

@corey - i like the way you made the drums work around the piano, they fit well. i would just suggest finding some new drum samples or layering, as they do sound very basic and it kind of dampens the whole track. give them a bit more punch, not necesarily volume, but punch!

@jakedubber - your drums are sounding good, youve got a nice rythm going on and i like it, great stuff! just do a bit of research into getting a better mixdown and your production will sound so much clearer...although i do realise SC can fuck up sounds fairly often! but anyway, nice track


anywho, as for me...i just kinda started laying this one down today. and im stopping for tonight and would like to hear thoughts and ideas

Soundcloud

cheeeeers

[boko91]

Hello

this is my first dubstep track. started out as a lullaby for my daughter. Its still a work in progress so Constructive criticism very welcome if you have time. from arrangement and sounds to the mix.

http://soundcloud.com/tweeka/lullaby

How do I put this up without a link or in my sig? just tried the embed code in between the soundcloud brackets but didnt work

Thanks

[Fbac]

listening on headphones.

@jamiecyper, liking that intro, that sticky ride seems to be abit samey, any velocity diffrences bettwen the hits? , not to keen on the basslead ,bit do like the ghosty pads that creep in, sounds good on the headphones as they make good use of the free high freq space available. Keep at it practice makes perfect, you said you cant make any pleasent bass sounds? what synth are you using?

@jakedubber, another tune? dont you sleep? are you of the handheld daw generation! ,,, really like all those sound efx at the drop, the drum fills sounded abit static to me, like the 1:32 switch up, but it seems to get lost in itself quite quickly (my random internet person opinion) liked the 2 min on ward section with the woo woo woo ^^ ,3:26 the pianoy twinkle things fill in the space nicley here, maybe use something similer in the first drop? (altho you may be thinkin to keep it clean) look forward to hearing it on the speakers tommorow.

@bass sedation : will have to listen back tommorow to get the full scope of this tune. The intro i skiped thru but after the drop its got a wicked vibe, really like that reverse sounding beat piece 1:25 , rewind to 1:25 again. sounds like the track gets abit lost between 1:45 and 2:00 but when it snaps back together after 2 its dope.

@Mortal : like the sparseness of it and the delayed revesed sound, like alot of the elements except the mid bass (sorry) like the bass midi notes and when it plays desending at 0:58 0:59 but not for the drop. (random guys opinion)

@Antman reminds me of a basterdised version of the nutcracker... made me think of evil clowns then "why so serious"! drums could perhaps do with being beefed up , snare could be smackyier maybe. end quote is quality . i dont like this track but you did make me smile.

@coreygoes rar: you go slow? i go slow!! im still on comments from january... i dont remmember this having vocals. sounding really good! (on headphones) , maybe bit too much reverb on the drums? hats sound louder then the kick. likeing the piano, would of like to hear a real tear away dubstep piece after the second drop (but thats me), sounds good.

still workin on the feedback provided ^^ will try and keep dropping by to feedback

[Notbellm]

@malleus you definately continue to impress, that clip your working is astounding, keep up the talent bro.

@Djconor I really like the intro, the instruments are full and fat, as is your bass after the drop, in my opinion, I think its a bit constant after the drop, try maybe adding in some other noises, to break up your wubs, maybe add some rythym/rests to the wubs, Im no pro, just throwing ideas out, I definately dig your track though, its fat, <-- in the best way.

@Mawsta I dont really have much in the way of suggestions, or usefull feedback, however, I thoroughly enjoyed your track, its mellow, and calm, but has that tinge of nasty that I do so enjoy. Cheers, and keep it up.

This is something I threw together the last two nights when I had time, It's more practice really,
but for anyone who's listened to anything else I've done I'd love feedback on my progress, specifically with
my basses, I've been trying to balance fat and dirty with clear and listenable, which is one of the hardest things (imo) for begginers.
anyways, I talk to much,
any and all crits pleeeassse
CHeers

Soundcloud

[Sonic Arts]

@CoreyGoesRawr:
Thanks for the kind words man. Yeah someone actually bought me an acoustic electric mandolin for christmas so I figured I'd see what I could do with it.
I 'm a fan of the remake. I don't really know what to suggest. It sounds clean to me. Never really heard anything like it
@jakedubber:
Panning the cuts would be an awesome idea. Definitely gonna work that out when I get home. And yeah I agree about the drums. Probably gonna spend alot of time on that for my next revision. Thanks for the feedback! I'll have a new version up a little later this week.

Thanks to everyone for the feedback. I'll get around to listening to some tracks when i get home tonight.

[Fbac]

listening on headphones

@barbaerik : yay something trancy! il turn this up, liking it so far, on headphones i havent got deep bass, but the wobbly synth feels like it could be phatter, after the drop some of the notes are bang on and some feel off (i think somone above mentioned that before). liked how at the end the notes just held too. maybe that in earlier? all in all il be back to hear again on a bigger system ^^

@Mawsta: Phew,, im listening on headphones at 1 am chilled out sounds key bout now. Liking it, real trippy chill, reverb might be abit much in places but i assume that was the plan. woah drop. like how it went into that. not to sure of the automation to come, id like to hear slower wobbles after the first high wobbles rather than higher wobbles (only an opinon from internets many randoms) . headphone mix came out well =) interested to hear the speaker mix

NICORISONE: remmeber this one from before, still liking it waiting to hear what it becomes, thought id comment on the one below it but havent got anything bad to say as it took me on a nice little journey, perhaps some vibrato automation on the bass to give it abit of follow on the guitats?

[SpungE]

Thought I'd give dubstep a go. At the moment they're just the basics, beat n bass.

There's 2 WIP tracks in this;

Soundcloud

[thekeeftheef]

@ jakedubber - nice sample, i like the drums in it aswell

@ malleus - ya i'd say this one is pretty solid, love the drop

just started this one up yesterday
Soundcloud

[Asterix]

@thekeeftheef nice vibe liking the feel maybe just take a little of the distortion off noisy for my taste
@SpungE damn man if thats one of your first tries then well done maybe just a little repetitive
@Sonic Arts digging this man like the ambience the vibe electric feel good job
Here is a song i worked on for a couple days tell me wat ya guys think (maybe a comment on sc )
Soundcloud

[Alt Fire]

HomeNoiseRecord, Barbearik, ruthyloops and Jakedubber - I big thanks for all the feedback. Went back to it and tried to clean it up a good deal.

@Superginger - The start was a bit busy but nice after that

@ValaB - At about 2 minutes the jumbled section is interesting but maybe a little too jumbled. Wobbles all very nice

@ruthyloops - Commented on Soundcloud but NICE

This is another go around for this song but a decent amount of changes have accord. All feedback is much appriecated.

Soundcloud

[jamiecypher]

listening on headphones.
@jamiecyper, liking that intro, that sticky ride seems to be abit samey, any velocity diffrences bettwen the hits? , not to keen on the basslead ,bit do like the ghosty pads that creep in, sounds good on the headphones as they make good use of the free high freq space available. Keep at it practice makes perfect, you said you cant make any pleasent bass sounds? what synth are you using?

I'm using an Operator Synthesizer in Ableton Live 8.2.1 I watched some videos that valaB recommended to me.

I currently have a revised version where I duplicated my synth bass track, EQ'd one to low cut, EQ'd the other to hi cut, and experimented with putting overdrive on the high to try and get a more gurgly or buzzy tone. It definitely got Buzzier but it seemed to obscure some of the vowel shapes that my LFO achieved. Still pretty lost with what I can do other than shell out hundreds of dollars for Komplete 7, or something of that nature. I was going to upload my current mix of the track, but I think i'm going to wait and watch more videos / wait for more feedback on here before taking the next step.

Fbac, can you shed a little insight?

[TRIANGL]

@thekeeftheef: I like the intro; not so sure about the needle scratch sound effect (but that might just be me!); like the bassline a lot though. Seems like a solid start to a track.

@SpungE: First part - yeah, I like it, although (IMHO) the bassline or the synth needs to do something different after the first 16 bars, or maybe introduce another element or something, I dunno, but I guess it's a very early WIP for now? Second part - like the minimalism of this, with the little touches of sound creeping in now and then. I could imagine this as one of those tracks that doesn't change much throughout, just little variations in drums and bass, no real peaks and troughs, just very steady.

@Notbellm: It might just be my ears but I think it might sound a little better if the second bit was pitched up a little so it's in roughly the same key as the first bit; I know it's two completely different styles but it just sounds a little too much of a clash to me? I do like the first bit a lot though!

@boko91: I really like what you've done with this. I think the drums at 2:10 might be coming in a couple of bars early though; it makes it a little hard to get your head around the structure 'cos it makes it feel like the second half of the bassline is the first half, if that makes sense? Also I wonder if it should be a little bit longer? It doesn't feel like it kicks off properly until nearly half-way into the track. Maybe needs a second drop? Or beef up the bit from 0:55 - 1:50 a little?

Right, my first attempt at dubstep, all comments gratefully received!

Soundcloud

I'm not 100% sure about the structure of this; I think I might be overusing the lead synth line a bit but maybe that's just because I've listened to it too many times?