Finished Tunes For Feedback - Nov/Dec 2011

[wub]

Back by popular demand. Few simple guidelines;

1. Finished tunes only. No WIPs, no ideas, no half baked loops. We have the WIP thread for that
2. Please give feedback to at least 3 other tracks
3. Make your feedback as constructive as possible - feedback should not consist of "Yeah, sick blud!" comments just to fulfil point 2.
4. Try and give a brief description as to what style your tune is (i.e. tearout, deep, dungeon, Benga-style, Pinch influenced etc etc) so as to help people identify it
5. No spam/arguments/flame wars/trolling

This thread is being brought back on a test basis. If after a few weeks, the above criteria are felt to have not been met, the thread will be taken down again and will not come back.

Any issues/queries/problems/requests/comments, please feel free to get in touch via PM or any of the IM links on my profile.

Brgds,

Wub

[audioperversion]

I'll start. My first finished song, not proper filthy dubstep, more love step inspired, also a flavour of hip hop.


Soundcloud

[wub]

@audioperversion - like the opening piano, but feel the drums are a bit weak when they come in. The synth pattern at around 34s is a bit on the weak side too, but that's more a choice in the sort of hip hop I like more than anything else. The strings are nice, as is the higher end synth melody, and I like the automation you've added to make it pulse it and out as you listen. The break is a good interlude, but I feel it's more a reduction in elements than anything else...almost crying out for a vocal or some sort of sample in there. Snare drum roll that leads back in to 2m18 is a bit on the generic side for my tastes. From then on the tune seems to be a repetition of itself, stripping out the elements.

Overall, not bad. Not the sort of hip hop I'd go for as I've already said, but pleasing enough. Sounds a bit empty in the middle, my comments re; a vocal still stand. Mixdown, on the other hand, is damn near flawless from what I can tell. Everything has it's space within the mix, nothing is getting lost or muddied, good stuff.

[Electric_Head]

audioperversion - the piano is effective but I`m not a big fan of the actual piano tone.
The drums are not effective enough for me.
They work but just don`t keep my attention.
Possibly more change-ups and percussion work.
The background atmospheres/strings are not bad but are a cheesy imo, I`m more into darker sounds though so I`m no real judge of that.
The drop works but I`m never a big fan of drums just picking up speed to drop.
I like the sort of bell tone that comes in after the drop, it adds some variety but gets drowned out a bit by your synth, strings, etc all playing over each other.
Mixdown is solid enough on my phones but I only have in-ear plugs for reference.

It`s good but not sci-fi enough for me.
But that is entirely personal preference.


Here's my latest track.
I`ve been working on more of a Deeper, Darker, Dungeon sound.
Always psychedelic.

Soundcloud

[jrisreal]

@AudioPerversion Very nice, I like that kind of hiphop...as wub said, the drums are a bit weak. Also, I hear some melodic conflict.

@ElectricHead You already showed that one to me, nice samples and sounds...needs mixdown work.

Here's mine...of course, nothing's ever really finished, is it?
Soundcloud

[wub]

@Electric_Head - Like the feedback style modulator intro, panning sounds pretty sick in my headphones too. Bass gradually growls into being, which is nice. Kick is very punchy but not a whole lot else, sounds a bit flat when it comes through. The percussion sample that pans rapidly from l-to-r is quality too. Not sure what that sound was at the start of 1m05s, adds great atmosphere though. Snare is sounding a bit weak too, but I get the feeling the drums aren't supposed to be a main element in this tune, considering all the random sounds you've got moving in and out of things.

Percussion switch up at 2m40s is nice, and the vocal is a good touch as well, use the right amount of delay/reverb on it. Big fan of this overall, much darker than I'd usually play myself but definitely got a great sound to it. I'd check the mixdown is my only real criticism, as the kick snare are being lost a little bit in the middle of things.

@jrisreal - Too much high end of the percussion in the intro section, had to turn my volume down a bit as it's a bit piercing. Like the synth line and pads that lead up to the drop at 42s. Good tearout feel to things, got a future jungle/breaks feel to it which is nice. Busy drum programming, but again there is too much high end going on for my taste especially in the percussion hits. The neurofunk mids you've got going on are nice, but they're getting a bit repetitive around the 2m mark. Not saying take them out, but some call & response with another element might add a different feel to things/

Drum fills are a good touch, is this break chopping or hand programming? If the latter, then fair play mate. Liking how the tune slows down at the 3m30s mark and the pads/synth line gradually filters back in. However, having the percussion line filter out at the same time leaves your drums feeling very flat indeed. Good stuff but yeah, percussion is too high end heavy IMO.

[audioperversion]

thanks for the quick replies, I really needed some serious opinions on my tracks.

@wub: I understand it's sort of block-ish when it should feel more organic, I just had to finish something so I hurried up and put this out. I could have worked the lead a little more to add variation and maybe add some more elements (somehow). I was really worried about the mix though, I used lots of side-chaining and I read a comment on the forum on someone's tracks mentioning how everything sounded sidechained to the drums, so I was worried this could be the case in my track as well. Funny you mentioned the drum roll, I really added it after I had finished the track, and it might feel artificial indeed. Overall thanks for the feedback and since you're the moderator I would like to know if I could request feedback on another track.

@Electric_head: I second the piano tone comment, I rendered with Alicia Keys but the whole project I used True Pianos, but I had problems with it for some reason, something was wrong in the sound and I couldn't correct it. My friend also pointed out the strings, he told me I pulled off a "Timbaland", which would be to use something catchy and cheesy. About your track, the very first thing that caught my attention was the crispness of the sound, really good mix here in my monitors, I guess the drums impressed me, even though I'm not familiar with the darker sides of dubstep. I think there's space for more elements in the track though, and more variation would also be nice. Overall nice work, sounds solid and tks for the answer.

[audioperversion]

@jrisreal: Thanks, your track is really good... Probably if I heard it on Beatport or something I would buy it or consider buying it. Aside from that, I think you could improve the mix, especially in the beggining there seems to be some frequency gaps or something, too much highs maybe. Polishing the synths could also go a long way, I think. The first wobbly part is very good and spot on, I especially like from 1:38 til the break, doesn't feel repetitive at all , but the break is kind of monotonous, and after the break it feels like something is missing.

[Electric_Head]

JR - I`m well impressed with that track, i`ve heard it before but it the Neurofunk mids are pretty great.
Maybe some variation on the sound as Wub mentioned.
The chopped beat is good but repeats the same neuro sound.
The synths play off each other nicely and create a good atmosphere for the neurofunk.

Overall I think it`s a good tune with a solid sound.

Wub - Thanks for the feedback.
Drums are important for sure but I do tend to let them be an element of the larger sound.
I listened earlier and also felt that the snare could be weak but it has been used as a creative element along with the other percussion.
Mixdown is tricky with the in-ear phones, I hope to remedy this soon.

Audioperversion - It`s funny that you ask for more variation? is it not varied enough?
I do tend to vary my sound from a synthesis standpoint and not always serious beat changes, etc. Sometimes I think I know the variation is there but other folks miss it.
I wouldn`t add too much more though as the track is meant to be very atmospheric and sparse, over cluttering it is where the issues lie.

Thanks for all the feedback, this thread is just what is needed.

[Darj]

@ JRisreal : Punchy track there. Lots of nice chopped sounds like drums. The mouving sub is awesome, Mixdown is decent. But one of your hats is a bit to high in the mix. If i had to rate it, it would be 7 on 10. Wich is pretty good :p


@electric_head : Minimalist intro, the 27 first seconds are a bit too boring. You have good percussions running on your track, use some on your intro to make it interesting. Nice deep tune, dark atmosphere and nice snares. As far as the track goes you add elements. Thats a nice progression but is sounds a bit messy in the end of the track. Your snare is going to low in the end. Give it more punch ! Rate : 6.5 :p

@ audioperversion : Now for your hip hop track, it sounds pretty good, mixdown is fine. Interesting beat, it reminds me interludes on a few hip hop cds. Some of your strings seems being out of keys with your piano. Good overall, 7


So, i'd like to have feedback on 2 tracks if it's not too much asking :p. They are both Deep & a bit Dark tunes.
the 1st one finished 2 days ago.
Soundcloud

And the second is a month old :p
Soundcloud

Thanks for listening and sorry again for my english that i need to practice more :p

[Refuzed]

audioperversion: Very nice feeling to the track mate. I agree with previous comments that the drums could have a bit more power, and the prominent synth throughout the track could perhaps do with being pushed back into the mix again (either simply with a bit of volume reduction or some reverb) i just feel it sticks out a bit too much for my tastes

electric_head: very grimey sound, think some of the elements could do with being turned down a wee bit and perhaps slightly more prominence from the sub? your drum programming is very nice, although i feel the kick could probably be replaced with something a bit darker sounding. the vocal sample that comes in at 2:33 fits the track nicely although it seems to be a bit too random? perhaps make some references to it somewhere in the first drop?

jrisreal: the hi freqs are piercing on the intro, think your eq needs to be worked out a bit.. that being said the actual pattern is nice. The first drop is insane, so much going on but not too much it all gels very well. i think the snare could do with a bit more power though, but it could be the headphones i'm listening through (i'm at work!) the first breakdown is nice although i think it could sound nice if you made it a bit more minimal on that breakdown. The buildups are very subtle and nice, i think they work really well.

Soundcloud

[Comfi]

Can't listen to anything now, but when I get home ill have a go. I love getting specific with feedback the tune I'm gonna submit is in my Sig.

[Refuzed]

comfi - the tune in your sig you said you would use is what i'm going by. it's got a really nice feel too it, a couple of the drum hits feel a bit too loud for me though, specifically the high passed snare on the intro, i think it could do with a bit of eq tweaking, and one of the notes of your sub sounds a bit out of key. other than that theres nothing else i can pick out that could do with work! i love the little atmospheric buildup at the start. keep it up bro

[Refuzed]

darj - in the dusk - its a nice sounding track, i think the shakery-noisey sweep thing could do with being a bit lower and pushed back into the mix a bit as it stands out quite a bit. your drums are punchy but it feels to me like the kick and the sub are fighting for space. also the tuned perc sound that you're using as a snare is a bit to piercing and think it needs just a slight decrease of the level, and also i'm not a massive fan of the flanger/phaser effect you've got going on in the intro and breakdown

[audioperversion]

@Darj : I'm listening to your first track right now. Not really used to dark dubstep, I know just a few guys who do it, I could recommend either Meat Beat Manifesto's latest album or this guy from Soundcloud, Silence Soundcloud -- Overall your track is really nice, I listened to it entirely and time flew. I just think you could use some additional percussion when the drums come back at 3:24. The snare is exotic but I do like it.

Glad that some of you guys like my track despite the faulty parts. Here's another full track, I like this one alot better and it took much less work, I made it in a day or so, I hope it doesn't show lol. Any feedback is welcome, positive or negative, thanks.

Soundcloud

[Comfi]

Refuzed- Intro is cool, I like all of the little odd sounds, quite funky. The main drop synth is nice first time around, second time around it feels stronger, quite a progressive track this far. Like the way you are using a lot of different synths. The mixdown seems pretty good, all elements are clear. Really like the tail of the kick, whether that's reverb or a sidechained sample laying underneath. Altogether is a pretty cool track. Only criticism is that the main drop synths could do with more variation, whether that be in the notes played, or effects automation to keep it fresh the whole way through. All in all,nice job lad.

Darj In the dusk- Very cool intro. The drums are magnificent. When the come in it really hits hard. Nice job with those. Really impressed so far. White noise sweeps are very nice, fit in well. The delay on them makes them flow nicely. The sample you are using for your snare (rimshot?) is class. The silence at 1.19 really breaks it up nicely. People underestimate the power of silence when producing. Flows fantastically. The sub is maybe good, but there's only some of it I can hear on my krk's. Can feel it though, but can't tell if it's the kick or not. Excellently produced. Really nice man, keep up the good work.

jsisreal- Long time no hear man, you have stepped it up from the last time i've heard you. This is paaarrrffuuullll. Drums really cutting through, nicely mixed. Synths are great. The halftime drops is worked in really well. I like the pads and the growls. Is this mastered? Would have liked a bit of disto on the snare, some variation on each of the different snare hits maybe, since it's played a lot. Love the glitching you have done. I'm at the hipassed drums part, with the pads and some growls, like this bit. Only criticism, of the song, is maybe to have more melodic parts in it. Though, that's more personal taste than anything. Overall man, great work. Really great, you've come a long way.

People's tunes on this forum never cease to amaze me. DSF is a happening place. Well done guys keep it up.

Tune in my sig, minimal and pretty bad in comparison. But work away!

[jrisreal]

Thanks for the feedback everybody! Taking everything into consideration. Yeah, the track is already mastered, but I might be able to get it mastered again if I end up changing things.

@jrisreal - Too much high end of the percussion in the intro section, had to turn my volume down a bit as it's a bit piercing. Like the synth line and pads that lead up to the drop at 42s. Good tearout feel to things, got a future jungle/breaks feel to it which is nice. Busy drum programming, but again there is too much high end going on for my taste especially in the percussion hits. The neurofunk mids you've got going on are nice, but they're getting a bit repetitive around the 2m mark. Not saying take them out, but some call & response with another element might add a different feel to things/

Drum fills are a good touch, is this break chopping or hand programming? If the latter, then fair play mate. Liking how the tune slows down at the 3m30s mark and the pads/synth line gradually filters back in. However, having the percussion line filter out at the same time leaves your drums feeling very flat indeed. Good stuff but yeah, percussion is too high end heavy IMO.

Thanks for the feedback! I'll look into the high end on the percussion. I'm pretty sure the mastering engineer said he boosted the high end on my drums. Agreed with the neurofunk mids being repetitive. And the drums were hand-programmed

[Phizicist]

Hey gentlemen and some ladies.

Sorry for posting my tune up already without commenting, I just want to get it up here, hit the sack and I'll be back tomorrow to comment on tunes.
I don't mind if you guys don't comment on the tune, just please take a listen, keep your crit/opinions/advice/etc with you and once I've commented sufficiently, leave your comments.
Otherwise all comments, etc are fucking welcome. I might castrate you if I don't like what you say

night guys

fuck.
Soundcloud

[Sonika]

I'll start. My first finished song, not proper filthy dubstep, more love step inspired, also a flavour of hip hop.


Soundcloud

audioperversion - I definitely see the hip hop influence, and I'm feeling it, but hip hop needs vocals, right? I definitely think introducing some clipped vocal samples would so this track a lot of good. I lIke the breakdown, but I think adding some FX to that and other choice parts of the song would make it more interesting.


Good track

[Sonika]

Can't listen to anything now, but when I get home ill have a go. I love getting specific with feedback the tune I'm gonna submit is in my Sig.

Comfi - I like this! Dank!
I think you should take some evil or dark vocal sample of some evil scientist or something talking, and throw it in with some reverb in the beginning...that'd be awesome.

Otherwise, maybe a heavily reverbed synth lead? Could work out well. Like this track.