Quarl's audio Reviews on Newgrounds

[[ echoes ]]

meow

Rawr. sassy dnbz you've got going on here. I'm not sure where your at in your production habits because I've never actually ran into any of your tracks before, but I can tell you've been at it for a while. I might recommend turning the reverb down on the vox sample. Perhaps try some different effects on it. Cut it up and make some rhythms out of it. Pan it like crazy. Dunno, play some moar plox.

I think the reese could stand to be a little sharper. Try upping the treble on it/ experiment with some distortion. I know this track has a much more laid back feel to it, but that didn't stop mistabishi on his track no matter what. If you're familiar with that song, I had a feeling this was heading in that kind of direction.

I noticed the dynamics of the hats/shakers stayed about the same the entire track. You can get some really nice dynamics just from throwing some delay on those hats and accenting every other note. I do it in all my tracks and it saves me a hell of a lot of time when writing beats.

I'm not sure how much automation you used if any, but you really need to take advantage of that feature when working with DAWs. I find that some of the best effects come from using automation to morph the characteristics of your synths over time. This is especially true in dnb. Meow.

Overall great track and keep experimenting. ^_^

boney-man responds:

Thanks man. I'll keep this in mind. I recently learned how to properly modulate a friggin reese, after like 3 years lol. I'll keep at it.

[Hungry (NG Cut)]

Newgrounds house listeners community?

Ohhhhhh, you mean the forum regs. Right. Welp, I'm not much of a four to the floor guy, but I can appreciate the love other people put into it and whose to say I don't enjoy it? I just prefer dnb.

Of course, not being an avid listener of house, I can't say what aesthetics make up an electro house track, but if it doesn't go against the rules I'd say throw in a few pads to give the track a little more atmosphere. I might also recommend layering on an additional kick to give it a larger punch. If you're using reason, maybe try layering with the bd_basics kick. It's my personal favorite kick to layer with because it can really pack a punch if you know how to work it.

So that's your own shaker loop eh? Next time try putting a little delay on the shaker/ hi hat rhythm. You'll notice it's a lot easier to get realistic dynamics if you do that. Just vary the distances between the hits and you'll see what I mean.

All together, good work and keep playing with reason sir! If you have any questions about what I've said here, don't be afraid to send a pm. I'm a reason user too :D

BrokenCrossfader responds:

Heh, I haven't had a lengthy and such a helpful review in such a long time :). Good point on the shakers, I haven't tried adding delay to them yet (I'm still new to making shaker grooves). It's always good to hear from another reason user with some tips. Thanks a lot!

P.S. Id try DnB if I was creative enough. I like a simple drum pattern going 1-2-3-4.

-BC

[[a.] Soundless Fields]

meow

I never really check out your ambient stuff, but I figured I might as well since it was hosted on the front page. Go look good sir.

I'm a little sad the song cuts off at the end. I'd like to hear a full on pretentious 10 second ambient ending that I'm so accustomed to hearing in all music. It's a little disappointing :(

Other than that, gratz on front page sir.

Rawrthaas responds:

Oh damn. Second time I had a song up there.

Didn't expect this one to make it
yey :D

[Empathy]

rabble rabble rabble

Meow. Not a bad mix going on here. Not my genre but I'll try to leave a helpful review...

You've definitely improved a lot since the last time I gave you a listen. One thing I would have tried doing was push the general characteristics of the synths a bit more. Some of those square sounding waves could have done with a slight boost to the treble and the bassier instruments could have used a tad more bass.

I'm not sure how much automation you do if any but using it to modulate the synths in the sequencer is a pretty good tactic for getting sexy sounds and morphing pads/leads.

I might turn that cow bell down a tad and up whatever is giving the snare it's mids. Rhythm isn't something I get too picky about when it comes to a four to the floor genre, but perhaps a little bit more variation in the hats would be splendid.

The structure is pretty interesting. The track unrelents. Most pros will put in an ambient break down specifically for DJs to use to switch in and out of tracks. If you really want to know more about standardized structures, talk to Nav... granted, it's not like it really matters that much. Ya know, it's not like you plan on getting into DJing, or plan on having someone mix your work, so meh. Kittens.

You're absolutely right about this song. It's not professional but it's still pretty good. You're almost at that level sir. You just need to learn a few more little tricks and I'm sure you'll be cranking out the jams like a pro right soon. Hopefully someone who works with this genre will come around and leave a better review for you, but in the mean time keep producing the tunes!

:D

WritersBlock responds:

Thanks a while lot, Quarl!
Your tips and suggestions are very helpful. I'm so glad to hear that you've noticed an improvement, makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside. As far as what professionals do, well I've never really been able to hone in on how they do it.
As for automation, there was some in my chord progression and lead instrument, but it was all kinda subtle. ;D Mostly to give a slightly different sound, but to also pull the instrument down a little more and highlight other aspects of the mix.
Thanks again, quarl. :D

[MR JINGLES!]

Yep.

I'd play this for my children. I'd also attach them to wires and make them dance to this song like marionettes while the wife performs a full on light show. We'd do it in front of an audience of ten million people, and we would be famous. Just saying.

Stalagmite responds:

LOL. just like the tellytubbies, this music is designed to brainwash you and completely anhialate your mind. :D:D:D
its working! YAYNESS!

thanks for the hilarious review dude! :D:D:D

[[a.] Endless Sky]

Great!

Like always, your melodic style of dnb is top notch. Full drum kit, accompanied by beautiful synth leads and pads. Absolutely stunning sir. Melodies are great, and the drum break towards the end is exactly what I'd expect to hear from you. Bitchin work sir, absolutely bitchin. I just wish you'd learn how to make tracks longer. That's really my only complaint :P

Rawrthaas responds:

Thank ya kwarl ;D

[Accounting for the Indifferent]

meow

My only complaint is relative to the post below me. It's all in the left ear... or right ear if your stereo is backwards :P

Panning helps make a mix more dynamic and reflects live acoustics. It also gives the illusion that things are louder than they really are... however, when you only have one instrument, it would probably help to keep the mix mono. Or, if you ever plan on adding a bass to your mix, keep in mind that most producers keep the bass towards the middle, and everything else to the sides. Keeping everything equal should be a constant battle.

Unless like the guy below me said, it was intentional in order to evoke some sort of idea or aesthetic. Everything else sounds fine and grand. SO yeah, good work there :)

LuciousClump responds:

well yes and no it was intended to do something , but i went to my friends house and listened to it and it just doesn't sound the same as it does on my computer.
And thx for leaving a review

[Until We Meet Again]

woo! This track is bitchin!

Very nice piece here. I can't say there's anything wrong with it, so dropping a review for something like this can be pretty difficult. As a drummer, I guess I could bitch and moan about there being no percussion, but in all honesty, I think percussion would ruin the light vibes this track has going. Great job xeno!

Xenoscape responds:

thanks! yeah, i decided to leave the hard-hitting percussion out on this one in favor of pleasant strings and melodies.

[. Underworld .]

meowza

Really experimental structure you have here. It's interesting how it climaxes relatively early then kind of burns out. Great melodies, and the pads create great atmosphere. The only I'd do differently is have a longer intro, a longer chorus, and then I'd bring it all back around for another go. Other than that it's perfect. Really great track sir!

Xenoscape responds:

I know that you've got quite a few fans around here so it's very nice to have comments from you! it's definitely on the experimental side, I kinda like that though...

[[KgZ] Jazzman (KgZ Vamp) ~SMB~]

rawr

oh yeah, rockin man. Really sexy loop you got here. The only thing I'd say is that you might want to go for some more bass in there... it's opinion though.

KgZ responds:

Good call, will do good sir- thanks for listening.