uint's audio Reviews on Newgrounds

[Antioxidant]

I am not going to repeat after the others, even though I share their view!

I'm not going to bore you with technical details. I suspect you got into the wrong mindset when mixing/mastering this song. You got into the mindset of making something fast, energetic, pumping. But this song is slower and moodier than that. It wants to breathe, it wants to sound natural, it wants to have the dynamics and timbre of the sounds intact. In fact, I think it wants those long, rich sounds to be the focus - loud, clear, but definitely not squished with compression. Chances are good that I'd use the drums more as color than as anything else, were I you.

happycrab responds:

thanks for the thoughtful review! Good observations that I'll use in the future!

[VicariousE Theme]

So, uhh. I'm a little curious about what made you label it as funk. I can't find anything very funky about it. Funk emphasizes complex rhythmic patterns. Here, the drums are a banal four on the floor and the guitars pretty much only hit the accents. No swing, no groove, no triplets, no subtle nuances. Nothing much in the way of unexpected, syncopated stabs.

The whole thing is very simple. The guitars are a little too in-the-face with that artificial sound of theirs.

I liked the use of that flanger sfx thing. Suits the style.

eatmeatleet responds:

no idea.

[LoveKavi Game Loop - LoveKavi]

wow

I'm not the type of person to give out 10s on a daily basis. But here, well... Give me a minute to calm down, I don't want to write a review using only superlatives and exclamation marks.

Aight, I think I'm ready.

The composition is lively, but relaxed. You're not trying too hard, you're just doing your thing - that's the impression I get. If you know what I mean.

I love the use of pizzicato and staccato strings along with the synths. They all sound surprisingly well together.

Great, catchy melodies.

The mix and master are fantastic. It feels very open, the song has a lot of space to breathe. The sounds are wonderfully crisp. You didn't do unnecessary things, just brought out the best of those sounds and made them flow together.

The only thing I don't like is that overwhelming bass. Well, it does sound overwhelming on my headphones at least. It's fine with 2.1 speakers. I'll forgive you that though, it's probably a matter of taste. Or me being overly picky.

Favorited!

LoveKavi responds:

Thanks so much for that in depth review!

and no the bass is way to strong! I didn't cut off the lowest frequencies when mastering which was a pain when the bass was truly overwhelming in the mix.

Thanks lot!

[[CG] - Schism]

Not bad at all

It's not bad. I honestly like it as a composition.

On the mixing and mastering part though, it sounds really squashed. I'd suggest going for a more open feel next time - by that I mean creating a wider "stereoscape" and making it more dynamic. Let it breathe. Be careful with compression - don't ever let it cripple the dynamics.

In my opinion you need your drums to be more aggresive and punchy in this sort of music. They feel kind of... unsatisfying. That's also a matter of taste though, if you strongly disagree with me, that's fine.

Also, I think there's too much low. It would be better with some more high, crispy frequencies to balance it out. I think your lower frequencies hit the limiter hard and, that way, cripple everything else.

This could be a really awesome piece with proper mixing. Sorry if my criticism is a bit too much, don't let it get you down. Keep up the good work!

KroweMusic responds:

Thanks for the constructive criticism. I don't get enough of that around here :P

Mixing and mastering was tough for this song. I attempted to make it better after reading your review. I increased the treble and high band waves slightly to give it more of a lighter feel and so that the bass doesn't drown the other sounds out.

Also, I'm satisfied with the way the drums sound :P

Again, thanks for the constructive criticism and I'm glad the enjoyed the song :)