457 Forum Posts by "tedJohnston"
What's your opinion of this?
So I'm not sure why a thread like this hasn't been made before (or perhaps it has and I'm just amazingly ignorant =P), but here it is. This place is for artists to share the project files to their work. The intent of this thread is so that we can share our techniques and learn from one another.
I know Propellerhead Reason has a "publish" function which creates a protected file for sharing/viewing purposes. I would guess that other programs would have a similar feature, but I cannot be sure. Please go into this knowing that unscrupulous individuals stealing your work can be a legitimate concern, so take the appropriate steps before you post your files.
Also, you probably want to check to make sure that others will have access to outside samples you may have used, or those samples will be missing when the song is viewed by someone else.
Simply post up a link to your project file, and write a small description about the song, any special techniques you used that we should look for, what you were trying to go for when you were making the song, etc. i.e. Any details about the song we (the viewers/listeners) should know. ^^
I'll start us off:
Song Info:
A racetrack VG song. And here is the song entry on the AP, for reference.
Project Info:
I began this song when I was feeling nostalgia for the musical styles of old SEGA games like Sonic the Hedgehog. I found myself randomly humming a little melody inside my head, and then quickly ran to the computer to put down a burst of ideas. Presto, a few hours later, the "chorus" of Sega Raceway was born. The other pieces of the song fell in place rather naturally after that.
This song was a dramatic departure from my normal song-construction method. It was more of a little side-project, so I really decided to do something different. Everything was done entirely in Reason, and even all the "mastering" was done simply through Reason's little tape compressor (to make it sound like something from yesterday. ^^) Everything about the song is painstakingly simple, and this was done intentionally to mimic the composition style of older games where only a limited number of instruments were available on older hardware. Of course, I didn't really use 16-bit sounds or samples, but I tried to capture the style of that era (actually, I believe the drum sounds are actual SNES samples ... but I can't be sure. =P) In that same vein, panning was done either hard left, hard right, or direct center. All of this is in stark contrast to my usual gazillion+ Reason devices and channels all ReWired to a DAW where even more madness takes place. :D
As for technical specifics, there aren't too many. All the sounds and device patches used were from the Factory Soundbank, with the exception of the drum sounds, which were from Setzer's SPC Soundfont which is supposedly real SNES samples, but again, I don't know that with any certainty. =P Those sounds are self-contained within the RPS file, so there's no need to download the soundfont yourself. Quite a few of the sounds were constructed from scratch, mainly all the lead and auxiliary synths, and the sweeping space sound.
Overall, I'm surprised as to how full everything came out to be, and I couldn't be more satisfied with how the song turned out. I really need to use this method of composition more often. =P So that's Sega Raceway. Enjoy picking it apart (there's not much there anyway. XP)
March of Testament under my profile is an original composition chiptune. Of course, it's sampled because I'm not rich/dedicated like you pros to own 1337 hardware.
You just had to add that to your siggy ... T_T
This is really not embarrassing at all ...
Ooo, a self-whoring thread. *Jumps on the train*
http://www.newgrounds.com/audio/view.php?id=1 181118&sub=32280
I'm sure you remember this one, Chron.
At 10/26/05 04:55 PM, ShinDenjin wrote: the deal fell through...
eBay, I presume? Or Craig's List? ... We are talking about gear here, right!? Or anything remotely related to audio!?
I have this uneasy feeling that I'm totally off and sound like an ignorant douchebag, LOL.
ShinDenjin: I was talking about my engagement, you ass!
tedJohnston: Oh ... shit.
...
tedJohnston: Well, I'm really sorr-
ShinDenjin: Don't touch me, you cock! Get away from me!
:P
No way dude ... Logic is where it's at.
It is Mac only, which means it'll be a little more expensive for the hardware, but it is well worth it. They optimized the HELL out of this thing. I have NEVER had any CPU or latency issues with it. You can run plug-ins up the ass and it won't flinch at all. I've had CPU dropouts in every other DAW I've ever used except Logic. I fell in love with it instantly.
Also, the plug-ins it comes with rock. I normally use Waves plug-ins for most everything, but with Logic, I use mostly the plug-ins it comes with.
As for Windows, it's either Cakewalk SONAR or Digidesign ProTools for me ... but I literally haven't touched ProTools in a year.
To be honest, I don't see the reason for the whole hype with ProTools. To be really honest, the program is a piece of shat. The only reason professionals use it is because of the excellent hardware integration (which is all proprietary, by the way) - they even have external DSP processors where you can use
HARDWARE PLUG-INS. They are literally DSP cards that you stick into the hardware and they do all the individual processing inside the card, taking the load off the computer CPU. But for amateurs like us who aren't looking for a ProTools HD system, I can't understand why ProTools has such a large following in the amateur community. I think it's just another sad case of, "Well, if all the pros are using it, I should use it too!"
The thing with Logic is that pros do use it, but it is also geared towards anyone else in that it's affordable, easy to use, and doesn't force you to use proprietary external hardware. Oh, did I mention it kicks ass? :P
But I think we're getting ahead of ourselves - probably very few people here use DAWs.
At 12/26/06 08:34 PM, Hovergroovie wrote: Is there any way to record the keyboard tracks themselves, rather than just using it as a midi keyboard in fruity loops or some dumb junk...This piano sounds WAY better than some crappy synthesizing program.
That's quite humorous. You do realize that a software synthesizer does the exact same thing as your keyboard? There's a reason why they're both called "synthesizers" - they both do the exact same thing: synthesize waveforms. (Of course I oversimplified it. There is actually much sampling involved as well, but the bottom line is that they both use the exact same process to make sounds.)
In fact, a software synthesizer would sound BETTER because the waveforms are being produced directly within your computer instead of having to go through other pieces of hardware before being recorded. Here's a fitting analogy: A picture taken from a digital camera will have much better quality than a picture taken from a film camera which is then scanned into your computer.
Granted, if your keyboard was a super high-end piece of hardware like a KORG Triton or a Yamaha Motif, then it would sound better than the default patches that come with a software synthesizer. However, this is easily surmounted by buying better plug-ins, patches, sound banks, and/or refills which will come with sounds that equal the quality of any high-end piece of hardware, and usually, cost much less.
Please ... enough with the superiority complex. Almost all professionals use software synthesizers these days. Hardware is mostly only used on-stage now. In fact, less and less people are using hardware on the stage as well, with more people taking their laptops on-stage with them (myself included).
Now, to actually answer your question: You will need something called an "external audio interface." It is basically an external sound card geared specifically for recording. You will then output from the quarter-inch jacks from your keyboard and input directly into the interface. From there, you can record with any program you wish. Like I said, this is much like scanning a film picture into your computer because you are going through a "middle man" in order to record the sound, whereas with a soft synth, the sound is produced directly.
To be honest, unless you intend to play on-stage a lot, I would ditch the keyboard. Either return it or sell it and use the money to get a good software synthesizer with some good plug-ins/refills. It will be able to do much more (SEQUENCING, to say the least), have the same quality or better, and it will cost the same or less.
Of course, if you can afford it, you can also choose to have the best of both worlds: keep your keyboard, AND buy a soft synth. You can double your keyboard as a MIDI controller, and use it for live shows as well.
Please everyone, stop trying to debate over what's "better." In most cases, it only comes down to what better suits your situation (i.e. live or studio), and personal preference.
At 12/25/06 09:32 PM, WinTang wrote: We don't have it.
LOL, classic dude, classic. Ditto his recommendation.
At 12/25/06 07:27 PM, Khuskan wrote: After all, PC's are technically hardware.
And hardware synthesisers run their own propietry software
Wow. I just made the entire argument redundent! GO ME!
I hate you. And you spelled "redundant" wrong you fool. Happy Holidays, bitch!
Muhahaha, just sharing some Audio Portal love. :P
At 12/25/06 07:26 PM, Carbo wrote: oh yeah and these are what acid pro have ...
Now wouldn't this just be considered blatant advertising? *Raises eyebrow* Haha, jkjk ...
But in all seriousness, did you read a word I wrote? This is debate is quite counterproductive you know ... :(
I know this sounds elementary, but make sure that the red recording dot is highlighted next to the track you want to record to in the sequencer. There will be a little piano icon, meaning that your keyboard is controlling that device, but directly to the left of that, there should be a little red recording dot icon. For any MIDI to record, you need to highlight that button.
Hope that helps! Happy Holidays!
Did I just hear "free hosting?" *Eyes XBrav suspiciously*
Haha, I'll give you a holler if a need arises. Happy Holidays all!
At 12/25/06 07:15 PM, Khuskan wrote: Actually, I have to just say I know a few synth players who actually plug midi controllers with extra knobs and faders into hardware synths so they have more expandability...
Yes, yes. All the more for why I use both hardware and software.
Recently, I've been unbelievably fortunate enough to obtain a Yamaha Motif for use from a friend (sort of an extended-borrowing, haha). Integrating it into my software setup has expanded the capabilities of my rig beyond my wildest imagination.
In my opinion, a hardware vs. software debate is pretty futile, much like the PC vs. Mac debate. Why argue over which is better when you can just use them together?
To follow on DavidOrr's track of thought, "best" is a very subjective term as well. People can have a lot of opinions about what's the "best," and a lot of it will be based on personal preference and stylistic biases.
To steal DavidOrr's analogy, you're basically asking the equivalent of, "What's the best tasting food?" Many people will have their opinions, but none of them will necessarily be right or wrong.
My school of thought is, "Why argue over which is better, when you can just use them together?" And this is a big reason why I use BOTH PCs and Macs in my work. They each have their unique strengths and weaknesses. I've given up trying to decide the PC vs. Mac debate a long time ago.
With that said, I currently use Reason as my main software synthesizer, but that will eventually change. Eventually, all my synthesizers will be plug-in based and I will use Reason mostly for sampling. Regardless, any single piece of software is simply a piece of your setup. Asking the question, "Which is the best?" and then only using that ONE is only limiting yourself.
So, it seems like you're looking for one particular program to start off on, yes? Spend some good time researching it. Surf some Pro Audio forums, see what kind of work people are doing there, and what kinds of programs their using to do it. Browse through the Audio Portal, and make a list of some songs you really like. Contact the artists and ask them what they're using. Download some demos, and try them out.
It's less a question of, "Which is the best?" than it is, "Which fits me the best?" Once you find one that really tickles your fancy, buy it, and stick with it for a while. Experiment, learn the basics, see what others are doing with it, and keep expanding your skills. Remember, it's more about you as the artist, than it is about the capabilities of the program you're using. I guarantee you that you'll make more great-sounding music with a less-capable program that is comfortable for you than you will with the latest-and-greatest program that doesn't fit your individual composition style.
It's a lot like instruments. I can buy myself the hottest high-end Taylor acoustic guitar for like $5000, but that doesn't mean it'll suit me, and in fact, I'd probably get sick of it after a while. Think of software as instrument. You need to do some serious browsing around, and try out the different kinds. Ultimately, it's about what you like.
Okay ... I hope no one fell asleep through all that. Good luck all, and Happy Holidays!
At 12/25/06 06:57 AM, dj-padman1 wrote: By my reference of 'not having to pay a cent' I'm referring to freely downloadable VST's.
Well, hahaha ... I was just joking about all the "pirate" references. As I said before, free VSTs can be great ... but they'll only carry you so far. There's a reason that the great stuff out there is ridiculously expensive, and that is because some of it is ridiculously awesome. :P
My apologies for being so stupid ...
You were just a little vague, not really "stupid," haha. ;)
... but I thought I did say that the chief advantage of hardware is its 'hands on' capability. you can actually manually tweak knobs etc...and yes, you can assign your midi controller to control the soft synths parameters, but its not really the same.
How so? In fact, most high-end MIDI controllers come with more knobs and sliders than you will ever find on a high-end keyboard. And as long as you have a good setup, there is little to no latency ... how is it not the same? I'd argue that you have more hands-on control with a software synthesizer.
Another example is one that you pointed out earlier about the mouse, although, in a much different context. To change parameters on a hardware keyboard, you have to navigate some pretty long chains of menus using just a four-way keypad and a wheel. With a laptop, if you need to change something on-the-fly in the middle of a show, you can simply edit stuff right in your program using a mouse and keyboard.
As well as that, I don't know many hardware synths that chew up as much CPU as Z3ta+ or other wonderful soft synth available today.
Well see, now you're finally inching towards one of the real advantages of hardware: reliability. But still, so long as you have a good computer and a good interface, you should NEVER run into CPU problems. I have never had CPU problems playing live ... in the studio maybe, but never live.
Forgive me for my lack of brain power in the previous post, I have to remind you again, I have the IQ of a 7 year old at best. Let me know if my message is shrouded in mystery again.
Now I don't know whether you're being serious or if you're being sarcastic with me. :P Haha, mocking me now, eh!? Jkjk. Don't beat yourself up over it ... it's no big deal. :)
You see, I think we really only disagree over one or two points ... the rest was just a big misunderstanding, LOL. XD
At 12/25/06 02:51 AM, dj-padman1 wrote: What exactly is wrong with VST? I suppose Cubase and Ableton Live are for amateurs?
No, of course not, but those aren't DAWs. You'll never hear any professional say, "Oh, I use Cubase, and that's it." A DAW is the central hub of any audio setup, meaning that it makes the most sense to use plug-ins there.
There's a lot to be said for hands on control. If you are on stage, isn't it kind of awkward to be playing a riff on your keyboard and changing things like cutoff and resonance with the mouse!?! With a synth you can play your riff and maybe change both at the same time. I'm not saying its not more expensive than a laptop alone, but it would have to depend on each persons requirements I would think. A lot of people make a living by putting a track on play, grooving along to it, and then fading in another track afterwards!
Who said anything about a mouse? So are you saying that I'm using the typing keyboard to play riffs!? Nonsense! What the hell else did I spend money on an expensive MIDI controller for? I think you misunderstood me ... I'm not talking about loop tracks, I'm talking about using soft synths as live synths on-stage.
And I would disagree that using software would cost less than using hardware. A laptop + all the software you need + a good interface + a good controller will usually equal out to the same cost of a good hardware solution. The advantage with software that I was trying to point out was that it is much more manageable to go on-stage with a laptop, an interface, and a controller than it is to lug around keyboards and racks of gear. Unless you mean that you can always pirate software whereas it's pretty difficult to pirate a KORG. :P
I will say that there definitely are advantages to using hardware, which is why I use both hardware and software on-stage and in the studio, but you haven't really mentioned any of them.
Well, I dont know about that. There's about a million VST's out there that are great! You mention authentic synth sounds...I have Minimogue VST that emulates the Minimoog. It sounds really realistic and I dont have to pay a cent for it.
Well, any good plug-in will come with every format in the box - RTAS, VST, DX, etc. But free VST plug-ins will only take you so far ... unless by saying "I don't have to pay a cent," you meant pirating. :P Anything that's good requires some sort of investment (and usually, that means money) ... unless, of course, we're talking about pirating again. :P
Muhahaha ... I can't get enough of these pirate references ...
In short, I kinda understand what you're getting at, but to be frank ... I have no clue what you're trying to say, hahaha, especially in that middle paragraph. Sorry ... no offense intended.
At 12/23/06 03:56 PM, GoreBastard wrote: Yeah, get a Xbm21 cable and make sure that you've got 2 direct internal-codex routers. Most PC's only have one though, so you'll have to set the Xbm21 cable to run compatable with the MS drivers on your digital MD Board, which all computers should have. Once you've plugged this in, make sure you've got a triple line out jack lead with an MD Board port on the external end of the lead. Plug this into your keyboard. Once the Xbm and MD Board are running on a paralel level, you'll need a ULP Compressor to plug into your PC. This will sort out any feedback created from the CPP14.2 sound optimizer card, which I'm sure you should have already gotten...
Dude, you forgot about the XTL 915 ADAT Inverter card. How do you expect to get any sound from the internal codex routers to the optimizer card without an inverter card?
This forum is full of n00bs. : P
Ditto what everyone else has said. Check the usual suspects: batteries, cables, power supply. If no avail, then take it back and have it checked.
At 12/22/06 03:02 PM, ListenToMyMusic wrote: I'd recommend VSTs, much better sounding, with a good CPU.
First off, no DAW worth its salt uses VST. Whether it's SONAR, ProTools, or Logic, they will almost always use a proprietary native plug-in format such as RTAS. That being said, I do second this guy's recommendation for plug-in synthesizers. There are some REALLY good ones out there, though I don't know too many off the top of my head. Just research around a bit on some pro audio forums and you'll find them.
At 12/23/06 12:46 AM, Wavedude wrote: I dont want Computer based stuff, Im In need of a real synthesizer.
A "real" synthesizer? You mean "hardware?" Just because it's software, doesn't mean it's "fake." They both do the same thing, which is producing waveforms. Many people (myself included) use a laptop on stage as a synthesizer/sampler/drum-machine/etc and it works just great. It's much better in my opinion because in the end, it adds up to not having to purchase more gear.
And now that you've decided not to get a hardware unit, keep in mind that Reason has its limitations. If you're serious about authentic synth sounds, you'll want to look into some expensive plug-ins. Everything good requires an investment of some sort.
Hello Audio Portal, it's been a while. Been busy with work, college, etc ... all the usual shat. Here's something for all y'alls' ears (that's right, I just said "y'all"):
It's sort of a hybrid-style mix of Genesis-era Sega music and some of my modern VG styles. It is an original composition and not a remix or cover of any kind. I couldn't really figure out any way to mix it to make it loop nicely because of the intro and all, so it just repeats back to "verse" stab and fades out. As with all my songs, if anyone needs a looped version of it for a Flash or whatnot, just contact me directly and I'd be glad to make any custom adjustments. Enjoy!
At 12/24/06 02:16 PM, RageVI wrote: I'm sorry, but the biggest difference between FL and Reason is the interface, and I find it hard to imagine that you've been on the music scene long enough to call something advanced #;-)>
Haha, I was about to say that as well.
I use Reason and FL together. With my setup, Reason is FL's bitch.
That's strange because my setup was the same way for a while and it was quite the other way around.
FL is a much, much more capable sequencer than Reason is, and better for controlling the external hardware I have. The mixer is better as well. Not to mention that FL hosts the VST software for some of my hardware synthesizers (and hosts VSTs to begin with).
I don't understand why you think FL's sequencer is "more capable" than Reason's. As for external hardware, I really can't say anything because I've never used my software that way.
As for the mixer being better ... like I said before, Reason was meant for routing flexibility and easy integration with the rest of your software tools via ReWire - in other words, I rarely ever use the mixer. I always output to the ReWire channels into my DAW so that I can use plug-ins and easily use Reason with whatever else I'm doing.
Which brings me to the one point where I believe Reason beats all other soft synths: routing capabilities. No other program offers Reason's crazy routing features. Reason is insanely flexible in this regard. If some of you have dinked around with the preset patches for a while and thought, "This is nothing," then you're missing out on the real meat of the program. Look at any of the decent Combinator patches. They wire CV signals up the ass.
And again, I have no clue why you would ever want to use plug-ins inside a program like Reason or FL when you will eventually have to use a DAW at one point or another for something else. Why not use the DAW for everything? It makes the most sense, and that's why Propellerhead designed Reason to not take plug-ins. I kinda like it actually, because it forces you to manage your projects better.
I guess my biggest beef with people is about the "plug-in argument." First off, I already mentioned DAW, and second, the VST format isn't even that great. Almost every DAW uses some other (usually proprietary) native plug-in format. As you climb higher and higher up the ladder, you're going to be forced to use a DAW for something at one point or another, meaning that you will eventually be forced to use something different than VST anyway ... so why bother with them now?
With all that my setup can do, I use Reason primarily as a sampler. After all, FL can't read Reason ReFills.
I don't disagree with you there. Most professionals use Reason as primarily a sampler as well ... but then again, they aren't using FL for sequencing either ; ) .
I believe we just mainly disagree on stylistic views (prefered sequencer). Also, I think the applications are very different (your use of hardware) - we both do things very differently.
Check out some of my stuff here to see what I mean about integration with a DAW, particularly the "Here is Our King" and "Neighborhood Idiots" songs: http://myspace.com/tedjohnston
Sorry for the shameless plugging, haha ... but maybe it'll help illustrate what I mean.
At 12/24/06 03:45 AM, cornandbeans wrote: I know though that reason doesn't support VSTs ;)
Reason was always meant to be a soft synth, not a DAW. Just ReWire Reason into any DAW (like it was meant to be used) and that solves your plug-in problem instantly.
The modern virtual studio is comprised of multiple tools in the form of plug-ins and software, all integrated together with a DAW as the core. With so much software out there, that's the only way it can be done nowadays.
Besides, I would NEVER master within a program like Reason or FL. You should always use a DAW with some mastering plug-ins or export the raw audio for finalizing in an editing program.
Basically, my point is that Reason doesn't offer VST support because it was never meant to be used that way. Reason is simply another instrument in your arsenal, not the center of your studio.
At 8/14/06 03:22 AM, SuperFlonic wrote: but... Gmail reads your email, like when you send someone an email about cancer, the ads advertise about drugs against it.
try sending yourself an email, with a specific word in it, watch adwords do the work
Well, yes and no. It functions like Adwords would on any other site, and Adwords is on HUNDREDS of sites. No one actually 'reads' your email, it's automated by computer, and no records or anything are kept. It's what keeps GMail and Google free services without annoying banner ads like Yahoo! and others.
Seriously ... have you ever been checking your email on Yahoo! or some other service, and one of those Flash banner ads comes up? It's like you're reading something from your professor and suddenly your computer shouts, "SAY SOMETHING!!! ... WAHH!?" and you literally jump off your seat. -_-
Adwords > Banner ads.
Why not use Gmail?Well because I need an invite and I also think thats also web based.
It is web-based, but they also provide POP3 access so you can use it with programs like Outlook and Thunderbird. It's quite easy to set up too. Though, I don't know why you would want to use a program over the GMail web interface; it's very simple and straighforward, not cluttered looking like most other services, and still has all the features of any other service.
If you need an invite, just PM me ... Actually, if anyone wants a GMail invite, just PM me, hahaha ... I seriously have like 100 left. Cheers.
Yes, what is this doing in the Audio Forum?
At 4/15/05 03:39 PM, MoralLibertarian wrote: 2) When Israel was first created, were there already a lot of people inhabiting the land? Did you just kick them out?
OMG, Cahenn's answer to this question is total bullshit. The Zionist Israel movement literally went into (what was once) Palestine with tanks and blasted people out of their homes in order to create Israel. Read the book Blood Brothers by Elias Chacour. It explains the entire history in detail.
Don't believe the common misconceptions about Israel!
At 8/12/06 12:14 PM, Reginis wrote: So I lost mine at 12 don't go posting your sexual enconters on newgrounds
Lol, NOT contradictory at all.
At 8/12/06 10:23 AM, Lost_Chances wrote: A new objection guy?!
Not new ...
At 8/12/06 06:28 AM, Soragu wrote: SNES > NES > Genesis > Dreamcast > Gamecube > PS2 > N64 > PS1 > Xbox >>>>>>> CD-i
I didn't put in the next gen, because it's lame.
Are you kidding me? I agree with everything except the choice of your first three.
Famicom (NES) > Mega Drive (Genesis) > Super Famicom (SNES)
That's the REAL heirarchy.
