sorohanro's audio Reviews on Newgrounds

[Remember the Killings Finished]

nice

All the good things are obvious.
The voice remind also to me of Metallica, the choice of effects is good too.
Composition is good, all the parts blend together very well.
As for mixing, voice should stand out a bit more, I would push it at least 3 db more.
As I see vocal music, voice is the most important element.

Also from guitars I would eq off some of the low frequencies so the bass line stand out more.

Bad-Man-Incorporated responds:

Thanks man. I agree with you on all points. However, I personally didn't like the vocals much louder. But the guitars, I have been hemming and hawing over...so this helps a great deal. :D Thanks my dude. (Plus my bass playing was a bit shitty, so I kinda buried it in the mix) :D

[Sorrow Knows Many Names]

pretty ok

Not a bad start for composing.
At 1:45 is totally "My Heart Will Go On" from Titanic :)), like for real, just listen.
Anyway, here are some tips:
1-Get a decent recording/ editing program. Audacity is free and good enough.
2-There is a tool in almost all editing programs named "noise reduction", learn to use it properly and you'll get rid of the white noise in no time ;)
3-There is an option in almost all programs to normalize the tracks, this way you'll get enough volume without distorting/ clipping.
4-If you still don't have enough volume, learn how to use compression (there is a thread in the Audio Forum).
5-For achieving a "larger" sound you can try to use some reverb (not too much). This way the sound will appear as from a concert hall, not a small room.

Hope this is helpfull.
For more tips you can always ask in the Audio Forum.

MusicMyOxygen responds:

Haha yea I'm noticing that now. Its slightly different though, but it being in the same key as that song makes it hard to differenciate haha.

Thanks for the advice! I've recently been messing with audacity, so hopefully ill get some better stuff recorded soon, and stuff thats at a higher caliber than this.

I really appreciate the review! thanks!

[Lamps?]

not bad

Some of the parts sounds quite nice, the delay is doing a good job there.
The thing to criticize about is that the parts don't have too much in common, seems to be "forced" somehow.
Anyway, sounds better that the score that got...

[Big Red - Just a Little Jazz]

Glad you found those useful

I'm glad that you found my sample/loop pack useful.
Soon I'll put those up as acidized files, will be easier to match tempo and put on the right beat (that's why I gave you only 8*, could be better with arranging the tracks on the beat).
But i vote 5 because it's Jazz and it's creative in the piano improvising.

BigRed responds:

Thanks for the feedback, and again for the samples!

[Blow Out (Quarl)]

Nice

Actually nicer than just nice.
Impressive effects, especially when comes in the piano.
Quite a dark feeling, very "Aphextwin-ish" in a way.

Also hanx for putting the samples up man.

Quarl responds:

no prob sir. hanx for the review good sir.

[The Liberators]

very Morricone

Orchestral music with slightly overdriven guitar reminds me of Ennio Morricone.
Quite a complex structure and orchestration.
What I dislike is:
- the unrealistic sound of the guitar. (if you want I can try to record a real one for you, just PM me).
- the electronix rhythm starting at 2:00, for me is ruining the overall feeling, I would go for a more lo-fi sound or just classical percussion.

The good things are quite obvious, complex structure & orchestration, dynamic changes, good mixing and realistic orchestral sound, tasteful mixing of electro with orchestral and "rock-ish" guitar.
What add a bit more color is using both tonal-functional and modal harmonies.
Cool track to listen, congratz !

[Minor Swing (Arranged.)]

Finally

Finally a tune that is actually jazz (manouche) on the jazz section and also recorded with real instruments.

There are only a few NG artists who do that... (all added to my fav's list)

Beside a good performance stand a good recording. Clear sound on guitars and very transparent drums. The most I like the snare, you can hear all the detail (played with brushes?).
Congratulations

joeymofo responds:

Thank you! Real instruments and real audio recording is what i do and love. (and playing guitar of course hah!)

The drums were played with brushes indeed. What does 'transparent' drums mean? good or bad thing? Thanks!

[Hip Hop mix ad]

bad

Beside the bad recording/editing and pitching the voice there are samples from Hip-Hop E-Jay which are under a different license than what we have here on Newgrounds.
Also, all the track is lacking a theme or a thematic melody that "glue" together the elements.

As an advice I can say, try to get a better microphone and pop-filter, this way the quality of the voice will get better.
When you make an advertisement, try to give to the listener something to remember about it, try to personalize your add.

Also, stay away from copyrighted loops and samples or you might get into legal troubles.

buynetstuff responds:

Then why does it say royalty free loops on the box?
I guess I dont know whay royalty free means.

[** \ 5 seconds con. - SoK]

now you give me ideas

Distorted trumpet... hmmm... I might try it live.
Should I pay you copyright for the idea ?
:)))

Sonofkirk responds:

Lol, the distortion was not intended. I put the sample on a guitar track originally reserved to a guitar melody with a light distortion ... I liked how it sounded so I kept it :). Thanks a lot for the review.