Falsesouth's audio Reviews on Newgrounds

[Haunted]

Damn, the sub is quite strong in this one. The mixing is actually pretty solid; however, the drums could definitely benefit from some more compression since they seem to battle with the sub for prominence a little. The kicks have a lot of mid, which can be fine, but the most important parts are the transient (click) and the bass). The guitar is excellent though.

I know that deathstep is generally super repetitive, but given the high frequencies of the basses, I think the high screech patch could use some more automation or LFO manipulation of some kind to keep the patch interesting throughout the drop (it will reduce the 'atonal-ness' of it just enough to 'wow' the listener. The second drop is good though; that long bass works well.

Also an important note, since you implemented a 1/4 drum beat for the third drop, the death step drum may not be the best for that section since it has a really long reverb tail. That can quickly clutter the mix when kicks are coming in at such a fast pace. (I.E. use short tailed snare/clap samples, or just go with kicks and cymbals for that part).

Lastly, the ending could really use some form of an outro, at least more than just the beat suddenly ending. Honestly even a simple impact would do the trick, haha. The reverb on its own sounds too empty.

Overall, that's quite a heavy hitter!

Keep it up,

- False South

ChristianPlays responds:

Thanks for the review. This is really the first review I've gotten that I can actually really benefit from.

[AlieN - Blood (Deathstep)]

This is honestly not bad. Idk if it's reverb or some stereo enhancing effect on the basses, but something is hindering your overall mix quality when the drop hits. I know deathstep is typically a little repetitive in the drops, but I think this would benefit from more variation between drops (especially since there's 3 of them). Evilwave is a decent artist to refer to for that sort of variation.

I like the intro/breaks a lot; The one thing I noticed is what sounds like a higher pitched sine wave (it sounds kind of intrusive for the overall mix and vibe of the intro). I would change that for a more subtle sound for the upper mid end.

Keep it up!

AlienNinjaGD responds:

Thank you!

[AlieN - 3xDubsteplator (Dubstep)]

There's too much mid bass and not enough (if any) sub. There's also what feels like reverb (overall wetness in the low end).
You definitely need to work on your mix-downs (track idea itself has potential with more mixing, composition and sound design experience. In addition, the 'melodic' drop at the end is a little to random. Either go melodic, or atonal for drop styles. Also consider getting some new dubstep drum samples, since these ones are a little weak as is.

The plugin 3xOsc itself has a lot of potential. The problem is that the interface on its own is not very versatile, which is why you need to apply more effects and automation to make the most out of it. Personally, I would only use 3xosc for a sub bass (since a sine wave or two with some distortion and EQ is all you need) and for any VGM-esque sounds I'm trying to emulate.

As a sidenote, I think it's great to challenge yourself with only using one VST. Try it again some day when you have more experience :)

AlienNinjaGD responds:

Okay. So, actually there is sub, and it sucks so much because I tried to use only 3xOsc and less than 5 FX plugins.
The drums aren't samples, they were all made with the 3xOsc too.
Still thx! :)

[Geoplex - Subvert]

Lovely electro-house. All the sound design is great too, especially the phaser chords. The mixdown is nice and 'warm', too.

Keep it up!

[Detious - Ataraxia]

Wow, this one's awesome.

[Sub Esper]

Interesting vibes. Nice to hear from you again!

[F-777 - T-Rex]

Drops like a T-Rex for sure, haha. Nice to hear from you again. The mix-down is really good too.

Keep it up!

F-777 responds:

Thanks so much! Well it was easier to mix tbh like most of my songs fast BPM and layers its a lot harder.

This one was simplified but each part kinda "maxed?".
...if that makes sense.

Thanks for the awesome comment!!!!

[Ravitex & Talurre - Tortured Heart]

Wow, spot on.

[T.E.O.M. - Newgrounds Anthem (Produced By TheEyeOFMusiK)]

There is a lot to recognize about this track. It's got a uniform style, with a pretty catchy chorus. While, it's a little repetitive, at least the composition is good enough for the repetition to be justified. The vibes are great too. I don't know if this is just me, but there may be a little too much reverb in the mix, but that doesn't stop me from enjoying the piece.

Keep it up!

[Geoplex - Florescentia]

Definitely a five. I would call this drum & breaks, but it really doesn't matter. It's unique and really well thought out. It isn't a surprise that you would have an upcoming release on The Arcadium, as your recent style seems to suit it.

Great work.

Geoplex responds:

Thank you! Actually drum & breaks is a pretty good description