benanderson's audio Reviews on Newgrounds

[[remastered] Dare To Dream]

needs some work

Like TheBreeD said, it's very repetitive, it needs alot more variation. The genre is actually dance, not techno (Techno is a very evil machine-worshipping genre).

The biggest problem I have with this track is the mastering. I don't even have to see a db meter to know it's well into the red. Some synths over power others so it sounds a mess and certain frequencies are actually painful to listen too!

This thing screams sytrus pre-sets. Try making your own, it's a rather steep learning curve but it'll pay off. Pre-sets are always cheesy and basic.
I recommend you get the "Synth1" VSTi. It's a virtual analogue synthesizer that is rather easy to use as far as analogue synths go.

In short... Not bad, but needs serious work and more originality in the synthesizers

~BenA.

[_=Trippy Techno Shitz=_]

Get a 303 for some seriouse trip

If you want some trippy sounds then get a 303 some rather high punchy and snappy drums and a Psy-trance like bass line. Trippy is more on the sound FX Side more than bizarre synthesizer choice. Listen to some Psy-Trance (try Di.FM) and take a listen to some :]

It's a little dry and all the synths go with each other, start with some chords and build from there, there is also a high pitched whine on the arp synth that hurts my ears.

[Synthation Regeneration]

Not much is happening

Not much is there to keep you interested.
It's lacking a bass-line, the drums are bland and repetitive (seeing as they don't follow a 4/4 beat they should vary more) and that distorted synth (I'm guessing from sytrus) is VERY harsh on the ears.

Also, it seems like it's a form of down-tempo music, not Techno. Revise your genre's a bit more.

The idea you've portrayed in this song screams a form of chill-out music with soft strings and brushed drums.
It's an okay idea but... if anything... because you're trying to make a genre that you don't have alot of knowledge in it's ruined it.

Sorry for sounding harsh if I have... it's just the way I swing. :]

~BenA.

OneWhoListens responds:

Hm. I have little or no knowledge of music in general, so basically its my inner artist speaking. I appreciate all the technical knowledge you put in your review, but it helps me little, as all the music I make is just cuz it sounds right.
But the first paragraph I can understand, and therefore it is that which I will take into consideration, and alter the song accordingly.
Thanks for your input (and maybe I'll take a little time to learn more about music).

[-´Vexeta`-]

Good idea, let down by lack of mixing knowledge

It isn't actually Techno, it's dance, anyway... you have a good idea going, good bright melody. Makes a nice change from all the dark stuff I listen too. Those stytrus pre-sets are over used and having the same synth over and over gets a little boring. Vary it more...
The mixing leaves a lot to be desired... you REALLY need some effects there, but the drums are the biggest problem here... very dry and VERY harsh on the ears.
http://machines.hyperreal.org/manufac turers/Roland/
This page has Roland drum machine samples that you can use. I'd recommend the 707, 808 and 909.
4/10 - The mixing and the lack of variation lets a good idea down.

[{Lazy Summer Days}]

Probablies the only HHC song that is any good! =D

When I saw the words "happy hardcore" I was having second thoughts. But I'm surprised! Really! Unlike other HHC songs I've had the misfortune to listen too this one actually has production values that don't scream "hack job in Rave eJay".

7/10 - not a fan of the whole "candy-rave" thing, but I can't help but like this one.

Oh... and thank-you for leaving out the chipmunk singer X3
Nicely done ^^