A few more Acoustic Tracks (1 Minute each)

[wta]

mazz, you are so right, so much music is suffering from hammered files. I do try and use as little as possible and still stay modern sounding but its a fine line. This is the big reason for me posting this, to get quality feedback and you guys have never let me down! Thanks mazz... '-) wta

[wta]

OK! Here we got with the second cut on this track. Me thinks that this is less contempative (as Vikki pointed out) and more... mmm, suspenceful? A bit like a chase is on, maybe a Elmer Fudd after Bugs or something? www.williamthomasanderson.com/w2/WA_1_2.mp3 The RMS on this is -18.3 mazz or anyone do you know what they like for RMS levels? '-) wta

[mazz]

Sounds pretty good wta. I still hear that slide and it sounds like a percussion instrument the first time I hear it. But I don't think you can get around it unless you try some different mic'ing strategies.As far as RMS levels: In my experience, broadcast folks are more concerned about peaks. For my main TV gig, the instructions are pretty much "don't go above -2 below FS zero" (digital levels), with FS zero being right before clipping. The RMS levels are more important for the apparent loudness of a mix. A highly dynamic mix (classical or film orchestra music, for example) might have areas of low RMS levels but with occasional high peaks to an area of high RMS levels. A compressed mix will have a much higher RMS level all the way through with very few peaks. The broadcast engineers will probably adjust the levels of the music to suit their needs anyway. I say don't slam levels like a record on stuff that's intended to be broadcast. This would allow them some headroom in case they wanted to do an EQ boost or something. If they have to do an extra step like bringing the overall level of the file down before Eq'ing, it might make them choose another piece that's easier to work with. Just my 2CMazz

[wta]

Ahhhh, cool mazz. Your 2 cents are worth megabucks to me mate. I'd be your humble servant to learn any tidbit from crumbs that may fall from the masters table!

[matthoggard]

You can have some of my sandwich bro!!! I like the feel. I also hear some extra noise but cant pinpoint it. Might just need a mandolin track by (ahem) yours truly Its dark but not scary. More brooding i would say. Cool sound,M~

[wta]

Matt that is an offer I can not refuse!

[heinsite]

hey willy--you have my mediocre comments already, but i hear much more in this, as i've told you,later gator,wh

[wta]

I've got 2 more short 1 minute acoustic pieces I'd love some feedback on as well...www.williamthomasanderson.com/w2/WA_2.mp3 and...www.williamthomasanderson.com/w2/WA_3.mp3 Thanks y'all... '-) wta

[mazz]

Hey William,Good playing on these tunes. I like the basic sound of the guitar too. I'm not convinced that the doubling effect you are using is really adding anything to the piece (I think you mentioned it's the same track delayed slightly). I'd like to hear just the main track by itself just for comparison. For solo acoustic guitar, your sound, to me, seems to be riding an edge between acoustic or "enhanced" acoustic and I don't think it's firmly in one or the other which is confusing to me. Just a personal taste thing, here.On the second piece, I can hear your fades between sections which makes it sound like 3 separate but similar pieces, rather than three sections. If you're going to do that, let one section fade naturally and crossfade the next section in, or put it on another track and dovetail it in. Also, adding the sound of releasing the strings or re-touching the strings will make the transition more natural sounding. The doubling feels a little better to me on this one, maybe since it's two guitars panned out. The delay sound works a bit better because it adds a sense of space between the two tracks. I'd still like to hear this piece with only one track. The reverb setting is nice, it's just there but doesn't call attention to itself.HTH,Mazz

[wta]

mazz, this is awesome insight. I gottcha on the fading issue and I agree it doesn't work, tried and failed but learned... Just to clearify I now have 3 pieces on this thread for review WA_1_2, WA_2 and WA_3 so I'm only using the doubling on WA_2 at this point soooo what track are you refering to on each of your points? Also is there different catagories fo acoustic intrumentals? Enhanced Acoustic or just Acoustic? Are there more? What are the major differences? Can I buy you lunch? I could send you a pizza? Pm me your address and I'll have dinner sent to ya! ( you are being such a huge help to me and other acoustic instrumental readers mazz, how can I repay you?) '-) wta