3 ideas for 8bit retro game music "Chiptune"

[Svenpete]

3 ideas I would like to present as 8bit "chiptune" tunes. Any feedback welcome.

https://soundcloud.com/user-478303058-7 ... retro-game

https://soundcloud.com/user-478303058-7 ... retro-game

https://soundcloud.com/user-478303058-759666417/sd-8bit

[burpo]

Track 1: In part A, I think the drums sound too drum-like, should be crunchier.
The rest of it sounds very close, albeit a bit "hi-fi." Musically, I think it fits the listing just fine.

Track 2: The parts seems to constitute a whole that takes me out of Nintendoland, even if
the disparate elements are each justified. The vibe feels off. I think shorter musical phrases would suit this track.
Perhaps try chopping it up and repeating. Just a thought.

Track 3: I think the vibe is great. Still, I think the drums are too drum-like. (Not sure about the 5/4 section.)

Great work. I think you're almost there.

-b

[Svenpete]

Thanks, I think your feedback is right on. Tracks 1 and 3 are some of my old left over prog rock tunes. Track 2 was just an old pop song idea, I just threw that in for a different feel.
Yea, the drums are giving me the hardest time. I will try and make them even more crude and 8-bit like.

[burpo]

What are you using to generate your sounds?
I'm using an 8-bit VST that has a helpful "noise" envelope.

Judicial use of release can make or break your snare and hi-hat sounds.

-b

[Svenpete]

For the drums, I am using the stock Bitcrusher plug in in Logic on sampled drums . For most of the other stuff, I am using some stuff from the Native Instruments user library. Stuff for Reaktor5. Like 8-bit Sound forge, Bitmaker, GaymeSisem…..

[burpo]

Hmmm...
Not sure that I have anything too helpful to say.

I'd build my own sound from a waveform, if I were you,
not try to damage out a real drum sample.

What 8-bit waveforms are available to you?

-b

PS: If you go to "Listings" on the forum, there's a (free?) bank of 8-bit Kontakt samples listed.
Check it out.

[cosmicdolphin]

I like the 2nd one the best, like Burpo said the drums were generated by a noise generator on the sound chip so if you want the authentic feel it's better than bit crushing some hifi samples.

I'm not sure if 1 & 3 are melodically engaging enough for this type of listing, I can still remember the tunes to the ones from my youth as they were annoyingly catchy and deceptively simple.

Mark

[Svenpete]

Great feedback again guys. Like suggested, I will look for actual 8 bit drum samples, or try and build some from scratch with waveforms.