ADR3-N's audio Reviews on Newgrounds

[Supercell]

I nearly fainted when I thought I heard copyrighted Pendulum snare samples -- thank God I checked the reviews and it's just a sample pack.

This is crazy in a good way. My only complaint is slight sibilance, what sounds like really, really hard compression, and relatively no sub-bass to give those drums something to lock us into. I had to turn things down a bit to enjoy fully but still can't tell if that phantom pain in my left ear is from listening to this at 50% volume or not. These ATH-M40x's monitor headphones drive ridiculously hard and have a very flat response, no bass boost, so it's possible this may sound better on some commercial gear.

I'm actually listening on 8% volume right now and it's at the sweet spot between crisp and uncomfortably loud with that perc.

Compositionally, a great piece that keeps me guessing. I'm not a huge fan of the piano -- I could have gone for a more muted, foom-y lead with some delay, perhaps even an octave lower with higher octave doubled stab synths in places for effect. It would sound much more pensive and ominous. I do love the creative approach to sound design in general though.

That descending synth at 0:11 was pretty uncomfortably sibilant to me on my first listen. Maybe supplement it with a sine or ramp bass drop.

I think the piano leads may be a bit too loud, and perhaps that's why I'm not perceiving the bass as well. I took time for a second listen -- let's be honest, it still keeps me on my toes even after a third time through; you're very good with this, one reason of many I appreciate your genre switchups. Each time I noticed the piano leads, which don't really have an overarching melody, seemed even louder than the drums and bass combined. There's really nothing in that sonic space to compete with them either, so they seem doubly loud.

Other than that though, fantastic work. Congrats on the fp!

Quarl responds:

Woohoo, adr reviews!

Lol, 8% volume?? I must be deaf. I force myself to lower from max volume because my ears don't work that well and I dont want to make them worse. 8%, you ear saving person you.

It might be time I get some new cans. I've had the same AKGs for a number of years now. Id get some decent monitors but am currently living in an RV. The boyfriend and I will be getting a house soon though and 100 spare monitors will be the first things I buy.

Copy written Pendulum snares? They spam amen breaks, they dont own those fonts XD

[DOF - Waiting For Frad Chicken]

I'm not sure what's going on, but this is pretty insane. I can't understand the vocals at all with the distortion on the guitars, and the mix is pretty cluttered, but I managed to enjoy it. Would give a solid 4 to a clearer mix. As is, it's nice rhythmic noise.

[Viet Cong - Satan Hates You]

This trash rock thing is pretty cool. I sincerely hope you aren't worshiping Satan though. It's bad enough people say "God hates fags." Now Satan hates fags too? Tough break, gays.

Doesn't sound half bad.

[Bounce For Love!!!!!!!]

Interesting idea, but the execution... I'm also not sure this is techno but I know genres have been totally inept for a long time. I also understand you were high. It does get better as it loops. You may be onto something, but rn I'm not feeling it.

[Powerless]

Overall I like the idea, as well as the olskool vibe I've always gotten from your pieces, but I have to say, the reverb is killing the clarity of this mix. Drop that wet signal, cut the low end, and...

Definitely lose the fade out with the clipped ending, unless this is intended to loop. That's a full half star for me because I know personally I only do this as a lazy way to end unfinished work. If you respond back it's a loop, I can probably have this review deleted and write up another one.

But yeah, that verb on your opening synth is insane and tin-can-y, on top of an already tin-can metallic synth. The low end on it is hanging around throughout, cluttering the mix. I would also recommend side-chaining your bass to that kick so your sub there doesn't have to push through a wall of low end, resulting in an unpleasant kind of throb rather than a strong pulse. If you're already doing this, increase the amount of side-chain and possibly decrease the kick volume. This sounded really out of balance to me throughout.

Otherwise, cute little tune. Enjoyed it. :)

[Lion King]

I'm not even sure what's happening. I was digging that intro though.

[Viet Cong - Vaseline Sand]

This is so bad, it's good.

[Fore]

That piano in the beginning just doesn't sound good to me -- could be better served by even square waves.

I can definitely hear the race against the clock here. Mix has suffered a bit because of it. I think I hear distortion here and there -- probably overdrive, since it looks like this has been brick wall limited.

That said, that bass is fat, your pads sweet, and your leads syrupy.

Still, I am hearing what sounds like copy-pasting going on. Can't give extra points. Style switch-up may have me holding my tongue here.

By 2:26, yeah, I'm definitely hearing what sounds like overdrive. Try to leave more headroom before you apply any master FX.

Overall, track sounds very rushed, which is of course natural for these types of competitions, but the style switchups do redeem the piece overall. Pretty sick chord progression, and rock solid bassline. Enjoyed it a lot!

Thanks for coming out to NGUAC!

[Sea of Love Tears 「恋水の海」]

That opening chord tho. Also, synths sound great there.

I could do without a lot of the reverb here -- cut low end, reduce wet signal, etc.

I'm impressed you managed to emulate the koto relatively convincingly. With a bit more humanization, modulation, and a less rigid gridded attack on each note, you might have me fooled. As is, it sounds like a pretty cool soundfont. You should definitely release a little preset file for us broke kiddos who can't afford giant sample libraries, heheh.

Compositionally, this is beautiful VGM/anime-grade music. Modulations in all the right places. Traditional flourishes. Dynamic contrast. It's great. The only real complaint I have is the slight lack of contrast between sections.

Otherwise, right up my alley, but I can definitely hear the time constraint in this piece. I was hoping for a solid B section in here. Still, gorgeous piece nonetheless.

Thanks for coming out to NGUAC!

Tennon responds:

Thanks for the review, will consider those in my VIP track

[Niko - Out Of Control]

Interesting opening lead. Not really my cup of tea, but the progression maintains my attention.

Lead is a bit too loud over your bass throughout.

1:16 break is ironically more intense than your drop. Take down those vocal samples and your lead, and bring up the bass/wobbles. Otherwise, steady flow on your drop.

2:20 section feels almost copy pasted. I could have gone without it entirely and gone straight into 2:31. In fact, I probably could have taken if you hacked this B drop into the second half of your A drop. This song is really long for the repetition of elements it has; you've also got a nice C drop that I prefer over both A and B, and your outro finishes strong.

Overall, not much else to say. I did enjoy the piece, but the length wore on me a bit. Fix all of the above and I'd drop a solid 9/10, if not more. Riff is so catchy.

Thanks again for coming out to NGUAC!