CONTEST [brainstorming session]

algorhythm · Post by **algorhythm** » Fri Sep 13, 2002 9:45 am

SEE ANNOUNCEMENTS FORUM

[ This Message was edited by: algorhythm on 2002-09-15 12:12 ]

bosone · Post by **bosone** » Fri Sep 13, 2002 10:42 am

good idea!
i only don't understan why you mentioned samplers...
if i can add my 2 cents:
- track should be composed used only 1 patch per synth (no "sound changes" during the track - you select a sound for inferno and bluesynth and use only those. only modulations are permitted)
- a polyphony limit for those synths should be set, so that people with 45 DSP are not advantaged!

- you will have to post also the presets you used in the three synths, just to add something to the community "preset collection"!

at0m · Post by **at0m** » Fri Sep 13, 2002 11:02 am

Nice idea, the 3 synths only. Good you suggested the Hummelized/Mehdized versions for Inferno and Bluesynth too, cos Inferno3 is in SynthPack2.
I'd suggest a drum machine too, one everybody can use. We could choose one drumkit from the CW cd with a sampler or a machine like the one from Wavelength. Or do we make drumsounds with the synths? Can also be done.
[edit] oops! i totally missed your EDS8i in the list.

If we'd only use DSP devices (and seq/recorder ofcourse) the song could be a real representative demo for CW. And external gear I'd reduce to a minimum too, like with a hardware sampler you can make any sound out of the 3 synths.

I saw a contest once where you could only use white noise as sound source. Have a look

http://www.geocities.com/SunsetStrip/St ... lenge.html

[ This Message was edited by: at0mic on 2002-09-13 12:07 ]

[ This Message was edited by: at0mic on 2002-09-13 14:39 ]

algorhythm · Post by **algorhythm** » Fri Sep 13, 2002 12:18 pm

On 2002-09-13 12:02, at0mic wrote:
I'd suggest a drum machine too, one everybody can use.

That is why I put the EDS8 as the third synth - it is the free drum synth from CW - but your right, plasma is donation-ware now. How about we use the Plasma instead of the EDS8i??? (that is the real name, I just checked CW)

algorhythm · Post by **algorhythm** » Fri Sep 13, 2002 12:20 pm

On 2002-09-13 12:02, at0mic wrote:
If we'd only use DSP devices (and seq/recorder ofcourse) the song could be a real representative demo for CW. And external gear I'd reduce to a minimum too, like with a hardware sampler you can make any sound out of the 3 synths.

I knew someone would say this. well, if people want this, it might be better, and will make it a little more *restrictive*, which is a good thing usually. . .

algorhythm · Post by **algorhythm** » Fri Sep 13, 2002 12:24 pm

to bosone - I disagree about the one-patch only. It is a matter of degree, say, through CC# tweaking, you modify ALL the parameters such that you have basically changed presets . . . I agree about the preset uploading; always a good thing!

Regarding samplers: Um, I sample synths ALL THE TIME while making music. I almost never have several synths running throughout the whole track. I just don't work that way, and I am sure that others are the same. Same with polyphony: I don't think that 45-chip people have an absolute advantage. Surely it helps, but it doesn't make or break anything. I used to do some good work on a Pentium I 166mhz alone!

bosone · Post by **bosone** » Sat Sep 14, 2002 4:45 am

On 2002-09-13 13:24, algorhythm wrote:
to bosone - I disagree about the one-patch only. It is a matter of degree, say, through CC# tweaking, you modify ALL the parameters such that you have basically changed presets . . . I agree about the preset uploading; always a good thing!

yes, you are right. i was thinking about my statement, and i must say it's not a great idea. so, patch change allowed

marcuspocus · Post by **marcuspocus** » Sat Sep 14, 2002 10:51 am

Yesterday i was trying with devices mentioned here, how woulkd that sound... And i must say, that it was the first time i tried the EDS8i... Arrrrrgggg! Never tried a drumsynth sounding SO BAD!!!! Arrrrggghhh!

Horrible!

Would it be possible to use sample player + GM Drum 1 from best services CD that come with Pulsar?

algorhythm · Post by **algorhythm** » Sat Sep 14, 2002 11:54 am

On 2002-09-13 13:18, algorhythm wrote:
How about we use the Plasma instead of the EDS8i???

check out http://www.track0.com/wavelength - and make a donation too!

I strongly think that we shouldn't use samples that weren't created WITH Pulsar - if we agree to use the plasma, then this would fulfill this. And I think atomic is right - only Pulsar effects should be used. Only use other apps for sequencing / hard disk recording / editing.

[ This Message was edited by: algorhythm on 2002-09-14 12:57 ]

kensuguro · Post by **kensuguro** » Sat Sep 14, 2002 12:12 pm

Heck, I didn't even know Plasma was on the shareware list. Definitely will give it a try. It's GOTTA be better than EDS8 whatever, I can make a better one even in Mod2!

Anyway, here are my thoughts:
* Only the 3 mensioned synths (plasma takes over eds8)
* Sampling is OK, unless you do a 200 part orchestration. (drums, effects is OK) But I still do think we should keep away from totally changing the image of what a plain Pulsar II (or whatever card you have) can do, in terms of real time synthesis. But of course then, Mod2 would be at a definite disadvantage so... Oh well, this line is hard to draw. More discussion to be had in this area.

* Polyphony shouldn't be restricted, because you can prioritize. Say, you might have a 2 voice part, so that you can have 6 in the other. So it's kind of hard to draw the line. I'd still say that the polyphony limit should be the max that upir DSP allows. (even by using the STS series)

* External hardware: Well, none for me atleast. It's cool to stay within the Pulsar boundary.

So anyway, let's see where this goes. It sounds very interesting anyway though! The idea of restrictions just turns me on.

algorhythm · Post by **algorhythm** » Sat Sep 14, 2002 3:56 pm

OK - for final approval:

"Cream of the Crop Contest:"
~ 3 devices: Inferno (Creamware and Hummel Wavelength versions), Blue Synth (Creamware, Hummel, and Medhi versions), and Plasma (donation-ware from Hummel).
~Pulsar-only effects; no VST, hardware, etc.
~Samplers are OK, but sound-sources only from the three devices [and as Ken says, stay true to the spirit of 'pulsar synthesis' - no over-orchestration or rediculious sample-mangling]
~Use whatever MIDI/Audio sequencer/recorder you want
~ Less than 5 minutes in length (roughly, if it is a little longer don't sweat it), 128KB mp3
~ Due by Nov. 1st
~ Post to PlanetZ music area with "Cream of the Crop Contest: X [where X = title of your work]"
~ Prize = respect from your peers

___________
Everyone think that these rules are OK?
oh, and if you're posts are greater than 100, you are expected to participate!

[ This Message was edited by: algorhythm on 2002-09-14 17:00 ]

borg · Post by **borg** » Sat Sep 14, 2002 4:01 pm

joel: your hydrocarb... mail address, is it still in use?

valis · Post by **valis** » Sun Sep 15, 2002 9:47 am

I'm in

algorhythm · Post by **algorhythm** » Sun Sep 15, 2002 11:13 am

Contest has been announced in the announcements forum, oddly enough!

wayne · Post by **wayne** » Sun Sep 15, 2002 9:11 pm

Plasma seems to use 2 dsps on it's own - us with 4 dsp or less can't load these 3 synths simultaneously!

algorhythm · Post by **algorhythm** » Sun Sep 15, 2002 9:14 pm

. . . and that is when you would sample your drum sounds from the plasma . . .

wayne · Post by **wayne** » Sun Sep 15, 2002 11:14 pm

ah, very clever

astroman · Post by **astroman** » Mon Sep 16, 2002 6:42 am

if this is intended to have any positive effect on the reputation of Creamware gear as a production system, you can't go with those first generation devices.
I've tried the same as Marcus (just for curiosity) - nope, horrible. There isn't even portamento or smooth filter sweeping present.
My 2 cents for the rules would be any 2 synths and a drumbox (but not more than 3 devices) which are available for free or as shareware.
This would also result in a broader range of sounds, which is certainly more fun to listen and a better representation as well.

cheers, Tom

marcuspocus · Post by **marcuspocus** » Mon Sep 16, 2002 7:06 am

On 2002-09-16 07:42, astroman wrote:
I've tried the same as Marcus (just for curiosity) - nope, horrible. There isn't even portamento or smooth filter sweeping present.

I agree, no portamento possible with STS, but filter sweeping, you can get it from sts, or another sfp effects if sts isn't good enough. Those are not restricted in the contest.

algorhythm · Post by **algorhythm** » Mon Sep 16, 2002 8:20 am

Tom - have you tried the wavelength versions? they are very smooth. about creamware's reputation: that isn't really the point of this contest, but I am sure that great tracks will result with the synth set we have chosen.
However, I wouldn't mind bi-monthly contests with different rules and limitations. The idea for this one, that has been kicked around in the past, was to use specific synths and see what we can come up within that framework. Since this contest is already underway, how about you frame the next ruleset for the next contest to be tentatively ending on Jan. 1st 2003? I do like your idea, but don't think it is 'better' than the current one, or other possible ones, just different. . . . I think I am going to make an electro track using mostly the wavelength inferno. hehehe