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mutilus
Super Moderator
Date Registered:
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Posts: 234
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| compo ideas |  |
So it'd be good to have a Psycle compo again. Here's some ideas:
I think sdcompo.com is a really good model for how to run a compo.
* Compos take place once a month, with 3 weeks of tracking and 1 week worth of time for voting
* Voting: participants in the competition vote on each others entries -- you pick your top 5 tracks.
The interesting part to work out for a Psycle compo would be what the tracking 'rules' are. I think something like: sample pack of drum sounds provided for everyone to use. You can of course use any machines that come with Psycle. An interesting point would be whether to allow VSTs or not. Maybe just a predecided set of VSTs that everyone can use -- some good free effects, maybe a couple of synths.
sdcompo is mostly automated -- I suggest for a psycle compo we just work it out manually at first, because I can't imagine anyone has time to write the website to automate it. I'd be willing to tot up the votes manually, and all that stuff.
Ideas?
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 13.09.2009, 12:52 |
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The_Brainwashed
Psycler
Date Registered:
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At this point, I feel very confident to take part. 
I think we could allow certain free VST/VSTi, with the basic things we all need (EQ, reverb, etc)
Also I'd sugest "thematic" compos, with pre defined styles: (a 4x4 compo, a breakbeat compo, an electro compo) This could push us to another fields and we could share some production techniques.
As a side effect, this could force to finish a track, with a dead line. 
But something I don't like is the sample pack: I think anyone could use the samples they want, but maybe limiting to a certain kit. Example: "For this track, I used a TR-909 sample pack" or so.
Count me in!
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| 14.09.2009, 16:07 |
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mutilus
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quote:
Also I'd sugest "thematic" compos, with pre defined styles: (a 4x4 compo, a breakbeat compo, an electro compo) This could push us to another fields and we could share some production techniques.
Would be nice for future compos. But I'd prefer, to start off, with no restrictions -- people just make what they're used to. Themes raise the barrier to entry a bit (check out any themed round at sdcompo, there's always less entries).
quote:
But something I don't like is the sample pack: I think anyone could use the samples they want, but maybe limiting to a certain kit. Example: "For this track, I used a TR-909 sample pack" or so.
Might as well let people use their own kit, yeah. But still provide a basic samplepack for people to use if they want to, to make it easier for newcomers. Or maybe just a decent drum machine VST.
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| 15.09.2009, 00:15 |
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The_Brainwashed
Psycler
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hmm... you're right. Thematic compos can scare users don't used to the pre defined style. I was thinking about a way to familiarize with new styles, but I wasn't aware of the sdcompo situation you described.
Let's be the most democratic.
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| 15.09.2009, 02:23 |
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ksn
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Hello,
Maybe the simpler choice would be to use the vsts packed with Psycle + a choice of drums/percs/noise samples ?
Or allow ownb samples but with some limitation ?
I remember that for the earlier compos we oftent allowed samples, provided they weren't more than 'x' kb.
There's also the 'free for all' solution, but then you get only ogg/mp3
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| 15.09.2009, 17:12 |
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The_Brainwashed
Psycler
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I think we could make a "compo VST pack" with one plugin per fx. To be honest, I think the only fx Psycle is lacking is reverb, since Arguru Reverb doesn't work properly to me. The rest works nicely.
The native Psycle synths are more than enough, though. But would be interesting to have a thread to discuss some native plugins usage, since they lack a deeper explanation. This way we could improve the Psycle experience.
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| 15.09.2009, 20:06 |
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mutilus
Super Moderator
Date Registered:
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quote:
Original by ksn
Maybe the simpler choice would be to use the vsts packed with Psycle + a choice of drums/percs/noise samples ?
quote:
Original by ksn Or allow ownb samples but with some limitation ?
I remember that for the earlier compos we oftent allowed samples, provided they weren't more than 'x' kb.
Great points ksn. I agree -- I think for VSTs we can just allow the VSTs provided in the psycle bundle. There's plenty of FX there, and Oatmeal synth. That in conjunction with Psycle FX and synths is plenty.
Drums would then be the only shortcoming. This can be overcome by allowing any samples.
Perhaps the rules can simply be: any in-built Psycle effects; any VSTs provided in the Psycle bundle; any samples provided overall file size of the track remains under 6Mb.
I personally would prefer to disallow drum/synth loops as well -- the emphasis should be on tracking. But I wonder what others think about that?
quote:
There's also the 'free for all' solution, but then you get only ogg/mp3
Yeah I think we should avoid free-for-all, to ensure that the files can be opened in Psycle so everyone can view each others and learn from them.
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| 16.09.2009, 00:46 |
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shadowbane
Psycler
Date Registered:
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here
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I don't think we would need even 6 mb... SDCompo uses that and we do pure sample based compos there...
Either way, I agree that we should limit (mostly) to builtin modules and samples with little/no theming.
Honestly, I don't know anything about most of the techno type stuff that is normally associated with trackers... I write random hybrid stuff.
One question though, how do we deal with the builtin soundfont player?
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| 16.09.2009, 06:32 |
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The_Brainwashed
Psycler
Date Registered:
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Location:
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Posts: 256
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But definetively we need some external FX, like EQ and reverb. Psycle doesn't have a good solution for these 2 fx.
A good and low-CPU bundle is Kjaerhus Classic series.
Freeverbtoo is a nice reverb. Today's CPUs can handle it to no harm.
And, for EQ, I'd suggest IIEQ free.
My vote is for allow some external FX, but only the ones Psycle can handle.
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| 16.09.2009, 16:14 |
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DrSalvadork
Psycler
Date Registered:
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Sorry about sounding like such a noob, but what is a compo? Can anyone join? Is it a competition of songs made with psycle?
Does it matter that I'm a complete noob? I mean I think competitions are more fun if there's no stress and everyone just has fun, without having to fear about the outcome.
I can't come up with anything professional-sounding with psycle, I just like doing stuff with it. Tho I have tons to learn when it comes to music production... I don't even know how and when to use EQ and how to get the sounds you want from a synth... :/
Anyway native plugins don't work for me at all, so it's either VSTs and/or samples for me. Also I don't know if I can work under a deadline as I have uni work to do as well.
I'm assuming this was something meant for everyone and not just for experienced users. In case I'm wrong assuming that, and am inviting myself somewhere where I'm not wanted, then excuse me.
Awaiting more info...
Take care everyone.
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| 19.09.2009, 13:40 |
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Angelus
Psycler
Date Registered:
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DrSalvadork, as you already said, a Psycle compo is a songs made with Psycle contest.
It doesn't matter if you're a noob or a pro. Is a meeting point of Psycle users. So don't stress yourself if you want to participate. Nobody will shoot you. Just join it and share your best. Maybe you'll get some reviews from others that could improve your sound or your way of work.
Greets
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| 19.09.2009, 14:32 |
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DrSalvadork
Psycler
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Ok, thank you for responding Angelus!
That sounds good, in that case I could give it a try.
So if it's ok by everyone I'd like to join...
But don't kill me if I can't finish before a deadline... :/
This could be great practice tho! 
Looking forward to it.
Any info on when this thing is happening? Are you ppl still deciding what VSTs and samples to use?
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| 19.09.2009, 14:35 |
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shadowbane
Psycler
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yeah, we are still working out the details of how we will organize it.
I am a noob too, but I compete over at sdcompo.com for reveiws so I can get better.
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| 19.09.2009, 18:11 |
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mutilus
Super Moderator
Date Registered:
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quote:
Original by DrSalvadork
Sorry about sounding like such a noob, but what is a compo? Can anyone join? Is it a competition of songs made with psycle?
Yep a compo is simply an opportunity for everyone in the community to put forward a song they've made, have it listened to by others, and get some feedback. OK, so you vote on songs too and get rankings which makes it more fun for some people, but really the point is just a structured way for the community to share music.
Noobs are totally welcome! And for noobs regularly entering a compo is a great way to learn. A compo is totally about having fun and sharing music.
quote:
Original by DrSalvadork
Anyway native plugins don't work for me at all, so it's either VSTs and/or samples for me.
Interesting.. the plugins should work. I suggest starting a forum post about it and seeing if we can get it fixed.
quote:
Original by DrSalvadork
Also I don't know if I can work under a deadline as I have uni work to do as well.
I think everyone here has busy lives, you just have to fit whatever you can into the deadline. And you can also just enter a half-finished track into the compo and get feedback on what you have.
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| 20.09.2009, 11:56 |
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mutilus
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[oops, double-posted]
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| 20.09.2009, 12:01 |
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mutilus
Super Moderator
Date Registered:
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quote:
Original by mutilus
[QUOTE]Original by DrSalvadork
So if it's ok by everyone I'd like to join...
Of course! Same goes for everyone in the community... it's open to all.
quote:
Original by DrSalvadork
But don't kill me if I can't finish before a deadline... :/
As I put above, in that case you just enter what you have.
quote:
Original by DrSalvadork
This could be great practice tho!
Definitely :-)
quote:
Original by DrSalvadork
Any info on when this thing is happening? Are you ppl still deciding what VSTs and samples to use?
WYSIWYG... :-P Everything discussed about the compo so far is in this thread.
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| 20.09.2009, 12:01 |
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DrSalvadork
Psycler
Date Registered:
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quote:
Interesting.. the plugins should work. I suggest starting a forum post about it and seeing if we can get it fixed.
I did start a thread about it, about a year ago when I started using Psycle. The natives work when I first use them, but when I save the .psy file and open it again nothing wants to make a sound anymore for as long as the natives are in use.
Using VSTs and samples completely fixes the problem, I haven't had any trouble with those. Also there are lots of VSTs available of all kinds, so it doesn't really matter to me that much if I can't use the native plug ins.
quote:
I think everyone here has busy lives, you just have to fit whatever you can into the deadline. And you can also just enter a half-finished track into the compo and get feedback on what you have.
Ok I'm beginning to like the sound of this!
Will look forward to further instructions! Please try and incorporate an option without the natives....
Thanx for replying everyone!
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| 20.09.2009, 13:36 |
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The_Brainwashed
Psycler
Date Registered:
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Location:
Brazil
Posts: 256
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Of course everyone can join the compo. Hope some Psycle lurkers rise from their shadows, and show some music!
I'm not a pro, and can't finish a damn song. But I'll join in, even if my track is a loop repeated over and over for long 8 minutes, LOL!
I learnt countless techniques only reading the PSY files people posts here. It's a cool form of iteration between Psycle users and a funny way to learn from others.
Can't wait to see all of your submits!
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| 20.09.2009, 21:19 |
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mutilus
Super Moderator
Date Registered:
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OK, I think we should get this compo started sometime soon.
Based on what's been commented, I propose these rules...
* 3 weeks of tracking
* 1 week of listening/voting
* song can be any style, any genre, anything
* you submit a .psy and a rendered mp3/ogg
* participants in the compo pick their favourite top 5
* if you don't vote, you don't qualify for a final placing
* we all give lots of useful feedback and learn from others :-)
* all psycle internal/native plugins allowed
* samples allowed (but size of .psy limited to 3mb)
* all VSTs in the psycle VST pack are allowed
* since that only includes one synth, oatmeal, we also allow some other nice, free, synths -- i propose freealpha, synth1, crystal, any others recommended?
* karmafx plugin pack allowed (useful effects)
I say we start the first compo on October 6th, a week from today.
I might try to knock up some simple site to automate submissions, voting, results, etc. in time for submissions. It'd be easy to do. But if I don't get time to do it, I volunteer to accept submissions/votes and work out results manually.
Sounds good? 
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| 29.09.2009, 14:34 |
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The_Brainwashed
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Sounds very good! Nice rules!
I don't think you need to put a site for this, unless you have a template or so. We could use the forum MP system, to send the votes.
I was thinking in assemble a samplepack (like Soundevotion), but since samples are free, there's not much point.
About the votes: will be only one per user or we'll choose our 3 favs or so?
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| 29.09.2009, 15:01 |
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