Fall 2011 Music Tech Class

Well, I only worked on one project this semester, and its not my best work. Using Sonar was quite different from Fl Studio and has its ups and downs (much better sound, difficult playlist). I definately learned alot this semester (Mr. Rabuse's iPad certainly helped, thanks!).

I felt I was limited by the available synths on Sonar, but after figuring out how to use DropZone that all changed. DropZone is a sample-based synth which is capable of alot different styles and became my primary instrument. I only had four synths for this project and barely used any automation (one filter, one volume). My project was rather simple since I found the piano roll a little tricky. I had it set to snap to quarter notes and it didnt snap at all. I had the same problem with the clips in the playlist and considered utilizing the matrix mode to arrange the clips, but ran out of time and decided to do it the way I knew how. It also would have been easier to record automations with MIDI learn on the keyboard.

The song construction is simple, with rock style synths. The lead synth is ran through some delay, a filter, and distortion. The other synths all have some EQ-ing and other processing. I made some mistakes throughout the song with wrong notes which took quite a long time to correct in the piano roll. I wish I had been able to work on more of the fine details of the song, but I have managed to get something done. I originally intended to record a part on my guitar, but the peice didnt seem to fit an electric guitar after a while so I gave up on that. Im not too happy with the tone of the solo, it sounds too thin and sharp.

I still have to wrap up some volume and panning details and then export, then I will post it up here.