Hi, I've just finished a sketchy preliminary version of my second computer music track (first track here). Much appreciated if you folks could offer some feedback. There are some definite mixing issues here, and I need to make the beat more interesting. Also, apologies for the strange-sounding lead in to the beat.

Anyway, the file's here:

http://www.fileden.com/files/2009/4/24/2416562/clicketyclack .mp3

Sounds....strange. But i love it ^^
What is this "bowing" sound?

Reminds me of the Soundtrack from the computergame "pathologic"
(named something like that/ not shure long time ago)

Thanks for the feedback. I've heard prominent producers and musicians jealously guarding the provenance of their samples, but seeing as I didn't make that sound, and I found it through this site, I'll reveal my source.

It's from one of the volumes of the Berklee Sound Archive (here). In fact, there are more than one sound from that archive on this track.

Out of interest, has anyone else on here used any sounds from the Berklee set, and if so, can I hear the track(s)?

Also, realised on listening again to the track that I'd left the Master Volume in Reason on half, so it's half the volume of my first track. Schoolboy error! I obviously am a bit of a beginner when it comes to mixing (i.e. know sweet f.a.). Any tips in that direction would be very valuable to me.

Whaaaa! Thank You!
I was searching for this site for ages!
Can't wait to download all the impressive Samples.

I like this a lot.

The mix sounds pretty okay to me, but I listened on computer speakers and cheap headphones and my hearing's a bit damaged, so take that into account.

The choice of sounds and the shifts this takes are really nice.

My one suggestion would be this: when you work on the beat, don't make it too interesting (overly busy). I think it works as is, for that matter.

Very good. Thanks for posting this.

Thanks man. I need to get hold of a decent pair of monitors (and an actual MIDI keyboard!) for mixing and mastering purposes.

I'm just planning on having a couple of different fills, since the beat at the moment is the same two bar loop repeated.

I just did a new mix. While most of the notes are the same, I've tried compressing the beat and bass slightly, panned some of the sounds and instruments and did some volume automation throughout the track.

It would be great if someone could give some feedback on this as I'm kind of learning by stumbling along at the moment, and learning terms like 'volume automation' as I go. Anyway, the new mix is at the same address:

http://www.fileden.com/files/2009/4/24/2416562/clicketyclack .mp3

Thanks to everyone who's listened and given feedback so far. Next up is a shift-beat with double bass, maybe some clarinet and perhaps even some singing (probably not by me).