KVR Audio

seismic1 · Post by **seismic1** » Mon Apr 10, 2023 12:19 am

Here is another track I put together using EXT64, although it's quite different in character to those which preceded it. It's almost ambient, but features some downtempo percussion and almost veers into New-Age territory. I think it's a sequel to "Departure From the Heartlands" from 2015.

https://soundcloud.com/whatsisname/retu ... lass-cliff

This track features on the latest release from Ambient Online (Vol 23), which features over 5 hours of music (at a guess - I haven't added it all up yet), comprising 48 tracks of diverse ambient music, all made by members of Ambient Online, and was released on Bandcamp on Friday. This compilation is available as a "name your price" release, so it should suit all pockets, and is well worth purchasing.

The album may be found here:-

https://ambientonline.bandcamp.com/albu ... -volume-23

Recorded/Mixed in EXT64
Mastered in T-Racks 5

Sources and Intermediaries

Absynth 5
Dune 2
Spitfire LABS
Chromaphone 2
Tremor
Ultra Analog V2
SynthMaster 2
Iris 2
Microtonic
Aether
EQuivocate
kHs Gain
Replicant 2
Equal
Satin
Linear Phase EQ
EQP-1A

DR - 11

EDIT: 20230514 - I have remixed the track, moving the unaffected "bell" synth towards the centre of the stereo field, and reduced its volume. The track was then mastered, using the original chain.

EDIT: 20250325 - I remastered the track in December 2024, ready for a future album release.

https://soundcloud.com/whatsisname/retu ... 024-master

eassae · Post by **eassae** » Mon Apr 10, 2023 11:48 am

Really nice timbres. The pad evolves nicely, especially when the first drums section comes in. The bass is subtle and warm. Great soundstage.

experimental.crow · Post by **experimental.crow** » Mon Apr 10, 2023 3:17 pm

I'll echo the comment on the soundstage ; it's well crafted ...
the mix is good , and the development builds well ...

it's a tad vanilla for my personal taste , and as you note ,
has the hint of a new age aroma , but i think this will appeal
across a rather large spectrum ...

it's good work , held to your usual high standards ...

Genetic_Junk · Post by **Genetic_Junk** » Tue Apr 11, 2023 2:54 pm

I really enjoyed this, especially the vocal qualities of the pad and the melodic gong-like percussion. The rhythmic elements remind me a little of some pieces from Music has the Right to Children by Boards of Canada.

markkuja · Post by **markkuja** » Tue Apr 11, 2023 3:32 pm

well prodused soundscape. A tranquill, hovering ambience. Nice ambient track and sounds

smoddelm · Post by **smoddelm** » Wed Apr 12, 2023 10:39 pm

Really like this a lot. Well balanced.

seismic1 · Post by **seismic1** » Thu Apr 13, 2023 12:43 am

eassae wrote: Mon Apr 10, 2023 11:48 am Really nice timbres. The pad evolves nicely, especially when the first drums section comes in. The bass is subtle and warm. Great soundstage.

The pad is made up of a Dune2 synth patch, 3 Spitfire LABS instances, and a SynthMaster V2 bell patch (and later, an Iris vocal sample processed through Audacity). They're all soaked in reverb along with the Absynth bells. The bass synth is a lightly-tweaked preset from Ultra Analog VA-2. As with many simple bass patches, I think it sounds more impressive as part of a mix than as a solo instrument.

Thanks very much for listening and commenting, eassae. Glad you liked it

Bong · Post by **Bong** » Thu Apr 13, 2023 10:54 pm

Really nice atmosphere. Very spacious and warm sounding.

Rene Asologuitar · Post by **Rene Asologuitar** » Sat Apr 15, 2023 12:11 am

Quite meditative, and relaxing, I love the bells!
The tranquil vibe is so loved.
You are a very creative composer, very nice mix, and superb use of your synth collection.
Thank you for this beauty.

eassae · Post by **eassae** » Sat Apr 15, 2023 2:02 am

seismic1 wrote: Thu Apr 13, 2023 12:43 am
eassae wrote: Mon Apr 10, 2023 11:48 am Really nice timbres. The pad evolves nicely, especially when the first drums section comes in. The bass is subtle and warm. Great soundstage.
The pad is made up of a Dune2 synth patch, 3 Spitfire LABS instances, and a SynthMaster V2 bell patch (and later, an Iris vocal sample processed through Audacity). They're all soaked in reverb along with the Absynth bells. The bass synth is a lightly-tweaked preset from Ultra Analog VA-2. As with many simple bass patches, I think it sounds more impressive as part of a mix than as a solo instrument.

Thanks very much for listening and commenting, eassae. Glad you liked it

All those layers really make it rich. I love Dune 2, I've been using it a ton lately. I have Iris, but I haven't really delved into it yet.

seismic1 · Post by **seismic1** » Sun Apr 16, 2023 1:03 am

experimental.crow wrote: Mon Apr 10, 2023 3:17 pm I'll echo the comment on the soundstage ; it's well crafted ...
the mix is good , and the development builds well ...

it's a tad vanilla for my personal taste , and as you note ,
has the hint of a new age aroma , but i think this will appeal
across a rather large spectrum ...

it's good work , held to your usual high standards ...

I certainly don't recall making a conscious effort to nudge this piece in the direction of "new age", as I very rarely listen to that style of music, but once the Chromaphone percussion was added, the die was cast, and there was no turning back

Thanks very much for your great comments, e.c. Glad you liked it

tomtom1 · Post by **tomtom1** » Sun Apr 16, 2023 8:28 am

Really nice soundscape with warm sounds. Well done. Personally i am not the biggest fan of some of the glass/bell sounds (like the one at 1:34). In comparison to the warm and wide sounds it feels almost a bit "harsh". But that is a personal thing... Best part for me is the part with the drums and the deep warm base. But overall it is great piece and a good listen!

seismic1 · Post by **seismic1** » Tue Apr 18, 2023 11:42 pm

Genetic_Junk wrote: Tue Apr 11, 2023 2:54 pm I really enjoyed this, especially the vocal qualities of the pad and the melodic gong-like percussion. The rhythmic elements remind me a little of some pieces from Music has the Right to Children by Boards of Canada.

It's quite interesting, layering up these sounds with a rough idea of the sound I'm trying to achieve, but not knowing exactly how it's going to work itself out. There are usually a few EQ cuts to make along the way, although no major problems with this piece. The percussion was a combination of Chromaphone2, Tremor and Microtonic.

Thanks very much for listening and commenting, G_J. Glad you liked it

seismic1 · Post by **seismic1** » Fri Apr 21, 2023 11:22 pm

markkuja wrote: Tue Apr 11, 2023 3:32 pm well prodused soundscape. A tranquill, hovering ambience. Nice ambient track and sounds

Thanks very much for listening and commenting, markkuja. Glad you enjoyed it

The music was inspired by this place:-

Frantz · Post by **Frantz** » Sun Apr 23, 2023 1:11 am

I think this is your most accessible track in quite some time and it is also very good. Minimal, relaxing, and contemplative.

The pads and percussion are a sonic treat, especially the percussion.

I like the bells but they are very upfront and clangy. Harshing my mellow, duuude. Maybe push them a little further back in the mix?

Very nice work.

Return to the Glass Cliff (Seismic Placidity)