Update: 27Nov04

[Tom]

CODE-NAME:  ICEMAN
Digital Soundtrack


The CODE-NAME:  ICEMAN digital soundtrack is now available for download!

The front and back cover art images (for standard CD jewel case) are also available, but a CD label is still in progress.
CODE-NAME ICEMAN DIGITAL SOUNDTRACK

Many thanks to Danny Berge (bergeguy.com) for hosting these files!!

The digital tracks were recorded from the original MT-32 soundtrack, with XG and Sound Canvas enhancements.

Enjoy!

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EDIT:

While driving to work tonight, I listened to the complete soundtrack on CD, burned from the Master WAV's.  I noticed a couple of problems that I'll have to correct with three of the song files, but I won't be able to do that until the 29th or 30th.  (I'm on 12 hour shifts this weekend.)  Sorry about that.  Funny how these songs sound different depending on what I play them back on.

I also see that I have to edit the links to the CD covers -- still have LSL references there....  Plus, Danny will be replacing the corrupted "CNIBackCover.jpg" with another that I uploaded.  

[Alistair]

Ah, I see this message is different (the edit).

Just finished downloading the files. And I always listen with headphones and a stereo to my tracks to decide on quality.. just because as you say, can sound different with different sound setups.

What 3 have problems, if you don't mind me asking?

12 hour, huh? Yikes.

By the way, what about the ED version of Dancin', the mix of Stacy, and Mark Seibert's digital versions?

- Alistair

[Tom]

What 3 have problems, if you don't mind me asking?

By the way, what about the ED version of Dancin', the mix of Stacy, and Mark Seibert's digital versions?

One of the ChiChi Bar themes, and two of the tracks closely after that.  Can't check at the moment -- I'm not near a CD player and I didn't write down the tracks when I listened to them in the car, earlier.  Frequency response seems to be poorer on my car CD player than through my sound card, so a couple of the instruments 'flaten out' when played on my car CD player.  That's what I need to adjust.

What about those other songs?  The Iceman soundtrack is redundant enough on it's own -- I didn't want to repeat any more songs.  Anyone making their own CD can surely add any of the MP3's already posted on this site to their burn if they wish to do that.  There's plenty of room left on a CD for more music.

[Alistair]

One of the ChiChi Bar themes, and two of the tracks closely after that. Can't check at the moment -- I'm not near a CD player and I didn't write down the tracks when I listened to them in the car, earlier. Frequency response seems to be poorer on my car CD player than through my sound card, so a couple of the instruments 'flaten out' when played on my car CD player. That's what I need to adjust.

If only digital audio DID sound the same on all gear, huh?

I'll save burning the CD for a bit, I think. Only got halfway through the game today anyway.

What about those other songs? The Iceman soundtrack is redundant enough on it's own -- I didn't want to repeat any more songs. Anyone making their own CD can surely add any of the MP3's already posted on this site to their burn if they wish to do that. There's plenty of room left on a CD for more music.

Well, your own older version of 'Dancin'' is better than the newly recorded version..
EDIT: Nope, this version is better! In fact, there's some AWESOME enhancement tracks on this CD. Wow..

That was my main observation. Haven't heard your bar themes yet, though I can guess what you would have done with each track.

Please keep us posted! How's the art coming, too?

(Great to see you recording again, Tom. How'd you find it?)

- Alistair

[Tom]

The songs in question are Tracks 5, 11, and 14.  I've already fixed 11 and 14 (though haven't re-recorded them yet.)  Track 5 is a bit of a challenge and when I have time tomorrow, I'll just do it over completely.  

Seibert uses two distinct electric 'dirt' guitar leads in this song.  The notes played are fairly similar throughout, but still designed to be played individually.  The velocities and volumes for these tracks on the MT-32 are quite different when played with XG or SC guitars.  For one thing, they default an octave lower on the MT-32.  Extensive benders control the pitch throughout both tracks for almost every note.  These two things are easily overcome.  But the velocity issue is a bit more tricky.  The varying strength of the notes take on drastically different characteristics when played with XG or SC guitars; I've experimented with quite a few SC electric guitars and think I've found a couple that aren't so drastic.  I've also had to adjust the velocities a bit in some parts of the tracks, note by note, so it's somewhat time consuming.  I could leave them as MT-32 dirt guitars, but I don't like the sound; they're too noisy and don't sound like real guitars to me.

Anyway, I should be able to upload new, repaired versions of all three song files, tomorrow.



I prefer this mix of 'Dancin' better, too.  I really like Seibert's work in this soundtrack; especially his keyboards, which are often hidden by too much synthetic interference.  That's why I purposely brought out a clean piano in two of the "Iceman" themes -- I really love his style there and it should be heard and not covered up by synth.  But I don't think he was able to do that with the MT-32, since its' acoustic pianos suck.

[Alistair]

Just listening to track 3/4 here.. I assume you've done various mixes of MT-32 and ED percussion? (Sax track sounds like a breathy tenor and a little weak at that, in 4.. though I make that complaint about all SC saxes. Never heard one that was good enough.)

I'm familiar with the third Bar theme. Converted it about 2 weeks ago. I left the dirt guitar background as the MT guitar and then used SC-55 Feedback. Sounds like you're using ED though.. which sounds really good!!

The MT lead is awful for that track. I wouldn't expect you to leave it..

Wow, I can hear what you mean about track 5. Velocities aren't quite right, or something. (Would have to see the MIDI.)

I really look forward to your updated tracks- I've got a taste for Iceman now!

Oh, before I forget.. what happened to 'Pearl Harbor'?

I swear, when you finish those updates, I'll be 'dancin' all night to this! Some of your best work on this CD, Tom. Really. Third on my list behind KQ6 and EQ1 in terms of your CD's.

- Alistair

[Tom]

Just listening to track 3/4 here.. I assume you've done various mixes of MT-32 and ED percussion? (Sax track sounds like a breathy tenor and a little weak at that, in 4.. though I make that complaint about all SC saxes. Never heard one that was good enough.)

I was just thinking on my way to work tonight, the SC8820's Breathy Tenor Sax is my favorite among all I've heard.  Sounds so close to my neighbor's at times.  It's clean and mellow, responds well to benders and is by far my favorite of XG, SC, and MT-32 choices.  Though I also like to use the MT-32's sax, sparingly.

Which is why in the case of the CNI soundtrack, both play together...the MT-32 providing a bottom to the 8820's tenor sax.

Wow, I can hear what you mean about track 5. Velocities aren't quite right, or something. (Would have to see the MIDI.)

I believe you've already downloaded the MT-32 soundtrack -- that's the MIDI file I used.  The other problem is how the instruments react to benders; since almost all of the notes rely on a bender for their proper pitch.  Processed guitars aren't clean; there's a variable in their pitch -- two or more tones often used, though so close to the pitch that you don't notice.  But you do in this case because the guitar tracks were written for Mark Seibert MT-32 Dirt Guitar -- a different instrument.

Oh, before I forget.. what happened to 'Pearl Harbor'?

It's still in Hawaii.  

It's not something I wanted as part of the audio CD soundtrack.  Though again, if anyone wants to hear what Pearl Harbor sounds like, take a trip to the beach....it'll sound more like the real thing than the MT-32.  If it had been part of a theme, with music in the background or something, I would have recorded it.

[Alistair]

I was just thinking on my way to work tonight, the SC8820's Breathy Tenor Sax is my favorite among all I've heard. Sounds so close to my neighbor's at times. It's clean and mellow, responds well to benders and is by far my favorite of XG, SC, and MT-32 choices. Though I also like to use the MT-32's sax, sparingly.

Which is why in the case of the CNI soundtrack, both play together...the MT-32 providing a bottom to the 8820's tenor sax.

I think a combination of the two saxes you used, plus a bit of 'Sax Section' (Alto, variation 17) would really hit the spot. That 4-voice 'hardcore sax' tone is my personal favourite from ED's range. But some tenors are more realistic.

For 'Chi Chi #2', though, I think the Alto variation just sounds.. better. It's a bar, not a light restaurant, which is how the breathy tenor sounds to me (it's 'cool' sounding, but not emotional enough, not enough soul..). But anyway.

I believe you've already downloaded the MT-32 soundtrack -- that's the MIDI file I used. The other problem is how the instruments react to benders; since almost all of the notes rely on a bender for their proper pitch. Processed guitars aren't clean; there's a variable in their pitch -- two or more tones often used, though so close to the pitch that you don't notice. But you do in this case because the guitar tracks were written for Mark Seibert MT-32 Dirt Guitar -- a different instrument.

I meant the converted ED guitar track MIDI.

It's not something I wanted as part of the audio CD soundtrack. Though again, if anyone wants to hear what Pearl Harbor sounds like, take a trip to the beach....it'll sound more like the real thing than the MT-32. If it had been part of a theme, with music in the background or something, I would have recorded it.

Oh, naturally! I jotted down 'Pearl Harbor' on my soundtrack list (a list of tracks noted down as I play through games) as a music piece, though I remember just after it there's a classic Sierra 'beach' sound effect piece, as most games seem to have.. (They must have loved oceans and beaches!)
We probably thought of Pearl Harbor as slightly diferent parts of the game. I believe the piece I called Pearl Harbor is in your CD, directly before or after your MIDI was located in the soundtrack MIDI. (Hope that makes sense ).
Noone wants 50 seconds of ocean sound effects on a CD, don't get me wrong.

- Alistair

[Tom]

That reminds me...

Because of the added "Track16b.ogg" file, the Track numbering for this CD is all screwed up.  Not sure how to handle it, though.  When one burns a CD from the digital files, there's 25 tracks, not 24 as shown on the download page.  The only way to remedy it would be for Danny to rename the Ogg files accordingly.  So Danny, if you're up to it....let me know, but after I re-upload the three fixed Oggs.

[Danny]

Tom has just uploaded replacement tracks 5, 11, and 14 due to poor balancing.  We suggest you download the new versions.

Enjoy!

[Tom]

All the pieces are now in place -- I've also just uploaded the CD Label image.  Prints out really nice on glossy labels.

CNITrack05.ogg ("ChiChi Bar Theme #3") is a critical update that's been completely remixed from scratch.  Tracks 11 and 14 aren't so critical...just some minor changes in percussion.

[Alistair]

All the pieces are now in place -- I've also just uploaded the CD Label image. Prints out really nice on glossy labels.

CNITrack05.ogg ("ChiChi Bar Theme #3") is a critical update that's been completely remixed from scratch. Tracks 11 and 14 aren't so critical...just some minor changes in percussion.

Excellent! Can't wait to hear the new one.

EDIT: By the way, I always wondered- what does 'Mixed exclusively for QuestStudios members' mean?

- Alistair

[HondaSiR]

By the way, I always wondered- what does 'Mixed exclusively for QuestStudios members' mean?

It means these musical goodies are just for us...members of Quest Studios. Tom won't be offering these fine enhanced tracks to any other site other than QS.

[Alistair]

No, it certainly doesn't mean that.

There's an Iceman link on the main QS index page, right? So if a 'random visitor' downloads a track, how is he/she a 'Quest Studios member'?

I can understand it from the days of the shipped CD's, but I don't think it really applies today.. just was wondering, that's all.

Just heard track 16 (Russian Sub), and it literally brought tears to my eyes! Thank you so much, Tom.

- Alistair

[HondaSiR]

Tom labored to make those enhanced tracks for US, who are members of the QS community. It's probably Tom's way of sending out a subliminal message to non-members to register themselves and be an active part of our community.

[Tom]

That more or less sums it up.  Thanks, HondaSiR.  

Since I'm no longer distributing the CD's via a private forum, the 'exclusivity' part may not apply the same, but the sentiment is the same; I do  what I do because you people do what you do...participate in this site.  Those just passing through and lurkers still reap the benefits, though.

Ahhh, the 'Iceman Theme'...or 'Destroying The Russian Sub'.  One of my all-time favorite Sierra songs.  I'll never forget back when I first played this game and I was greeted by that song.  What a rush!  It hit like a ton of bricks!  Made me feel like I had just conquered the whole Russian navy on my own, and it really provided a sense of accomplishment.   I think Seibert's soundtrack for this game is perfect for the setting.  He did a great job.  I just wish there was more music.

By the way, did anybody catch the subtle tie-in to the opening theme on the CD artwork?  The words, "the soundtrack" and "mark seibert" use an old, classic Underwood Typewriter font.

[Alistair]

Those just passing through and lurkers still reap the benefits, though.

I get it, like non-union workers and a free lunch. I still don't like the way it's worded (inner wanky grammar captain in me I think) but I understand the motive now.

Ahhh, the 'Iceman Theme'...or 'Destroying The Russian Sub'. One of my all-time favorite Sierra songs. I'll never forget back when I first played this game and I was greeted by that song. What a rush! It hit like a ton of bricks! Made me feel like I had just conquered the whole Russian navy on my own, and it really provided a sense of accomplishment. I think Seibert's soundtrack for this game is perfect for the setting. He did a great job. I just wish there was more music.

Up to where I am in the game, piloting the sub, there's been more than enough music. Can't be much more left..

I only heard the first 5 seconds from the piece, to be honest, because I was curious about it (But didn't want to spoil it for myself, when I play the game).
But even those few were enough to make me cry. Wow.

By the way, did anybody catch the subtle tie-in to the opening theme on the CD artwork? The words, "the soundtrack" and "mark seibert" use an old, classic Underwood Typewriter font.

Well, I noticed, but can't say I got that reference exactly.

- Alistair

[Alistair]

Finished playing the game tonight.

Ironically, although that piece plays 3 or 4 times, after you 'destroy the Russian sub' isn't one of them, Tom

There's a few minor pieces missing, like the 'Cave Theme', and the death where you enter the escape hatch too early. Maybe a couple more, will check. Nothing major, though..
(EDIT: Apart from the 'Cave Theme', there's pretty superb coverage of the game's music. I'd even go so far as to leave out the Blackhawk track- it's just 'pink noise', no sonar bleeps, torpedo sounds, etc.)

Though I get the feeling some tracks have problems.

Get back to ya.

(EDIT: No, no problems. I listened to the whole thing today with my brother, on our stereo, while playing table tennis [ping pong]- sort of a routine with us. Both dancing a fair bit through this CD.. Excellent work again, Tom.)

This digital CD still gets me excited, don't get me wrong. Some gems recorded by Tom here. Favourite track from the game is still the 'Flight To Tahiti' theme, though. And 'The Chase'. 'Closing Themes'/'The Submarines (View With The Captain)' [whatever the "Russian sub" track should be really called] comes in a close third.

The 'Flight To Tahiti' recording by Tom is absolutely excellent, as well! Really gets my heart racing and my emotions swirling. Not bad for an additional SC string section. I'll tackle it someday.

EDIT: Now that I've heard the end of the CD, I can say.. Chase version awesome, Sabotage version awesome.. everything really

I only scored 271 points.. wonder what I missed

Apparently lighting all my flares would've got me to 280. <roll eyes>

Forgot to view the microfilm as well..

- Alistair