COMPARE 2005 DATABASE

[Tom]

To avoid duplication in recording, I'll maintain this list of MP3 recordings that I currently have for the 2005 MIDI Comparison page, and keep adding to the list as necessary:


Current Comparison MP3's
 SC-55 Sound Module
 SCB-55 Daughterboard
 CM-500 Sound Module SC-55 Mode
 SC-8820 Sound Module
 SC-8820 Sound Module SC-55 Mode
 SC-8850 Sound Module
 SC-8850 Sound Module SC-55 Mode
 SD-90 Sound Module
 Yamaha SW60XG Sound Card
 Yamaha MU100R Sound Module
 Yamaha MU10 Sound Module
 Yamaha Y-SXG50 Software Synthesizer
 Turtle Beach Santa Cruz Sound Card
 SoundBlaster AWE 32 Sound Card
 Gamesurround Fortissimo II Sound Card


RECORDING INSTRUCTIONS:

- Record at 44.1 kHz 16-bit stereo.  

- Do NOT 'normalize' digital recording.
- Do NOT increase amplification of the second song.  The Colonel's Bequest song file should play softer and with less reverb than the CNI song file.

- Encode MP3 at 128 kbps.

[achile464]

Can wait the test

[Tom]

I've uploaded the skeleton page for the new Sound Card comparison.  I'll just keep adding to this as I receive files.  Not all of the comparison files I have are uploaded yet, and not all links are working yet.  Not much right now, but it'll grow.  I'm working on it....

http://www.QuestStudios.com/digital/compare2005/compare2005.html

[Alistair]

By the way, Tom- my Yamaha MU100R arrived today- do you still want me to record the GM MIDI you supplied for the comparison page?

If so, I'll do it on the weekend, because this module seems to need phone jacks for digital audio (how annoying, though I do have some at my other place).

- Alistair

[Laust]

MP3. *cough*. *splutter*.

At least it ought to be 128kbps VBR. 128kbps constant bitrate is really not CD quality, you know

Meanwhile, let me see if I can't get a recording from Korg's GM daughtercard...

[Alistair]

MP3. *cough*. *splutter*.

What? Obviously 'record the GM MIDI' means digitally record it, Lausty. Get with the program
And by the way, long time no speak or what??

- Alistair

[Ari]

I think you've got somewhat of redundancy in you're last couple of posts, Alistair.

...GM MIDI?!  :wink:

[Alistair]

The fact that a MIDI is a GM one isn't a redundancy. I've never heard of a 'General' MIDI.

Unlike say, a VIP Person.

While I could point out "you're" mistakes, it's not really my style..

- Alistair

[Ari]

Yeah, you're right. Still looks a little weird, though.

You could just refer to it simply as a MIDI. I'm sure people would understand...  :wink:

[Alistair]

Still looks a little weird, though.

I wonder if you'd criticise someone who wrote, 'XG MIDI'.

Anyways, getting back on-track away from this diversion, let me know if you want the MP3 or OGG or whatever digital output file you're using for this comparison, recorded from the MU100R. I've got surgery on Tuesday and so need to know fairly soon.

- Alistair

[Tom]

MP3. *cough*. *splutter*.

At least it ought to be 128kbps VBR. 128kbps constant bitrate is really not CD quality, you know

The only reason I chose MP3 is because a lot of people still shy away from Ogg, and Micro$oft's Media Player doesn't handle Ogg (at least, not without some tweaking.)  Most regulars here, of course, are in step with the Vorbis format, but I wanted to make the comparison page more accessible.  I realize that 128 kbps is sub-CD quality, but it's good enough so that a comparison of the instrument sounds can be heard...and that's basically all I'm trying to accomplish with the comparison.  

Yes, I haven't received a MU100 comparison file yet so I'd appreciate your recording.  

And the Korg sample would be great, too.  Thanks!

[Ari]

Still looks a little weird, though.

I wonder if you'd criticise someone who wrote, 'XG MIDI'.

- Alistair

No, probably not...

[Tom]

XG MIDI makes sense:  EXtended General MIDI.

[Alistair]

And finally, here's my MU100R sample. Only got all my modules set up today (only got enough phone jack->RCA convertors today )! Some pictures of 'em too.

Yamaha MU100R comparison MP3

By the way, the MU100R has 64-note polyphony and 4 modes itself, plus a lot of other cool bits and pieces.
I assume, Tom, you're familiar with Yamaha's reverb being 'reverse' in respect to the 'Halls'. Pretty sure I learnt (heard) it from you a while back, even.

Modules, front setup

Modules, back setup

Regards,
- Alistair

[Triton^]

That Yamaha sounds awesome. Looking forward to hearing more!

[Alistair]

It's pretty awesome.. in bits. Can't say I used it AT ALL in my GK1 soundtrack, though! Irony is I delayed it so I could 'try out' Yamaha sounds, but I reallly dislike how the module sounds with most GK1 instruments (Obviously it's balanced for Roland GM, but still).

Great backing module, mind. Some sweee-t patches.

EDIT: WA, eh?

- Alistair

[Tom]

And finally, here's my MU100R sample.

Thanks!  I appreciate it.  One question; is this the default, power-on mode of the module?

Balance wise, it seems to ahere to GM standards pretty well.  The sounds are rich, but I noticed a LOT of flange in the slap bass; wonder if a different variation was played, or if that's the default sound...or if that's caused by the MP3 compression.  I have a feeling it's the later.  Also, a lot of noise in the recording; is that the module or the recording?  The percussion, especially the cymbals, also sounded kind of...flat...dead.  That may be a reverb thing, though.  Not sure.

My observation with the SW60XG is that the reverb is more intense at equal settings to that of the SC-8820 or SC-55.  I don't recall if the "Hall" modes are reversed; I didn't think so.  But you made me curious so I'll have to check that out...

[Tirone]

Hi there

Would you be interested in a recording from the Roland HyperCanvas VSTi package?  It produces much better sound than the Roland Virtual Sound Canvas.

[Tom]

Certainly...thanks!

[Alistair]

Thanks! I appreciate it. One question; is this the default, power-on mode of the module?

Yep, default XG GM mode. No XG tones, just GM.

Also, a lot of noise in the recording; is that the module or the recording?

Not sure. Might be my old SB Live!

My observation with the SW60XG is that the reverb is more intense at equal settings to that of the SC-8820 or SC-55. I don't recall if the "Hall" modes are reversed; I didn't think so. But you made me curious so I'll have to check that out...

I'm positive. Hall 1 in Roland means stacks of reverb. Under XG, Hall2 is the 'Hall 1' with regards to reverb time and level and such. They are effectively 'reversed'. I have the buttons to check easily..

- Alistair