The "Overview of Submissions" PDFs have been uploaded.
You can check them through the
upper post (post #111).
The Statistic Sheet is used to give an overview of all entries, and whether or not they are within given parameters (loudness, sampling rate, bitrate, proper filename). This is adding to the overall learning process of the "Mix(ing) Challenge". Please take note that creating this sheet is not a fully automated process. I am using Wavelab 10's "Batch Analysis" tool (EBU R-128 specs / equivalent to ITU-R BS.1770-4), but the overall layout and highlighting issues/mishaps, not to mention triple checking files and time stamps, is time consuming. If you do not find yourself on this list, please let me know.
Please keep in mind, your mix being "tagged disqualified" (a bold "X" on the Statistic Sheet),
does not mean "you're out of the game" (exceptions do apply). For more information on the Statistic Sheet and the "Wild Card" Mechanic, please consult the following addendum thread:
Mix Challenge - Addendum: Statistic Sheet and Wild Card Mechanic
Statistics Addendum:
| ⚠ | Moderation Message from Mister Fox | |
We have a disqualification rate of 27,40% for MC101 / December 2024 (73 entries, 20 disqualifications, 00 "Out of Competition" submission not counting). Compared to last month, MC100 / October 2024 was at 15,45%.
As usual, many of these disqualifications are due to not paying attention to detail (careless mistakes), e.g.: wrong sampling rate or bitrate, loudness specs, lack of documentation, and not properly using the provided filename template (also see the provided "TL;DR Rules.txt" file, etc). There are also a high number of entries that could not be downloaded, or were in the wrong file format.
On average (35 months of tracking), we currently have a disqualification rate of 25,98% (compared to last game's 25,94% avg), the rate is slightly increasing again. The disqualification rate over the course of the last 12 games (February 2023 to December 2024) is about 27,35% (previously 26,96%) and is also increasing again.
I more than strongly recommend all participants to pay attention to each Mix Pack bundled "TL;DR Rules.txt". |
A commentary on this month's entries:
I would like to extend a welcome to all new participants who have found their way to our little community. It is also great to see previous users revisiting the game. I hope this Mix(ing) Challenge was once again interesting, and you enjoy your stay.
As stated in previous Mix(ing) Challenges, future detailed "follow-up posts" will be a rare occurrence. These posts take up a lot of time, and I can only get so much done in the day. This section will eventually vanish in 2025 and you have to learn how to read the provided PDFs.
Please still have an eye on the following:
- There were too many entries that could not be downloaded, or vanished mid game. Don't just "upload", post a link, and then walk away. Triple check with another device and/or when you are logged out of your browser that the file is really accessible, even after the deadline (at least until the start of Mix Round 2).
- You do not(!) need to rewrite the provided Filename Template yourself. Just copy/paste and replace "ForumUsername" after the two underscores with your username that you have on the Mix Challenge community forum. Check for white spaces or misplaced double-underscores prior to uploading.
- The Multitrack Mix Pack bundled TL;DR Rules.txt explicitly mentions that space should be left at the beginning and end of a mix. Do not edit shorter than the specified minimum. This is mentioned for a reason.
- To those that use DAW with "Automatic Loudness Normalization during rendering" (more and more DAWs do this, and this is apparent with all entries that are exactly at -16,0 LUFS ILk), please be aware that this happens after(!) the file has been rendered, which can result in unwanted overshots. Triple check that everything is in order before uploading the file. This also means that you should check the sampling rate and bitrate again. do not use any mechanisms for "automatic loudness normalization" and leave a headroom of at least -0.5 LU (-16,5 LUFS ILk) and -2,00 dBTP. Especially if your "safety limiter" is not ISP safe.
- The idea of "documenting" serves as an additional learning factor for the community. This is reminiscent of the days when people used to write down on large sheets of paper (templates) how a channel strip was set up, which effect units were used and what settings they had. With the Mix Challenge, you don't have to go into so much detail. In fact, it's not helpful to just post a list of the gear you used. Neither does a generalization of what you did ("a bit of automation, a bit of tidying up, hope you like it, feedback welcome"). You are asked to merely document one sound you enjoyed sculpting. For example - the lead vocal and the chorus vocals. Go into detail, share tips. Talk about what you think others should pay attention to.
To close this out.
I am happy and grateful that we had the chance to work on such a unique production. Yet I am a little disappointed by the high Disqualification Rate once again. In fact, if MC101 had run for the regular time frame, there would have been only 58 entries and 15 disqualifications. However, this is still a Disqualification Rate of 25,86 %. And I do not understand why this is still a recurring theme - especially from regulars.
Granted - mistakes can happen. And unlike other games of this type, with the "Mix(ing) Challenge" you have the interaction with the "client" (Song Provider), and are made aware of your slight mistakes. You may even get the chance to fix them with a follow-up Mix Round. However, I really can not do any more reminders than in the multiple starting posts, the bundled TL;DR TXTs and the Newsletter. The participants always have detailed information how a finished mix has to be provided. Everything is is really explained in minute detail. It is at your own discretion to pay attention.
As closing words for this section -- once more thank you to everyone that invested time with this month's game. And an additional thank you to everyone that keeps spreading the word about the Mix Challenge. I hope you could learn something, and had fun in the process.
See you in the next challenge.
.
I now (re-)open the field for everyone to give each other feedback (highly encouraged). This will be independent to the client feedback however. Though please note - (harsh / misplaced) criticism on the rule set and angry posts will be deleted without further notice.
Please watch this spot for the client feedback and Mix Round 2 participant announcement.
This will ideally happen sometime within the next 14 days (starting tomorrow).
We (as in: the Song Provider and I) will keep you updated, and of course send out appropriate reminder newsletters!
EDIT: 28-DEC-2024 11:45 UTC+1/CET - initial post
The Songwriting Competition 088 (SWC088) just ended.
I now (re-)open the field for everyone to give each other feedback (highly encouraged). This will be independent to the client feedback however. Though please note - (harsh / misplaced) criticism on the rule set and angry posts will be deleted without further notice.