The "Overview of Submissions" PDFs have been uploaded.
You can check them through the
upper post (post #128).
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",
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 28,42% for June 2024 (95 entries, 27 disqualifications, 0 "Out of Competition" submission not counting).
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).
On average (32 months of tracking), we currently have a disqualification rate of 25,90% (compared to last game's 25,78% avg), the rate is increasing again. The disqualification rate over the course of the last 12 games (August 2022 to June 2024) is about 26,99% (previously 25,78%), and is also increasing again. This is also due to the fact, that the participation amount went from 48 in February, to 88 in April, to 95 in June.
I strongly recommend all participants to pay more attention to details in future games. |
A commentary on this month's entries:
I once more extend my welcome to all new participants who have found their way into our little community, and I'm also happy to see users return that haven't done so in many months. I hope this Mix(ing) Challenge was once more exciting and you enjoy your stay - maybe even for more games to come.
As announced in MC097 / April - future detailed "follow-up posts" will now be a rare occurrence. So I will try to keep things short, to the point, and only talk about the outliers this month.
There are three entries that were fully "tagged OUT" (no chance to advance) due to the fact, that they either used Drum Sample Replacement (which is not allowed), were non sanctioned re-uploads, and/or "no longer accessible" by the time the deadline has been reached.
Sadly, 10 participants didn't pay attention regarding file format distribution (most notably the bitrate). About 8 users still can not simply copy/paste/edit the provided filename template either. Another topic was the song length. That means, not only were the
Rules and Guidelines (post #006, Upload and Submission Guidelines, 13th bullet point) ignored, but also the
TL;DR Rules in both the forum form and Mix Pack bundled TXT, what was mentioned and highlighted in
post #001, and the additional summary with the newly established
post #003 to prevent recurring "mistakes" like this.
Some entries in the the Statistic Sheets have additional commentary like "Arrangement Alterations". In case of
@VolTheProducer's entry, vocal compoing (as in: the technique to re-combine different vocal takes) was used to fix a vocal section towards the end of the song. Since these corrected parts were taken from other/previous takes, this would result in a change of the arrangement. Yes, even though you can not really hear that change in the final product. After some back-and-forth behind the scenes, I made an executive decision and marked this entry as "tagged disqualified" (it can therefore advance into Mix Round 2 with the help of using up a
Wild Card, should the Song Provider select this entry). With
@Gunnar's and
@ggibson1988's entries, I have actually been very lenient, as the vocal takes were handled like the usual "bass clone / frequency split" trick to add "some more" to the chorus sections. These are the same parts, just "doubled" and not taken from a different section of the song. Unless I misunderstood the documentation and my ears fooled me. I can only go by the provided documentation and listening to the entry.
There were additional conversations behind the scenes regarding possible pitch shifting and single hit alterations of the provided drum recording.
It was decided that one main focus for this game was on "creating a pleasing and coherent drum sound". There will be no penalties for those who went a bit more "wild". This topic might be handled different in the future (it's always a case-by-case basis).
To close this out.
I am more than overjoyed with the participation amount. The disqualification rate of about 25% to 27% on avg seem to be a staple for the Mix Challenge now. Still, a lot of these mishaps didn't need to happen. At least this month, nearly all entries have been accessible.
A huge thank you to everyone that invested time with this month's game. And also a huge 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 - 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-JUN-2024 06:30 UTC+2/CEST - initial post
The "Overview of Submissions" PDFs have been uploaded.
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 - criticism on the rule set and angry posts will be deleted without further notice.