Gate of Thunder - Remastered by Electrohaze

the haze · 09/08/2016, 12:32 PM

Greetings turbo fans,

You may, or may have not heard...

I decided to remaster all the CD Audio in Gate of Thunder.

I know someone did release an iso with boosted audio levels a while back...

But I decided I wanted to really go into those tracks and work on them, bring them back to life.

Anyway, I finished it.

You can learn more about the project, and download it here:
http://electrohaze.com/duo/got_r.shtml

Enjoy!

tbone3969 · 09/08/2016, 12:40 PM

Quote from: the haze on 09/08/2016, 12:32 PMGreetings turbo fans,

You may, or may have not heard...
I decided to remaster all the CD Audio in Gate of Thunder.
I know someone did release an iso with boosted audio levels a while back...
But I decided I wanted to really go into those tracks and work on them, bring them back to life.
Anyway, I finished it.

You learn more about the project, and download it here:
http://electrohaze.com/duo/got_r.shtml

Enjoy!

Wow this looks amazing. Can't wait to throw it in my DUO hooked up to my stereo system. Thank you.

I just downloaded it and it seems all the sound files are in FLAC. I assume I have to convert to Wav before burning. What do you think?

I am also gonna check this out with Nightwolve's Turbo Rip to see if it has the proper TOC info.

the haze · 09/08/2016, 12:46 PM

Read the "readme" file inside the archive...

To quickly explain:

Use ImgBurn: http://www.imgburn.com/index.php?act=download
If fail, install codec pack: http://codecguide.com/download_kl.htm

ImageBurn will convert to wave before burning if the codec is installed....
(I just added these directions to the site too)

This is how I burned my copy!

Enjoy!

esteban · 09/08/2016, 10:52 PM

I have not had a chance to check this out yet, but...........

I LOVE PROJECTS LIKE THIS!

Final verdict: forthcoming...

the haze · 09/09/2016, 12:24 AM

Quote from: esteban on 09/08/2016, 10:52 PMI have not had a chance to check this out yet, but...........

I LOVE PROJECTS LIKE THIS!

Final verdict: forthcoming...

Glad you approve sir. I was sorta working on the Ys Special Edition project, featuring remixes and such. But It was a little too ambitious of a project at the time. Hopefully I will be getting some more remasters like this done soon and return to remixes when my new laptop arrives.

ginoscope · 09/09/2016, 10:25 AM

Thanks for doing this it looks really cool. I just recently got a lil 2 channel amp that I use when I play old CD games like Turbo and Sega CD and it sounds amazing.

I will have to try this out this weekend and let you know what I think. Gate of Thunder is one of my favorite games so I will notice the change right away.

JoshTurboTrollX · 09/09/2016, 02:33 PM

SOME SORTA MAJIK HERE!! The soundtrack is so awesome! Great work DarkCity Mang!!

exodus · 09/09/2016, 07:37 PM

Just booted it up here - sounds good! I guess you pretty much brought the levels up on everything that was quiet? It sounds like everything is roughly leveled the same, now.

tbone3969 · 09/09/2016, 10:13 PM

Wow. It really sounds great. Thank you for the remix and thanks for that cool program that converts FLAC to WAV right in ImgBurn.

the haze · 09/10/2016, 07:17 AM

Quote from: exodus on 09/09/2016, 07:37 PMJust booted it up here - sounds good! I guess you pretty much brought the levels up on everything that was quiet? It sounds like everything is roughly leveled the same, now.

More or less, yes that's what I did. But, unfortunately it's not as simple as just applying a normalize filter...
On some tracks I actually went in and applied EQ's to different parts of the song.
Lots of adjustments per song to try to get the sound I felt was correct....

Anyways, glad you guys like it! Working on another game now! Guess which one.

edamame · 09/10/2016, 12:13 PM

Do Download 2

Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Tapatalk

the haze · 09/10/2016, 02:24 PM

Ok, I'll do Download 2.

Get it now.

Join the Dark City Productions Facebook group to find download link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/269631716731726/[/url]

Killjoyy027 · 09/10/2016, 03:31 PM

Looking forward to downloading this , thanks for the remix.

edamame · 09/11/2016, 03:54 PM

I've been playing the remastered Download 2, it sounds awesome!

Thanks for doing this, I've had the music from this game stuck in my head for awhile so I've been meaning to play it again

the haze · 09/11/2016, 10:48 PM

Quote from: edamame on 09/11/2016, 03:54 PMI've been playing the remastered Download 2, it sounds awesome!

Thanks for doing this, I've had the music from this game stuck in my head for awhile so I've been meaning to play it again

Glad you are enjoying it! I just played and cleared the remastered version myself.

That was a hard one to do, I really wanted do more to those tracks, the source material made things a bit limited....

I was in the mood play Lords of Thunder last night, and although it's CDA isn't super bad like Download 2, it could use some remastering...

spenoza · 09/11/2016, 11:32 PM

Lord of Thunder has a nice raw edge, but the sound engineer over-compressed the music's dynamic range, IMO. There are some nice hard hits that get a bit too quiet in a desperate attempt to keep the volume completely steady.

SignOfZeta · 09/12/2016, 01:49 AM

Quote from: guest on 09/11/2016, 11:32 PMLord of Thunder has a nice raw edge, but the sound engineer over-compressed the music's dynamic range, IMO. There are some nice hard hits that get a bit too quiet in a desperate attempt to keep the volume completely steady.

Bass wasn't discovered in Japan until 1997.

the haze · 09/12/2016, 09:43 AM

Quote from: guest on 09/11/2016, 11:32 PMLord of Thunder has a nice raw edge, but the sound engineer over-compressed the music's dynamic range, IMO. There are some nice hard hits that get a bit too quiet in a desperate attempt to keep the volume completely steady.

Going over the tracks now, and what you said is really starting to become clear.

Psycho Punch · 09/12/2016, 10:04 AM

Quote from: tbone3969 on 09/08/2016, 12:40 PMWow this looks amazing.

It is a music-only mod.

tbone3969 · 09/12/2016, 10:06 AM

Quote from: Psycho Punch on 09/12/2016, 10:04 AM
Quote from: tbone3969 on 09/08/2016, 12:40 PMWow this looks amazing.
It is a music-only mod.

Good point....

Wow this sounds amazing!

NecroPhile · 09/12/2016, 10:47 AM

This stuff is cool and all, but linking to ROMs and ISOs is one of the few real no-nos here. Either pare the links down to omit the data tracks (nobody seems to give a shit about downloading music) or remove the links altogether and let people googlerins fro comptints.

the haze · 09/12/2016, 09:37 PM

Quote from: NecroPhile on 09/12/2016, 10:47 AMThis stuff is cool and all, but linking to ROMs and ISOs is one of the few real no-nos here. Either pare the links down to omit the data tracks (nobody seems to give a shit about downloading music) or remove the links altogether and let people googlerins fro comptints.

No direct downloads linked in the forum. You gotta visit the pages to download.
Good enough? Yes, I think so. Let's move on.

Lords of Thunder is all over the place! Some tracks are totally fine, but others aren't in very good shape... I had one that was 90% void of bass! Not much I can do with that one without taking it into a music production app and applying filters and other shit...

spenoza · 09/13/2016, 06:35 PM

Fortunately, PCE music tracks are mastered pretty low, so I don't think you'll have to worry much about clipping.

the haze · 09/16/2016, 02:05 AM

Quote from: guest on 09/13/2016, 06:35 PMFortunately, PCE music tracks are mastered pretty low, so I don't think you'll have to worry much about clipping.

Yep, but one must take care when boosting levels and EQing to not clip audio. Clipping sounds like ass.

the haze · 09/20/2016, 04:35 AM

I just finished doing Lords of Thunder as well.

If you want it, you will need to visit my FB group, as I don't have a webpage made for it yet.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/269631716731726/

vacantplanets · 09/29/2016, 02:51 AM

Quote from: the haze on 09/16/2016, 02:05 AM
Quote from: guest on 09/13/2016, 06:35 PMFortunately, PCE music tracks are mastered pretty low, so I don't think you'll have to worry much about clipping.
Yep, but one must take care when boosting levels and EQing to not clip audio. Clipping sounds like ass.

Can't wait to hear your work. I was the one amplifying the soundtracks after I saw SamIAm's post about it.

If you're interested, here is a clipper plugin for mastering. It's transparent and doesn't cause distortion. It can be used to increase loudness without using compression and of course you shouldn't lose any dynamic range. It's brand new and there's a free trial. I'm a guitar player and I found out about it because it's made by the same people who make the amp simulator I use. http://kazrog.com/products/kclip/

I vote for Sapphire, Dungeon Explorer II, and Spriggan.

NightWolve · 09/30/2016, 02:00 PM

Darn, I dunno where to download and store these things long-term...

Folder organization fatigue, overloaded, help... :/

Anyway, noted, I'll give it a listen some time.

the haze · 10/02/2016, 04:18 AM

Quote from: vacantplanets on 09/29/2016, 02:51 AMCan't wait to hear your work. I was the one amplifying the soundtracks after I saw SamIAm's post about it.

If you're interested, here is a clipper plugin for mastering. It's transparent and doesn't cause distortion. It can be used to increase loudness without using compression and of course you shouldn't lose any dynamic range. It's brand new and there's a free trial. I'm a guitar player and I found out about it because it's made by the same people who make the amp simulator I use. http://kazrog.com/products/kclip/

I vote for Sapphire, Dungeon Explorer II, and Spriggan.

Cool man, thanks for the link, I'll totally check out the VST.

For whatever reason, whenever I try to use filters and VSTs I don't get the results I like and go back to my old style of EQing in different parts and so on.

Anyway, I hope you like the results I have come up with.

Dungeon Explorer II is really in need for some work, I must agree.

Quote from: NightWolve on 09/30/2016, 02:00 PMDarn, I dunno where to download and store these things long-term...

Folder organization fatigue, overloaded, help... :/

Anyway, noted, I'll give it a listen some time.

The struggle is real isn't it?! Lol... I don't plan on going anywhere, and will be hosting them on my site for as long as it is up.

Like, download them, burn them to disc and play them when time permits?

Do you have the links to all 3 releases so far?

I also suffer from folder organization fatigue and overload...

JoshTurboTrollX · 11/22/2016, 11:03 AM

Finally got around to doing a comparison video of Remastered vs. Original of Electrohaze's work on Download 2.

Check it!

esadajr · 11/22/2016, 11:31 AM

thanks for sharing the love. Can't wait to hear it.

CrackTiger · 11/22/2016, 12:31 PM

Quote from: JoshTurboTrollX-16 on 11/22/2016, 11:03 AMFinally got around to doing a comparison video of Remastered vs. Original of Electrohaze's work on Download 2.

Check it!

I haven't tried any of these, but judging from this video, the remastered tracks are too loud and overpower the sound effects. Some of the higher pitched instruments stand out while the rest seem lost in the background and I have to lower the volume to handle those main instruments, which pretty much loses the sound effects altogether. It seems like the remastered tracks might be better to listen to on their own depending on personal preference, but as they are in that video, they don't function as background music and Download 2 already had a good balance between sound effects and bgm.

esteban · 11/22/2016, 08:35 PM

Unlike Black_Tiger, I hate when SFX are too loud. I much prefer the remastered version, even if there are some "flaws" with it

ToyMachine78 · 11/24/2016, 09:42 AM

Quote from: esteban on 11/22/2016, 08:35 PMUnlike Black_Tiger, I hate when SFX are too loud. I much prefer the remastered version, even if there are some "flaws" with it

I agree. I really hate how the sfx overpower the bgm in GoT. I prefer louder music, especially when the music is such a showcase as in the Thunder games.

If the music is more ambient, elevator type music, then I don't mind it being quieter and more in the background.

neopolss · 11/24/2016, 09:41 PM

What sound system are you guys using to play this stuff? I'm running mine through a Pioneer sx 650 with the bass levels upticked a hair, and it sounds plenty good with near max volume (the only way to play). If anything, I would adjust volume level on sfx a bit lower, but I have no issue with low volume here!

jperryss · 11/27/2016, 05:47 PM

Awesome, I can't wait to check out the LoT remix! Link is broken, though...

vacantplanets · 11/27/2016, 06:04 PM

Quote from: jperryss on 11/27/2016, 05:47 PMAwesome, I can't wait to check out the LoT remix! Link is broken, though...

If you're interested, soon he's going to make a nice custom double CD case for Lords and Gate together. With printed labels, etc.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/269631716731726/

the haze · 11/29/2016, 08:58 PM

QuoteI haven't tried any of these, but judging from this video, the remastered tracks are too loud and overpower the sound effects. Some of the higher pitched instruments stand out while the rest seem lost in the background and I have to lower the volume to handle those main instruments, which pretty much loses the sound effects altogether. It seems like the remastered tracks might be better to listen to on their own depending on personal preference, but as they are in that video, they don't function as background music and Download 2 already had a good balance between sound effects and bgm.

Of course I may be a bit biased (since I made it), but I disagree 100%. The music was recorded at WAY TO LOW of volume levels. The sound effects overpower the music. I took great care in this project to make sure the the music louder and sound better, but NEVER over power the sound effects. Download 2 is one of my all time favorite games, after the remaster project I actually played through the entire remastered version. Trust me, I know this game and it's sound VERY WELL. As I have cleared the original MANY TIMES. Anyway, I did not hear any sound effects overpowered by the music during my play-through. If this was the case, I would have gone in and fixed it. YouTube does give you a pretty good idea, but it's not perfect. It's been heavily processed. It's not a true 100% representation of the experience.

I understand what you are saying, and I value your opinion BT. But I think Download 2 has some of the worst balance between sound effects and music out of almost any other PCE CD game ever released.

As for listening to the music on it's own. Sure it will sound ok, but If that was my intention, I would have actually mastered the audio at even higher levels. In the case of Download 2, I did still hold back to allow the sound effects to be heard...

Of course, everyone's ears are different and everyone has the right to their own opinion. I, however think this is a perfect balance and must be tried for real before a final opinion can be made.

ZachSpears · 11/29/2016, 09:06 PM

I bought one, and I think the level of the music is actually complimentary to the sound effects now as opposed to before where the BGM sounded like it was hiding "behind" the SFX. The two actually compliment each other more than before. I've listened to it on a small CRT and also running through my Pioneer RX-721

FraGMarE · 12/02/2016, 12:57 PM

From my personal experience remastering tracks for Super Raiden, PCE/TG CD games should be normalized down to about -20db RMS

the haze · 02/17/2017, 09:52 AM

Hey kids,

I am giving away ONE of the two mock-up copies of "Gate and Lords of Thunder - Remastered"
I made before the 50 something batch I made (which in now gone)

It features a large laminated printout out the most excellent pinup girl drawn for the inside cover, special "doofy the dragon" stickers, and candy!

Contest ends Monday 02/20/17 at midnight Tokyo Standard Time.

Details on how to enter are in my Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/269631716731726/

NecroPhile · 02/17/2017, 10:17 AM

Only for FB peeps. Lame.

Cute girly though.

the haze · 02/17/2017, 10:20 AM

Quote from: NecroPhile on 02/17/2017, 10:17 AMOnly for FB peeps. Lame.

Cute girly though.

Why did I know this was coming.

Even my 90 year old uncle is on Facebook dude. Anyway, I shall give the forums an exclusive contest too in the future! :

tbone3969 · 02/17/2017, 10:27 AM

Please enter me into the raffle.

JoshTurboTrollX · 02/17/2017, 10:42 AM

Quote from: NecroPhile on 02/17/2017, 10:17 AMOnly for FB peeps. Lame.

Cute girly though.

Just use your fake alt account and sign up!!

Electrohaze- good on you for sharing the love! You put a shit ton of effort into your remastery and hope some lucky PCFXer gets to experience it soon!!

the haze · 02/17/2017, 10:49 AM

What Josh said, lol.

JoshTurboTrollX · 02/17/2017, 11:07 AM

Quote from: the haze on 02/17/2017, 10:49 AM
Quote from: JoshTurboTrollX-16 on 09/15/2016, 09:29 AMI once witnessed Electrohaze actually fuck a sheep!
What Josh said, lol.

You got some 'splainin' Timmy!

the haze · 02/17/2017, 02:28 PM

Lies!!!

Wait, wtf? where did that quote come from? I confused.

esteban · 02/17/2017, 03:38 PM

Quote from: the haze on 02/17/2017, 10:20 AM
Quote from: NecroPhile on 02/17/2017, 10:17 AMOnly for FB peeps. Lame.

Cute girly though.
Why did I know this was coming.

Even my 90 year old uncle is on Facebook dude. Anyway, I shall give the forums an exclusive contest too in the future! :

Damn.

Bookface

Gredler · 02/17/2017, 07:49 PM

I've been trying to beat this game again recently, I suck so bad and always get blocked at the last level. I will download this and give it a try, perhaps more thumping tunes can get me over the hurdle!!

Thanks again for sharing this!

the haze · 02/17/2017, 09:54 PM

Quote from: Gredler on 02/17/2017, 07:49 PMI've been trying to beat this game again recently, I suck so bad and always get blocked at the last level. I will download this and give it a try, perhaps more thumping tunes can get me over the hurdle!!

Thanks again for sharing this!

The end of Gate of Thunder has also been kicking my ass for years... I need to practice more!

10/31/2023: Localization News - Dead of the Brain 1!

Gate of Thunder - Remastered by Electrohaze