Since I started working on game music I had my eyes on dynamically mixed sounds and compositions, and how to create it. I'm not a programmer, even though I believe I have enough of a foundation of maths and logic to build upon, and I feel I've reached (or about the reach) a place where I'm comfortable to focus on audio programming.

But I don't know where to start.

I know of FMOD and WWise, and this path will probably eventually lead me to one of their doorsteps, but I don't know if I'm supposed to dive right in or if there is a middle ground - kinda like Unity of audio programming, for lack of a better example.

I'd be very thankful of anyone that points me to a direction and tells me why they chose that one.

Hello there. I've been posting and lurking around in the Audio section and the DevBlog section for a while, but I have only today saw this thread, so here is my obligatory introduction:

I'm Dogac, a composer and part-time audio guy. I enjoy games that empower me and enhance my skills, as opposed to my avatar in the game, or that let me experience, explore and have an impact on my surroundings. When I'm in dire need of something to procrastinate on, I start thinking about games and game design, letting my dreams on an extremely competitive RTS with a very smooth learning curve or a non-linear isometric RPG that I can experience my awesome unique adventure destroy my sociology finals.

Or something or other.

I hope I'm not too late

http://soundcloud.com/dogacyavuz/kill-your-inner-adult

Congratulations Rob, and thanks for the feedback Sam! 

Good one Yoshimitsu, I really like the acoustic metal sound and yours is spot on.

Here's mine: http://soundcloud.com/polimat/laudanum

Agreed! I already have one I'm working on, could be done any minute.

["Dreams of a Drunken Detective" by somnia / Doğaç Yavuz]

Congratulations Sam, I'M curiously waiting what you will throw at us next time. Don't take too long!

"Dreams of a Drunken Detective" by somnia / Doğaç Yavuz

Nice ambience sounds, interesting melodies and a broken-sounding beat give this track a very chilly and tense feel. The title is quite appropriate, too. The coolest thing about your music is the way the chords intertwine, conveying the search for more evidence in a strange setting. Although I have to admit the effects on the drums may be a bit too much and tired my ears pretty quick. On the other hand, that can be the whole point. No need to be to humble!

Thanks for the detailed feedback Moritz, and I agree with all of your criticism actually. As I said, it was kind of a rush job, so I didn't have time to refine things, and especially the drums needed a lot of cleaning. Next time I won't start so late I hope. 

Aaand here I am with a last second entry:
http://soundcloud.com/polimat/dreams-of-a-drunken-detective

All the other entries are superb though, I don't think I stand a chance. 

Is it mandatory to compose a new piece especially for the challenge? I'm asking cause I have some earlier work that fits the requirements.

I agree with Gavin, your violin performance is awesome. May I ask what software/plugins/library etc you use for the other stuff? Mainly in the orchestral ones.