Work In Progress

[Gray Wolf]

Genre

Orchestral

Instruments

Cinesamples Musio

Something I started composing this morning. Spent most of that time on the intro section so the main part is a bit bare at the moment. Long way to go to flesh that fully out.

 

[lokeyfly]

Sounds good GW, and I always try to promote positive thoughts, even when the idea is partial. Keep it up, and finish this nice orchestral flow that has some build ups, and dramatic elements. So far, its painting a picture!

If I may, as this is a WIP, I have two immediate thoughts on what I'm hearing level wise.
1. One of the solo violins comes in several times way too loud. Its over the other violin section and doesnt sound natural.
2. On the theme of natural, close your eyes and place more emphasis on the position of the players in the orchestra. It wouldn't matter if the piece is a real orchestral performance, or a cinematic soundtrack. The orchestra must sit right and be believable. While the percussion is nicely added for the drama you set in place, the position of those tympani's sound both too dry, and too up front. They literally sound like they are center stage, and sort of in their own booth. There are two ways to fix that. First, don't position them by reverb. Position by using a transient shaper. Transient shapers are especially effective with percussion. It's a wonderful treatment and goes a long way in shaping that needed spacial distance. Also consider if the percussion group is towards the left or right center (and rear).
Do the same with the solo violin that comes at around 00:35. Nice that at 00:34 that crescendo occurs. Only the violin is too on top of everything.
I know, you're just working the idea out, and its coming along great! Just think position of the listeneing space (soundstage) while you work because I'm a firm believer that position of the mix is well served to add to the musical entity. Almost immediately.
Keep it going. Very nice, so far.

 

[Gray Wolf]

Thanks. I appreciate the feedback.

My focus at this stage is more just playing the parts I hear in my head, trying to get the right musical parts, not so much the mix balances or panning yet, but I do agree with your observations. The balances there are definitely rough.

I do think I need to modulate that transition to E though, when the intro part ends. I'll experiment with that.

Thanks,

 

[lokeyfly]

Thanks. I appreciate the feedback.

My focus at this stage is more just playing the parts I hear in my head, trying to get the right musical parts, not so much the mix balances or panning yet, but I do agree with your observations. The balances there are definitely rough.

Well, rough is rough, and a too detailed mix is going to be just too detailed for the immediate task at hand. Think of the mix as forming quick and easy, ambient continuity. Mix at this juncture doesnt mean the orchestra is all set up and positioned. Not at all. But somehow in the structure of the parts, a single violin, just dry and louder over the string section, or percussion that is so up front will probably step on the compositional feel. That should also help in the next passage which is likely where you want to go. Maybe an oboe accompanies a piccolo, or woodwinds build from behind. The point is adopt some levels and relevant reverb to the parts, now.
A quick fix for now could be create a reverb send where each track created shares a similar single reverb send. Then, you'll have some continuity to your space.
...... just a thought to build on is all.

I do think I need to modulate that transition to E though, when the intro part ends. I'll experiment with that.

Thanks

Sounds great! Enjoy!

 

[Craig Anderton]

I have a comment that has nothing to do with the music. With string samples in general, I often hear some harshness and I'm hearing it here. My fix is to insert a deep, narrow notch. The exact frequency depends on the library, and with a super-narrow notch, it's hard to dial in the exact resonance you want to reduce. Usually I boost the gain on the filter, sweep the frequency, listen to whatever frequency sounds most distorted and harsh, and then drop the gain. It often makes orchestral sounds warmer and have a more "organic" sound.

 

[Gray Wolf]

You are 100% correct. Those are Cinesample strings which (in this case) has a resonance that needs EQ as you stated. I probably just also needed to pull back on the dynamics controller a little as well to smooth out the sound a bit.

I prefer Spitfire strings in general over the other ones I own, MUSIO and Synchron Prime. Spitfire string libraries are just really smooth - but the BBCSO Core library I own doesn't have an ensemble. I'll probably replace those string beds with Albion One at some point though. Albion One strings are great as well.

 

[lokeyfly]

Something I started composing this morning.

....and of course, we look forward to hearing the rest as it unfolds.

Spent most of that time on the intro section so the main part is a bit bare at the moment. Long way to go to flesh that fully out.

Craig and I merely stoking the embers, of the fire within.
Nice so far, Gray Wolf.