Compression in Orchestral Music??

[orest]

I don't use either compression, limiter nor automation. BUT sometimes I can play very soft on my keyboard and than play it harder. I sent a couple of new songs to one of my libraries, one of them got denied because he said I shouldn't make any unrealistic volume changes. I told him that I don't do that at all, I play everything live. Maybe I should have used compression to make it more realistic than?The only effects I use are EQ and Reverb. As mentioned before, I do use compressor on synth sounds, but not "realistic" sounds.

[georginasaint]

I've experimented with compression on my orchestral pieces. (I'm also using EWQL Gold) and I really don't like the result. Even a tiny bit gives the instruments a harsh tone, to my ear.I also don't add reverb because EWgold already has it and any more makes it noticeable. I just added a tiny bit of reverb recently on a piece I added live strings to. I have used EQ a tiny bit on select EW instruments if they are too, too quiet. Wrong or right - I don't know - I just trust my ears!Very interesting discussion!!Georgie

[djbobm]

Wow, that was fast! Thanks everyone for such a quick reply. There is a lot of good stuff here.Thanks fullbirdmusic, Mazz (as always), mojobone (The links are great. I’ll study them all.), Scott, Waltzmastering, Suz (Thanks for chiming in.), Orest, and Georgie for taking the time to share your expertise. I want to be able to do orchestral and hybrid pieces for TV and movies (the kinds of things that are asked for by Taxi listings)and to be able to write effectively in as many styles as possible. (pretty much the same as a lot of people on the forums) All this info helps. This is all very exciting. I still have a way to go but I’m happy to report that things are improving.I’m currently installing the Logic 9 upgrade on my iMac. Installations and upgrades always make me nervous.Continued success to all!Bob