How Is This String Sound? (New Mix version)

[johndalenow]

In addition to adding modulation and backing off the decibels about 2.5 from about 100 to 500 hz to reduce the "mud," I've layered the BBC Strings with the Cinematic Studio Strings (recommended by Taxi head screener). Violas enter first then the violins and the last third of the cue has the cell and basses enter. Comments are greatly appreciated.

https://soundcloud.com/john-dale-music/ ... al_sharing

[gitanosoy]

If it is the final mix/master then I have to comment on the timing of the piano melody right at the first few seconds of the track and other section of the composition, the timing of the melody is a bit off, need to execute it better than it is now. As for the strings the volume/velocity/articulation need work still along with the right reverb, Then the mix of the strings shifts to the left from 0.35 seconds, you need to work on the panning/position of each string instruments on stage in addition to tips and tricks.


good luck..

[johndalenow]

If it is the final mix/master then I have to comment on the timing of the piano melody right at the first few seconds of the track and other section of the composition, the timing of the melody is a bit off, need to execute it better than it is now. As for the strings the volume/velocity/articulation need work still along with the right reverb, Then the mix of the strings shifts to the left from 0.35 seconds, you need to work on the panning/position of each string instruments on stage in addition to tips and tricks.


good luck..

What do you think of the timbre of the strings? Is the sustained sound alone, realistic?

[calumupton]

The string instruments themselves sound great, yes. Good investment

[johndalenow]

The string instruments themselves sound great, yes. Good investment

I appreciate your comment. Thank you!

[johndalenow]

Here's a new mix. Whadaya think?

https://soundcloud.com/john-dale-music/ ... al_sharing

[Paulie]

Much nicer sounding strings! Now the next step is to work on the mix. There are times when the strings are too loud and overpower the piano. Always be aware of which instrument the listener is supposed to focus on. For example, at 0:38, the strings get loud and cover up the piano movement.

Also, the piano playing itself is still a little loose, it might not get past a screener. Piano music on television today is top notch, performances are very clean, precise, with good time and feel. If you are recording a real piano, you can still clean up the timing using the quantize feature in most DAWs. You don't want to make it sound robotic, but you do want some more consistency with the tempo (you can select a certain percentage when you quantize... perhaps 60% or 90%... trial and error work best. Just be sure to listen to the quantized audio in solo mode so you can hear if there are any weird clicks or distortions created by the quantizing function.

[calumupton]

As far as I can remember the strings are sitting more nicely in the mix now, but to my ears they aren't sounding as realistic as they did...! Without the first version for reference I can't say exactly why, but for one thing I'd watch out for accidentally losing realism when adding modulation/expression. A few passages have this bell-like effect, where every note swells:



It's a musical decision so totally up to you, but the above is making the strings sound - maybe not to general listeners but to me, and therefore probably TAXI screeners - a little reminiscent of a synth pad.

Phrases that sound more like this will allow the nice string libraries to show off their realism - real legato transitions etc:



Another quick thought, the basses from around 1:20 make things feel a bit right-heavy. It might be nice for this track if they sat in the middle

[johndalenow]

Much nicer sounding strings! Now the next step is to work on the mix. There are times when the strings are too loud and overpower the piano. Always be aware of which instrument the listener is supposed to focus on. For example, at 0:38, the strings get loud and cover up the piano movement.

Also, the piano playing itself is still a little loose, it might not get past a screener. Piano music on television today is top notch, performances are very clean, precise, with good time and feel. If you are recording a real piano, you can still clean up the timing using the quantize feature in most DAWs. You don't want to make it sound robotic, but you do want some more consistency with the tempo (you can select a certain percentage when you quantize... perhaps 60% or 90%... trial and error work best. Just be sure to listen to the quantized audio in solo mode so you can hear if there are any weird clicks or distortions created by the quantizing function.

Thanks much, Paulie. Your comments are always most appreciated and helpful. Best! John