Inspirational Piano Return

[anthil]

Good morning fellow composers and producers.

I got a return for this piece saying that the strings didn't sound realistic enough. I was told to use more modulation and expression and less quantization on the short strings. I'm aware to not overdo the quantization and I definitely did use modulation and expression so that the strings "breathe." So other than that, does anyone have any tips on how to make the strings sound more realistic? Should I just layer other string libraries? Maybe layer with solo string libraries to get the sound more "upfront" and intimate? Was wondering what you would do to increase the strings' realism.

Thanks so much for listening.

WHISPERS OF HOPE

[RealPickle]

Hi Anthony,

I like the track, esp the bridge at 1:10, but I agree that the strings sound pretty synth-y to my ears. I'm by no means an expert, but I've been on a journey the last few months with the exact same thing: A number of returns where "string realism" was the only criticism, and slowly I've figured out how to do it so that's no longer a comment (for now...stay tuned!)

Without knowing what string library you use, I'd say all of your questions about how to improve are on the right track. It sounds to me like you are using just one patch for each instrument. I typically use 3 for my legato sounds, including one solo patch. Mixing those three is key, but you can experiment to find the sound you want/need.

Regarding automation, it sounds like you are doing something with modulation and expression, but maybe not in the ways that makes things most realistic? There are a number of good videos out there on how to do this (and a number of really terrible/useless ones too). This one in particular I found really helpful: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUmStR0kWh4

As for quantization, to me it's not just lining up the attacks but also the releases that sounds funny to me on this track. It feels like not only do the notes attack together but the all release exactly together too, it's just a bit too mechanical--If the staccatos aren't all overly quantized, then this might be an issue of your choice of string library? Only other thing I can think of is are the velocities the same on all the notes? If so, definitely vary those.

The final thing I'd mention is EQ. I'm no mixing expert but to my ear part of what makes this sound less realistic is the frequency range of each instrument sounds really narrow and thin to me. Again, that could be a library issue but you could also try playing with EQ to see if it helps.

Take all of that for whatever it's worth, and good luck!

[anthil]

Thank you RealPickle for listening and lending your advice, I appreciate it!
It's very helpful as you've nudged me on the right track and gave me more to listen for.
Sometimes I get stuck with going, "it sounds good, I don't know how to improve it," so getting the extra ears and opinions on it is valuable.
I'll make improvements to it and post an update at a later date.