Untitled work in progress- thoughts very welcome

[Cruciform]

Hi Morgan,

You certainly did change the feel! I really like it, and I like the build. All the elements are there now. It does need more work on the production though. Through 0:42-1:40 the instrument sounds are thin (to my ears). If you want the big epic filmscore sound, try layering the brass and strings with complementary instruments to build the thickness of the sounds. As an example, I created an orchestral pad that combines strings, brass, synth pad and effects to create a big ensemble effect. I often use it as a foundation and place brass or string samples over it. It creates a lush, deep effect. If you are going for authentic orchestral though, then these kinds of options may not be viable.

Also, the bass or toms you are using, try beefing the EQ in the 80-100Hz region so they have more thump. If you can, use multiple layers of drums to build their power. From 0:42-1:00, the strings and brass sound like they are in different rooms. Depending on the samples you're using, some of that can be adjusted with attack/release envelopes and using EQ and reverb. Again, it depends on what you are wanting to achieve.

The best advice I can give is find the kind of sound you want. Maybe a Zimmer or Williams theme, or Thomas Bergersen epic. Import that piece into your DAW so you can easily A/B your project against it. I think you are already doing something like this as I picked up some "Sunshine" theme influence. Analyse, analyse, analyse.

You're definitely on the right track and this is a great composition. And remember, this is just my opinion. Someone else may have better recommendations. Don't chase anyone else's suggestions unless you believe it will add to what you are trying to accomplish with the piece.

[morganroberts]

Hey Rob,

Thanks for the insight. I know what you mean by layering. I actually have 3 or 4 layers under the section your talking about. I'm having issues with either my monitors or Cubase. For some reason when I mix in the DAW and layer it the way I want it to sound, then export it, the sound is thinner and some of the instruments stick out more or less than they should (for example: I had to raise the volume of the strings line in at around .40 because you couldn't hear them at all and it sounded muddy.). It's getting the mix right that's frustrating the hell out of me. I'm not sure I can do much about the percussion right now. I'm using the Kontact 4 taikos and orchestral percussion. When I tried layering them they sounded distorted. That's on my list to upgrade when I can. And yes, I did use "Sunshine" as a model for the development, but I used a hybrid of my original B section for the actual composition. Thanks again for your help. My mixing skills are definitely my weak link.

-M

p.s. I just grabbed my mixing headphones and gave it a listen. I hear exactly what you mean about different rooms and thin. Maybe I should try mixing in the DAW with these and see what happens.

[Cruciform]

For some reason when I mix in the DAW and layer it the way I want it to sound, then export it, the sound is thinner and some of the instruments stick out more or less than they should (for example: I had to raise the volume of the strings line in at around .40 because you couldn't hear them at all and it sounded muddy.).

I've been pondering this. Are you layering multiple versions of the same patch/preset? If so, that's a no-no, it will likely cause phase issues and if there is cancellation going on, that could explain some of the thin sound. Apart from that, I don't know. I'm not a Cubase user.

[morganroberts]

No I'm not using the same patches for layering. I've been nitpicking everything I've worked on this week, and I've come to realize the thinness is really being caused by my strings. I'm using LASS lite. It's a great patch, but it has no reverb like Cinebrass does. It also doesn't have much resonance from the recorded samples. Therefore they sound like they're right in your face. I'm gonna have to play around with different reverbs for just the strings so they balance with the brass better.

[Cruciform]

I haven't used LASS so take this with big grains of salt. Try boosting EQ in the mids a little and rolling off some of the high end. It might warm them up a little. A few of the people here use LASS so hopefully they will chime in. And yes, different reverbs in the same piece might do the trick.