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  4. Feedback on a mix..

  • Feedback on a mix..

    F
    F

    Hi there,

    I've just finished a few pieces using VSL (plus Symphonic Choirs) and I really think I could benefit from some feedback on this forum - I haven't had VSl for that long and any advise or constructive criticism would be really, really appreciated as I want to improve the production of my music. I figure advise from people using the same kit would be the best kind of advise. So any comments on EQ, mix, orchestration etc. would be absolutely fantastic!

    Here are two links to two different pieces: http://www.lee-miller.co.uk/game_title.htm

                                                                 (I produced this to pitch to an RPG developer company)

                                                                http://www.lee-miller.co.uk/JU_music.htm 

                                                                (this is a piece I produced for an advert being shown in Germany) 

    Hope to hear from you!

    Thanks!

    Fizzy [:D] 
  • H
    H
    Beginning of the first piece is awesome. Nice build. Choir and Vocal elements are terrific throughout. Positioning and depth of the strings seems right. I'd be interested to know what setup you were using to get these results .. interested in sharing any presets for your reverbs? Always looking to improve what I have...... 2nd Piece has also a nice reverb .. I like the heavier reverbs. Really great stuff .. you should be proud. I'd be happy to put 'em on the Podcast if you like........... Please do let us know what you used to make these. And if it's altiverb .. i'd love to get a look at the settings you used. Also for the whole mix. Heto
  • F
    F

    Thanks Heto! Even just one piece of positive feedback helps a lot! Glad you enjoyed the pieces :)

    The reverbs I used were Masterverb and Ultrafunk Reverb (I think Masterverb for the 1st piece) I don't have any presets, I just kinda earhole it as i go along. I have an insert reverb for each instrument and then mix reverb/dry accordingly - I make the woodwinds really wet, the brass slightly less and I tweak the strings so I don't lose any bite, but I do like a pretty wet mix overall when it comes to orchestral pieces.

    For mastering I used the multiband compressor on cubase 4 (rock setting!? ha) then tweaked each band...usually adding a bit more of the lower frequencies. Then I'd make some EQ tweaks in Soundforge after I've lived with it for a while. That's about it really - panning-wise I looked online for an orchestra setup and placed everything in reference to that, then tweaked wetness for distance. I think I put a master reverb on the whole mix too, though I don't think I'll do that in future...I think I'll just take more time getting the reverb right on the individual tracks. 

    What's the Podcast you mentioned? I would definitely like you to put them on there, that would be great :) 

    Thanks again Heto!

    Fizzy 
  • H
    H
    The Podcast is none other than the VSL Podcast :P .. officially supported by the boys .. and girls.. at VSL. You can find out about it on my website www.elvenmusic.com ... I'd be happy to play your pieces on the composer showcase. Damn nice job on these mixes as I think they really do sound terrific.
  • F
    F

    Cool, sounds great! I'll definitely be rummaging through the archives there!  :o)

    Where shall I send you the mp3s, through the contact email on www.elvenmusic.com ?

    Thanks!

    Fizzy 
  • H
    H
    Yes that's the easiest way to get me .. hetoreyn@yahoo.co.uk
  • C
    C

    Sounds great,

    very Hollywood-ready.

    What kind of drums did you use?Are they from VSL?

    christof 
  • F
    F

    Thanks Christof! :)

    The drums are from the Halion 1 in Cubase 4 - One of the Rock Kits!

    I took some top off to help make them more thuddy and tribal. The cymbals and timps were VSL though. I tried the toms in VSL but they didn't have that HUGENESS I was looking for, nor did the taikos which surprised me. I'm sure there must be a way of getting them to have that wallop, but easier to find a bigger source sound and use that I guess.

    Thanks again Christof!

    Fizzy 
  • C
    C

    Welcome Fizzy!

    I just talked (chatted) to Jeff Rona and he told me that for example Hans Zimmer uses these special split sticks to get this agressive sound, they use all kind of drums,big toms, Taiko, african ...

    Has VSL released these sounds?

    christof 
  • H
    H
    I find that the timps, and most other drums were recorded more harsher for the VI's than they were for the First and Pro Editions. So I think you can find good harsh tones now on the VI percussion. I certainly found some good ones :P .. Good to layer up the percussion from First Edition and VI SE.