A Big Request

[bobgrahammusic]

Hi there, I am a young composer using the VSL. Basically, I have constant problems with my mixing. I have been reading these posts but I can never get the orchestral mix I am looking for. I need to know where to pan specific instrument groups and what their volume levels should be and anything else I should know. Also should I get altiverb or is the space designer in logic 8 okay? I have been reading about orchestration but in my opinion I should be able to make a 1st violin, 2nd violin, viola, cello and double bass with 5 tracks very useable for film scoring, correct? I mean if these were real instruments then 5 tracks would be enough. I know this is the black hole of composing-mixing advice and midistration but I could use any tips. Please help an up and comer. Also, someone was kind enough to give me one of their logic 8 templates and it helped tremendously. Also the christian Kardeis videos helped but he uses alot of automation on his track volumes to achieve a strings moving closer and away sound and I dont want to do that so the video isnt helpful for my idea of a straight up mix. Any help appreciated alot. Sincerely, Bob Graham And special thanks to Heteroyn for all the help so far.

[skylerf85]

I don't see a real question here, other than the question of if you should by altiverb. The best way to learn how to mix is to listen to "good" mixes. Whatever sounds good to your hears, try to copy how that sounds. Learn to tell the difference between how the insturments are grouped and where they sound in the mix. It also helps to add a peice into logic and write something similar to what your listening to, trying to get the sound room sound / reverb and other spacial ideas. Just like writing music, thier is no perfect ear except your own and you can't expect to learn what sounds good unless you put your skills and ear to the test.

[Dietz]

Welcome Bob,

as much as I understand your wish for a very simple solution, you have to be aware that mixing is an integral part of audio work. No matter if you look at "real" recordings of classical orchestral music, the typical "hybrid" movie soundtracks or pure virtual orchestration - there's always some kind of balancing and sound processing involved.

Don't look at the automation as something "unnatural". In the virtual world, this is our way to get a vivid sound that pleases the listener. I'd suggest you get a bit more comfortable with the concept, and you'll see (and hear ;-) ...) that the results are worth the effort.

All the best,

[bobgrahammusic]

Hey Guys, I appreciate the responses. I know how my post comes off.. It comes off as give me the easy answer. That is really not what I am expecting or seeking. The trouble is, I just cant seem to get a good mix or a mix where other composers are even like yes that is decent. I do wonder, are there specific panning guidelines or plugins that you are continually using in the mastering process? This would give me a framework of where to begin so that I am at least heading in the right direction. I am also wondering about altiverb, is it worth it? Thanks very much, I am also still seeking logic templates but realize that is a big request! Sincerely, Bob Graham

[bobgrahammusic]

My comment about the Christan Kardeis usage of automation was also in reference to in the video he uses the pre fader automation with the space designer to make the violins sound closer or far away. It sounds cool in his piece, but as a noob, its hard to know what the volumes should be set at if your not using this effect. Im not sure where I was going with this comment, but it would be nice to see an orchestral template without all the bells and whistles, just the pans set, the volumes set, and the eqs etc. If anyone can help me out with a logic 8 template just for educational purposes my email is BobGrahamMusic@gmail.com Thanks again!