@DG said:
PaulR is quite right about real vs samples. However, there are ways to get much closer, but you have to understand a huge amount about string playing, such as:
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Bowing
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Different styles of playing within the section (due to different teaching methods, instruments, bows etc.)
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Position changing and portamento
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Lack of tight ensemble
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Tuning issues of individual players
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Vibrato changing speed and amplitude during notes, and at different times for all players.
Now some of this is not possible with current sampling techniques, and some of it just takes too long, but if you think about this as you are working on your sequence, and do as many layerings as you are able to, mix those layers differently with each other (so that the sound is not always the same) you will get a lot closer.
DG
(1) Bowing - the bowing will never change with a sample library. It is always fixed as it was recorded.
(2) is of course right - even though there is obviously different styles being recored for the sample library. The different styles are caught in a single snapshot and will never change.
(3) Correct.
(4) Correct. Clicks when recording and wanting to see everything neat and tidy on a computer screen does not help. If possible, a midi file of a real orchestra recording would look a complete mess.
(5) Tuning issues are present in a sample library - and of course never change and are locked in time on the recording forever.
(6) Vibrato and volume changes during the sample recording - but once recorded never changes. It will always be the same every time you play it. As of course will a DVD of an orchestral recording - but there is a massive difference between that and sample recording.
Daryl is right about all of this. Use as many layers as you want to make it sound GOOD. Not REAL>