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  • Orchestral Panning Tracks

    Hi Guys, Perhaps some advice on orchestral panning tracks. Currently I have recorded every VSL instrument on a stereo track in Pro Tools. It just sounds better to me. Now, should I just follow the standard seating for orchestra? The problem I see and hear is the timpani, Bass and Bass drum. If I pan these to either side even lightly, the balance seems off and so goes the VU's. I realize experimentation is the key but any suggestions would be appreciated. If there are any threads from others, please point me in this direction. Thanks in advance Mike

  • If you're trying for realistic orchestra placement, I would reduce percussion to nearly mono, EQ out some high end and add reverb. You need to add panning on VSL samples for realism. For violins, reduce the stereo width to 30-40% and pan them to the left. So the violins might go from almost full left to center. Do the same for other instrument sections, listening to recordings and looking at an orchestra seating chart. 

    Percussion can sound more up-front if you're trying for a film score sound rather than a concert orchestra. 


  • Thanks synthetic, I will give your reply a try.... Thanks again Mike