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  4. Best results for 'lush' VSL strings - which Altiverb IR do you use?

  • Best results for 'lush' VSL strings - which Altiverb IR do you use?

    R
    R

    With me this queston seems and often changes from project to project.   But generally I have found myself 'mostly' using FOX stage (and Acoustica's Lexicon for a master tail - over all tracks).   But with the current more 'lush' cues I am working on I have gone back to the Todd AO stage - wide mics (but just for the strings).   While todd AO can be a bit muddy (come careful cuts around 250-300 are needed) - it seems to blanket the VSL strings in a wash of 'warmth' - very much needed IMHO.   Vienna Suite has also greatly helped with proper EQ.

    My question is - is there another 'concert stage' (included with Altiverb) that I might be missing to get a 'warm' String IR.  I just don't have time to go through every one - and was hoping someone can share their experience here.

    All the best,
  • J
    J

    I would suggest Sydney Opera House or the Disney Concert Hall.  Both are warm and nice.
  • R
    R

    Thanks John - I'll get them a test spin.  All the best,

    Rob
  • M
    M

     Rob, I don't have any input as I use mostly Todd AO as well for the strings. Out of curiousity, what cuts are you making in the 250 to 300 range? And are you doing this as an overall thing in Altiverb's EQ -- or cutting eq's on specific instruments?

    Mahlon
  • P
    P

    I'm not sure about warm string IR's - but Altiverb have just included Paramount Stage M as a download. This is where, for example, I think Psycho was recorded in 1960. It's being or been demolished - which is a act of vandalism in my view.

    http://www.audioease.com/IR/VenuePages/paramount-m.html
  • R
    R

    Hey Mahlon - just about 2-3 db at the mud range - horse around with the q on that.

    Tried Syney and Disney but still prefer Todd AO for VSL strings.

    Rob
  • W
    W

    Hey Rob,

      I've tried a bunch of different Altiverb IRs and settings.  Like you, I've found ToddAO to be the best of the bunch with VSL strings.  Sorry I don't have any alternatives to offer up.
  • R
    R

    Thanks alot guys - looks like many of us are thinking alike.  Any other ideas on the eq settings (if used at all) on Todd AO - I am always open to improvements.

    Rob
  • J
    J

    Hi Rob:

    I've always found it interesting that in a "live" context, sitting in a concert hall or recording studio, we're not as acoustically aware of anomalies as we might be when listening to real instruments through speakers. You find a nice IR, such as Todd-AO, then you sense that more can be done with it. Yet, you sense that you are in some sort of ball park, so you don't want to "throw out the baby with the bathwater", so to speak.

    It's situations like this when automating your EQ could be a good solution when one setting works well for most of the track but not all of it. Riding the EQ with subtle automation at strategic frequencies can really help. One might even do this on the instruments themselves in spots, but automating the EQ is another option.

    Some people I know will bypass the reverb EQ in favor of using a dedicated EQ. This is a matter of preference, of course, but it might be an option if your favorite EQ works a little better than the EQ on the reverb.

    Here's one example which might inspire some ideas for the instrument itself or the reverb. In any case, it may open up a whole new world of fine tuning for you.

    http://www.dankury.com/movies/violinautomation.mov