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  4. Placing bass instruments in MIR.

  • Placing bass instruments in MIR.

    N
    N

    Since I come from the world of electronic music, I was taught in that world that the bass is always centered, with no panning, and acts as an anchor to the mix. Consequently, I am finding myself now in a delimma when using MIR. As I place a double bass, I see it's possition is a bit on the top right, which would prevent it from being centered and violates that rule I've been taught. Can people here tell me how they normally place the double bass? Do they do a centered approach or panned one? Do I need to invoke a special setting?

    Thank you!
  • N
    N

    One answer - commonly given with good reason [:)] - do what works for the mix you are after.

    As for the positioning on the right - basses will be placed on the right, based on traditional orchestral seating.  There are some differences between "European" and "American" seating, for example in the placing of the 2nd violins.  If you do an internet search, you will find various diagrams of commonly used orchestral seating patterns.  Thus, when seeking to emulate the sound of an orchestra, the seating used for an orchestra will be followed.

    But there is no "law" that says you have to place instruments one way or another.
  • N
    N

     Well center it will be then! Thank you for this. :-) My objective is to achieve a pleasing mix with some emulation.

  • civilization 3C
    civilization 3C

    I often use the Upright Bass [VSL] along with an electric bass kind of in the center but out of each other's way. So when I add a section of bassi, I default to the right which for one thing does not clutter the mix in the center and keeps the definition. I just doubled a bass section part with a prominent contrabassoon and bass sax, those guys on the left and not fighting for space either.
  • N
    N

     Thanks for this!
  • C
    C

    If you are doing anything orchestral, it'll sound highly unusual to have the bass in a different position than right of center.  That's my way of avoiding saying "good" or "bad" ;o)
  • DietzD
    VSL Team
    DietzD
    last edited
    last edited

    ... not soooo unusual as one might think. 😊 Just look at these pictures from one of the worlds leading orchestras in one of the most prestigous halls on this planet (Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra at Musikverein / Goldener Saal):

    -> Example 1

    -> Example 2

    Trivia: The New Years Concert shown in these pictures is broadcasted to about 70 countries and is seen by more than 50 million people each year, so the setup is not just an obscure rarity. The conductors of this event encopmass names like Herbert von Karajan (1987, 1988 and 1991), Carlos Kleiber (1989 and 1992), Zubin Mehta (1990, 1995, 1998, 2007), Riccardo Muti (1993, 1997, 2000, 2004), Lorin Maazel (1994, 1996, 1999, 2005), Nikolaus Harnoncourt (2001, 2003), Seiji Ozawa (2002), Mariss Jansons (2006, 2012), Georges Prêtre (2008, 2010), Daniel Barenboim (2009, 2014), Franz Welser-Möst (2011, 2013).

    Kind regards,

    /Dietz - Vienna Symphonic Library
  • N
    N

     Great photo examples. I feel much better now. [:)]