musical sketches for a computer game

some stuff I am currently working on for the finale of a computer game.

transformation sequence WIP by MB & FB on SoundCloud – Create, record and share your sounds for free (http://soundcloud.com/mbfb/transformation-sequence-wip)

enjoy, comments and criticsm always welcome

Duplicate your string tracks, pan them in 20s, so left/right 20, 40, 60, 80, 100. I usually re record sampled cellos two more times with slightly different velocity or patches. If you don’t have the luxury of that it’s still worth trying the panning. Then add an EQ plug in to each track, i usually give cellos a boost between 90hz and 400hz… and violins between 1.2khz and 3khz. Vary the frequencies that you boost between each of the duplicated tracks, it’ll give you a larger sound – usually afterwards add reverb to each one individually, using different pre-delays and reflection times (within reason). All together it makes my VSTs sound much fuller. I try to avoid taking any frequencies away, as it can instantly make Strings feel synthesized. But if it gets muddy, cut some of the cellos between 350-420hz.

Always aim to ensure that your reverb is consistent, your track has the right ideas but as an orchestral track the reverb (typically) should be used as a production technique, not a dramatic or musical device. This is noticeable between the strings and horns – the brass feels like it’s in a different environment. Aside from that i’d be nitpicking… but your woodwinds (Piccolo?) could be doubled up… i back my higher woodwinds with cheaper sampled keyboard sounds, adds some depth to the sound.

If you’re struggling for reverb i’d be happy to post up a link to Redline Reverb (which i couldn’t live without anymore) or Ambience by Magnus.

You’re writing’s better than mine by far though, haha. Keep up the good work.

hey,
thanks for the input. have to read what you wrote a couple of times to digest it completely tho :D.
I have to change the music software I’m using anyway, mine is getting at the limits of it’s capabilities with the vsts I’m using. Also it says it’s 64bit compatible but that was just a lie on the companies part (you gotta love sony …).

cheers and thanks for the comment

Definately suggest Reaper – it gets a bad rep for some reason, but i’ve been using it for a year both 64 and 32 versions. Use it in both studio and at home. Oddly my trial period has yet to expire on both of them, seemingly they don’t cut off your usage afterwards.

But for 6 meg, the complete software, you cant knock it – i find it waaaaay more versatile than logic and friendlier than pro tools. Like say, you need any software drop boxing then let me know. Also added you on soundcloud, good sir!

wow, thanks for all the help. good to hear about reaper – I’ll definately check that one out.
What I liked about acid was, that I know the programm, because I have been using it for years and years now. And it’s not too fancy looking (I find ableton to be totally confusing) and does exactly what I want. Except for not being 64bit …

cheers
flo

———- Post added at 08:22 PM ———- Previous post was at 08:21 PM ———-

oh, btw, what was your username on soundcloud?

I moved from Acid to reaper, haha… purely because i found acid too much hard work. User name is dswalker … i’ve actually lied and not added you yet, haha. I intend to when i upload my next load of stuff.

-cheers

lols :P. oh well. now, that I know your name, I’ll give your music a listen too. I like acid. It’s pretty basic in terms of interface, but that’s what I like about it.

cheers
flo

wow…amazing…LOL thank for the effort I appreciate it..

thanks