ry1633
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mixing a string quartet?
Hi all, Just recorded a live string quartet in Sonar X3 for an upcoming project. I've never mixed a string quartet before. All I've done so far is pan them each like a string quartet seating arrangement in the stereo image, and added some Hall reverb from the BREVERB 2 module. Anyone have any tips or advice?
post edited by ry1633 - 2015/08/28 08:34:36
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herbroselle
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Re: mixing a string quartet?
2015/08/28 11:19:30
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I do some trombone quartet recording - here's what i do
1) before adding any reverb, see how well in tune they are. You may have to use Melodyne.
2) EQ each instrument on its own track. Each instrument has it's range - bring down the edges and enrich thecenter of their timbre.
3) apply reverb and compression on separate stereo busses for the ensemble. I prefer convolution reverb for acoustic instruments
caveat - I'm an amateur hobbyist - a pro might want to add or override some of these suggests. And there is an "undo" feature.
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eph221
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Re: mixing a string quartet?
2015/08/28 11:30:26
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I just read an old TAPE OP interview of Bruce Swedien and he said something similar viz acoustic instruments. You missed your calling!
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eph221
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Re: mixing a string quartet?
2015/08/28 11:44:43
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Except for compression. He said *compression is for kids* :D
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herbroselle
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Re: mixing a string quartet?
2015/08/28 12:01:53
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well, then, i wish Bruce good luck in hearing the pianissimo passages in the string quartet while he's driving down I-95 at 70 mph with snow tires :D . Seriously, i agree with that, unless the dynamic range is pretty wide.
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eph221
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Re: mixing a string quartet?
2015/08/28 12:09:58
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I'm a total NEWB! But doesn't it make sense that the amount of compression one needs depends upon the ability of the performers?
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eph221
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Re: mixing a string quartet?
2015/08/28 12:14:34
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This whole idea of altering the sound versus fidelity is new to me.
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herbroselle
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Re: mixing a string quartet?
2015/08/28 12:51:48
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Compression "squeezes" the louds and softs closer together, at least in the context in which i use it. And I'm a Johnny come lately in this myself. I've got loud sections at 100 (just an umber I made up) and soft ones at 20. The 100s are very loud and the 20s are barely are really quiet. So i compress the 100s down to 70. Now 100 was OK, so now i have softs at 20 and louds at 70. I now raise the whole thing, and now the louds are back to 100 and the softs are at 50 and they pop right out to be heard nicely.
If louds were at 80 and softs were at 40, I wouldn't use compression. That's the etent of my understanding of compression. youtube has the rest.
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mettelus
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Re: mixing a string quartet?
2015/08/28 13:22:33
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Regarding compression, this post by Jeff Evans is excellent on how to set one up (properly). For general overview and typical settings for various uses (scroll to the bottom), this Sound On Sound article is useful.
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herbroselle
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Re: mixing a string quartet?
2015/08/28 13:26:29
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terrific, metellus - thanks for pointing it out.
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ry1633
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Re: mixing a string quartet?
2015/08/28 15:24:08
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haven't put any compression on them at all yet. Like I said, all I've done so far is pan them each like a string quartet seating arrangement in the stereo image, and added some Hall reverb from the BREVERB 2 module. And it sounds pretty good to me so far.
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mettelus
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Re: mixing a string quartet?
2015/08/28 15:36:35
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That may be all you need, TBH. Unless frequency collisions are occurring (which may require mirror EQ as the mix grows), panning alone may be all that is necessary.
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DRanck
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Re: mixing a string quartet?
2015/08/28 16:24:35
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I'd caution against overuse of compression on a string quartet. There should be a marked difference between piano and forte passages. Some guys I know think compression on an orchestral piece is evil. I'm not of that mind, but on the other hand orchestral music isn't EDM.
I try to make the forte passages hit around my RMS max target. I'll level out softer passages a little - maybe. If you listen to classical music in the car, you'll probably find the softer passages are a bit hard to hear. And IMHO that is as it should be. But that's me 😊
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Bassman002
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Re: mixing a string quartet?
2015/08/29 04:59:09
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HI:) Don't use Compression on clasical music, it need's the dynamic. For You mix at -23 dB (EBU 128), you only have to look at some Peaks, perhaps use a Master Limiter at about - 1,1 dB, (Boost 11 is OK with 0 dB Boost!) True Peak is peaking at -1 dB. For EQ look at 110,220 Hertz, that's the Problem with Deep Strings ( Don't forget LowCuts at 40-50 Hertz), and about 5-6 kHz give a little bit for Clarity. If you like it, cut a little between 500-700 Hertz. For all, not too much, +- 3dB! Depends on the Mics you used.... I've sometimes recorded String Orchestras, and there, as said I just have to do the Paning and all is ok:) Greetz, Bassman.
post edited by Basseman - 2015/08/29 05:08:30
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