How to Mix Sampled Strings

[Dr_Jones]

Just curious how you guys go about recording strings from sound modules or samplers. My question mainly has to do with fitting stereo samples into a mix. Right now I use a patch out of my JV-2080 that really sounds nice, but it is a stereo sample and covers alot of room in the mix. I tried just recording it in mono (left channel of the 2080) but it definitely loses alot of the good tonal sound. Basically, how do you make a good stereo string sample fit in the mix - do you record it in mono, or do you record it in stereo and use some eqing to make sure it doesn't overlap with other instrument frequencies? Thanks.

 

[Sparky2]

I think one would have to hear the context in which the synth was used to really gauge that one...one time I had to roll-off some of the lows on stereo strings because they were just washing the heck out of the low end with the bass guitar and making the high end less apparent...that effectively pushed them further back depth-wise...

 

[Sparky2]

..but I think the real thing is that you probably never really need to eq the crap out of samples...gentle eq'ing to make them fit unless you are going for a wild effect...

 

[Wireline]

Limiting maybe...but absolutely NO compression...completely removes the dynamics of a string section, real or otherwise.

I tend to gently roll off the top at 12K or so with synths in general, strings specifically...adds (to my ears) a nice warmth but still retains the character of strings.

 

[Eurocide]

I always insert a Pultec into the strings and pad tracks.
This gives you the kind of warmth those instruments are screaming for.

Which frequencies? Boost or cut?
Always dependent of the material and the whole mix.

 

[sniper]

it is SO dependant on what kind of music you're recording! if you're recording an orchestra well obviously almost no eq'ing is required but if you're gonna redo the metallica/sympony debacle well some low and hi cuts would be in place.

strings in regular pop/rock music doesn't have to claim much space.

check whichever instrument in your mix that REALLY needs to sound exactly as it does and then cut the strings in that instrument's dominant frequencys. maybe some guitars wouldn't suffer too much from being cut in the frequency that the strings are dominant in.. and so on. it's all a matter of give and take. more 800hz of strings, less 800hz of guitar/bass/piano etc.

 

[Andy_T]

I record strings from my jv-2080 stereo and dry fx.
They are often unnaturally wide for pop/rock music.
Good idea is to use separate panners (I work in Nuendo2) to
the stereo track. Narrow the string sound quite a bit where it still
has some stereo-ishness but no bad phase issues. Then change
the panner so you can move both pans in relation to another.
Eq to suit the track.

Record all your stems this way and build your stereo image/placement
of strings this way. Add some room to give them depth and bigger
plate/hall whatever to get more space. Sir is good choice for verb.


Andy