How to Simulate a Digital Orchestra

Before I begin explaining some techniques for improving your digital orchestration in a mix, let me say that the real thing is heavenly and I have a very high respect for a real orchestra. I studied piano with a world class violinist and have come to appreciate that dynamic. You will never get every nuance of a real organic instrument’s variations and musician’s performance, but this blog is focused more on putting it into your music that incorporates a band and the orchestration is an enhancement to the song.

Most artists, especially Indie artists, have to find ways to enhance their music and this instrumentation can really add to your song production. Here are some tidbits to consider when assembling your digital orchestra and placement in your song and mix:

•       Pick your sounds (sampled violins, cellos, etc.) from different sound sources whenever possible. For example; the first violin from one module, the second violin form another and so on. Each sound module or keyboard had to sample a different instrument, giving you different timbre, technique, tone, etc. So, that is more realistic to the differences in real players and instruments from varied manufacturers.

•       You have to think, play and arrange one instrument at a time. For example; don’t play a chord with one hand to get a three part harmony string part. Play each note separately and preferably from three different sound sources. And picture how that would actually be played as opposed to a keyboard player.

•       If you play each instrument and note separately, it will also help you to think three melodies as opposed to a chord mindset. This will enhance the arrangement and naturally incorporate counterpoint into the melodies.

•       Try to find an orchestra chart that shows you the musical range of each instrument so that it is realistic and can be reproduced by a real player need be.

•       In you mix (talking stereo in this blog but could apply somewhat to surround sound) the sounds have to be hitting your ears like they would in a real concert hall with a real orchestra. For example; the 1^st violin in your left ear, then start around 10 o’clock for 2^nd violin etc. More reverb on the horns in the back because they will reach you ears a little later then the strings would in a real hall. You can find a seating arrangement chart of how a real orchestra is situated.

 

You can check a clip of my ‘Battle of Armageddon’ Piano Concerto #1 or ‘With You’ at www.desbeemusic.com or www.facebook.com/desbeemusic . That will give you an idea of these techniques in action, from two different perspectives and types of songs.

Happy Music Making!