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Layering strings

kimarnesen

Senior Member
Is this a good way of setting up the tracks when layering strings from different libraries? In my case from Spitfire and 8Dio. I use key switches but I have legato tracks because the libraries also separate this (Spitfire Chamber Strings have the legato performance patches and the solo strings have a separate legato patch)

Vln 1:
Legatos:
1. Spitfire Chamber Strings - Legato
2. 8Dio Adagio Violins - Legato
3. 8Dio Solo Violin - legato

Shorts and other:
4. SCS - All Articulations
5. Albion One - All articulations
6. Spitfire Solo Strings - Short articulations

Vln 2:
Legatos:
7. Spitfire Chamber Strings - Legato
8. 8Dio Adagio Violins - Legato
9. Spitfire Solo Strings - legato

Shorts and other:
10. SCS - All Articulations
11. Albion One - All articulations
12. SSS - Short articulations

Viola:
Legatos:
13. Spitfire Chamber Strings - Legato
14. Albion One - Longs
15. Spitfire Solo Strings - legato

Shorts and other:
16. SCS - All Articulations
17. Albion One - All articulations
18. SSS - Short articulations

Cello:
Legatos:
19. Spitfire Chamber Strings - Legato
20. Albion One - Longs
21. Spitfire Solo Strings - legato

Shorts and other:
22. SCS - All Articulations
23. Albion One - All articulations
24. SSS - Short articulations

Double Bass:
Legatos:
25. Spitfire Chamber Strings - Legato
26. Albion One - Longs

Shorts and other:
27. SCS - All Articulations
28. Albion One - All articulations

So 28 instances in Kontakt and 28 midi tracks in Logic.

I’ve been thinking so much about how to do this reasonable and effective. Especially since it means many instances of Albion One to make this work (need to pan each section etcetera). Any ideas? Is this unnecessary complicated?

In addition to this, I have a VEP instance with the Chamber Strings alone, for projects where I don't want the symphonic sound. So I have the Chamber Strings twice in the template so I don't have to change volumes etcetera.
 
Are you sure you want to do that much layering? Layering removes character and in a lot of situation, makes things start sounding like a synth patch.

Beyond that, though, I don't think it's good to develop a stock system. Look at each project differently. Locking into a system is a good way to get into a rut.
 
If you are missing something in one sound and find it in another it can make sense to stack libraries. It's a bit like cooking. Just putting precious ingredients together doesn't mean the end result tastes well. What about truffles with oysters on créme brulée?
8dios Adagio legatos work well for slow passages. SCS has faster transitions. Very different workflow. At least I think you have to perform each library separately. And you have to try out if the sound matches together and maybe compare it to your favorite real string section recordings from time to time. Experimenting is good. There's no recipe.
 
If you are missing something in one sound and find it in another it can make sense to stack libraries. It's a bit like cooking. Just putting precious ingredients together doesn't mean the end result tastes well. What about truffles with oysters on créme brulée?
8dios Adagio legatos work well for slow passages. SCS has faster transitions. Very different workflow. At least I think you have to perform each library separately. And you have to try out if the sound matches together and maybe compare it to your favorite real string section recordings from time to time. Experimenting is good. There's no recipe.

This is the sound I have tried out, and like, so the question is how to set things up properly to ensure an efficient workflow. So this is not just throwing something in the soup :)
 
Are you sure you want to do that much layering? Layering removes character and in a lot of situation, makes things start sounding like a synth patch.

Sometimes maybe, but this is to actually create character and making it sound more real.
 
imho. it's all about experimenting. when it sounds good/right to your ears, then the layering you have put together is right for the job.

Many times I encounter surprising results, that are good for other types of applications than the one I'm seeking, so I save that for future use.
 
A better path would be to start a new song with the lib you think that will have the sound you're looking for.

Then, if there is a passage you can't render right with any patch, start by layering two patchs of this lib (like legato and short).

And if this result still not pleased you, you can try to layer with other libraries or just use another lib.

One more thing, layering a solo instrument on top of a section can help to add definition in certain context, but it also make the section sound smaller. So it's a sound tone choice as well.

Hope that helps,

Leon
 
Layering works well for strings, but you need to lookout for key elements.

For instance it is a great idea to note what mic position you have on your strings,

So for instance a close mic, from one library then perhaps a far mic or mid from another or a main mic from one library then a touch of close mic from another, this way can bring in great texture, just pay attention to your mic balance.

This type of use benefits very well with Developers who do a great range of string library's, meaning you can stick with the same pedigree,

So VSL is fantastic for this type of usage of library's, Spitfire has a great range too, also Orchestral tools is building up a very nice string range,

Different Developer can go well together but of I find choosing from the same pedigree works fantastic.
 
Are you sure you want to do that much layering? Layering removes character and in a lot of situation, makes things start sounding like a synth patch.

Beyond that, though, I don't think it's good to develop a stock system. Look at each project differently. Locking into a system is a good way to get into a rut.

I agree!
 
imho. it's all about experimenting. when it sounds good/right to your ears, then the layering you have put together is right for the job.

Many times I encounter surprising results, that are good for other types of applications than the one I'm seeking, so I save that for future use.


Not sure if this happens to anyone else but sometimes when I just sit for long hours and experiment I would lose judgement on what sounds good or not. And next day I play the same track I've been experimenting on, it would sound like shit.

I think there are definitely more risks and valuable time wasted involved in layering than if it were not to be layered
 
I think most of the current/newer String Libraries do not need layering, unless there is a specific character you need to hear, and a certain library is not delivering it. That's when layering might be useful, or a remedy, but another approach is to use EQ, and other DSP tools to change the character of the sound to get it closer to your desired sound. I think Layering was more of a standard approach in the past, when libraries were not as good as they sound these days.

Obtaining realistic, and good results via layering takes a lot of time, and effort, tweaking, ..etc. , the results can be rewarding, so it is still a valuable approach if you have the time, and patience to deal with it.
 
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