9 composing mistakes making your tracks sound cheap (and how to fix them)

[zedmaster]

Hope this is helpful, especially for more inexperienced composers.

Here are 9 common beginner mistakes that make your orchestral tracks sound cheap and MIDI-like, and how you can fix them.

I respect that not everyone wants to watch a 15-minute video, so there’s a written summary. If you can, watch the video for more detail, sound examples and clear instructions how to fix these mistakes.

(human-made) summary below the video



Not using dynamics/mod wheel

• Dynamics help you phrase your melodies musically and add gentle swells in your harmonies and textures
• Dynamic curves may sound subtle, but they add up if done on every instrument

Poor velocities

• Put emphasis on notes that carry the rhythm and need to be accented. Reduce velocities on notes that are in-between.

Overcomplicating

• Keep it simple with just a few main ideas at once. They should compliment and not overshadow each other.
• Often, we try to show too many composer skills at once :D

Never switching articulations

• Experiment with trills, tremolos and marcatos for expressiveness
• Use different short lengths within a phrase (staccatissimo, staccato…) and don’t play short notes with a legato articulations out of laziness <3

Low-quality or poorly programmed samples

• Poor recording quality, lack of round robins, bad legato transitions or artificial vibrato can make a track sound cheap
• High-quality samples don’t have to be expensive (!!)

Acoustic inconsistency

• Avoid mixing super dry samples with instruments that carry a lot of room tone
• Same for mic positions
• Feel free to break these rules and experiment!

Breathing pauses

• Add short breaks to mimic breathing in wind and brass music.
• Don't make breaks too long; musicians can play for a while without stopping.

Ignoring mixing and production

• Mixing and mastering can’t replace solid composition, arrangement and orchestration, but they can make a track sound unpolished and weak
• Use EQ to remove low and low-mid rumble and a compressor to glue instrument sections together a bit more

Relying too much on loops and presets

• It’s FINE to use loops and presets, especially if you make music for enjoyment
• Try combining, modifying and blending them into your music to turn them into your own sound.
• Try adding live elements if you can. A single live-recorded drum or vocal part can have a big effect

What are your most common composing mistakes and how do you overcome them?

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[alligatorlizard]

But most importantly, where did you get the large duck that's in the background in your "My Top 7 Strings Sample Libraries (For Every Purpose)" video??

 

[zedmaster]

But most importantly, where did you get the large duck that's in the background in your "My Top 7 Strings Sample Libraries (For Every Purpose)" video??

I recruited my quacky composing assistant in South Korea

 

[alligatorlizard]

I'm going to have to go to South Korea then Although I did just find one on Amazon that looks very similar and comes in various sizes up to 5 feet long - could double as a bass trap!