Creating Realistic String Arpeggiations W/O Score Sheet?
Posted: Sun Aug 25, 2013 6:59 pm
Using: Logic Pro 9, EWQL Hollywood Strings Diamond (without an expressions pedal), LA Scoring Strings.
If you've never worked with EWQL Hollywood Strings or LA Scoring Strings, there's a chance you may not be able to answer my question.
I'm trying to create realistic string arpeggiations using only the "Piano Roll" (as it's called in Logic Pro). I have very little experience with theory and reading music, so composing with Logic's native scoring function is just not going to be an option.
I've heard people before who can't read music, but can still create very realistic sounding orchestrations simply through their knowledge of audio engineering. So, I know it's possible...
First of all, you should hear my attempt at creating a realistic string arpeggiation:
https://soundcloud.com/joeycopenhaver/s ... r-learning
This example is using EWQL Hollywood Strings Diamond. It sounds like crap. Not the software. Hollywood Strings is incredible. But, whatever it is I'm doing, I'm doing it wrong. It sounds wayyyy too synthetic.
I want the strings to flow together (connected, not so staccato). And I want it to be as naturalistic and realistic as possible. The string patch I'm using has a repetition function when a key is held down, and I think that is partially mucking things up.. I've tried other patches but I can't get the right effect.. If it isn't obvious already, I hardly know what I'm doing.. I'm not even sure what the best articulation would be: staccato, spiccato, pizzicato, tremolo, legato, or a combination? I'm just really unsure at this point..
Can I get some advice? Anything would be nice.. Or even an opinion such as "I personally like to layer staccato strings with *blank* because it helps to *blank*". Even a link to a tutorial page would work, however I'd prefer advice from someone who's encountered this issue before and overcome it.
I don't know if maybe the velocity is too consistent (since I don't have an expression pedal), if I'm not using the right combination of patches, if I'm not properly applying EQ and reverb (doubtful)... I honestly don't know.
Please don't respond to this if you don't have experience with orchestrating (particularly when it comes to fast arpeggiated riffs).
Edit: Please don't respond to this if you don't have experience with orchestrating *IN MIDI USING VST'S* (particularly when it comes to fast arpeggiated riffs).
Thanks in advance for any info, tips, or tricks you can provide.
If you've never worked with EWQL Hollywood Strings or LA Scoring Strings, there's a chance you may not be able to answer my question.
I'm trying to create realistic string arpeggiations using only the "Piano Roll" (as it's called in Logic Pro). I have very little experience with theory and reading music, so composing with Logic's native scoring function is just not going to be an option.
I've heard people before who can't read music, but can still create very realistic sounding orchestrations simply through their knowledge of audio engineering. So, I know it's possible...
First of all, you should hear my attempt at creating a realistic string arpeggiation:
https://soundcloud.com/joeycopenhaver/s ... r-learning
This example is using EWQL Hollywood Strings Diamond. It sounds like crap. Not the software. Hollywood Strings is incredible. But, whatever it is I'm doing, I'm doing it wrong. It sounds wayyyy too synthetic.
I want the strings to flow together (connected, not so staccato). And I want it to be as naturalistic and realistic as possible. The string patch I'm using has a repetition function when a key is held down, and I think that is partially mucking things up.. I've tried other patches but I can't get the right effect.. If it isn't obvious already, I hardly know what I'm doing.. I'm not even sure what the best articulation would be: staccato, spiccato, pizzicato, tremolo, legato, or a combination? I'm just really unsure at this point..
Can I get some advice? Anything would be nice.. Or even an opinion such as "I personally like to layer staccato strings with *blank* because it helps to *blank*". Even a link to a tutorial page would work, however I'd prefer advice from someone who's encountered this issue before and overcome it.
I don't know if maybe the velocity is too consistent (since I don't have an expression pedal), if I'm not using the right combination of patches, if I'm not properly applying EQ and reverb (doubtful)... I honestly don't know.
Please don't respond to this if you don't have experience with orchestrating (particularly when it comes to fast arpeggiated riffs).
Edit: Please don't respond to this if you don't have experience with orchestrating *IN MIDI USING VST'S* (particularly when it comes to fast arpeggiated riffs).
Thanks in advance for any info, tips, or tricks you can provide.