how recording an orchestra; the best tracking way

fafalio · Post by **fafalio** » Sun Mar 23, 2008 12:54 am

dear friends, i m new to digital performer so i ve read a part of the big manual and the book by berklee.
no one on the other hand tell me how to solve some problems.
i try to explain.
suppose i have to use 12 mic to record an orchestra.
i ask you a way to organize my work of tracking.
suppose i have prepare the 12 audio track, every one renaming (violas, violins, arpa and so on).
the director tell me that he wants to record by section (first the overture, than part 1, than part2 and so on until the final part) and not with punch in/out.
every section must be record a lot of times in order to choose in post producion the best one.
so, how can i organize the works and the database for the recording folders?
my idea is:
create how much sequence as are the section (intro, part1, part2 and so on)
inside every sequence create new takes in order to have in post production the possibility to choose the best performance among the takes.
in this way on the other hand i have a problem: every time i re record for example the overture in the sequence called "overture" i have to create and naming the new take for EACH of the 12 tracks loosing a lot of time.
is it the right way to go on?
or do i have to use others things of digital performers as for example SONG and CHUNCK?
can you give me the OPTIMAL PROCEDURE to prepare for this tracking?
thanks a lot!
Alessandro.

Pappy725 · Post by **Pappy725** » Sun Mar 23, 2008 8:20 am

If I understand you correctly, you are creating a sequence for each section of the piece of the music. Instead of creating a new sequence for each take, keep recording in the (for example) overture sequence. You can drop markers in at the beginning of each take (inside the sequence) to enable you to find them more easily. On the other hand, in each track there is a take button that lets you stay in the sequence and gives you a clean track to record to.
In the sequence window menu, there is a command for a new sequence. This will copy the sequence you are in, with all the tracks to a new one. This will be named Sequence 1 copy. Rename it to part 1, or whatever and hit record. This way all parts of the piece will be in the same project.
HTH,
Stephen

azusa749a · Post by **azusa749a** » Sun Mar 23, 2008 9:58 pm

I would use chunk for each section.
In each chunk you can have as many takes you want.
When you want to play the whole thing either use 'song' or play next chunk button.

fafalio · Post by **fafalio** » Mon Mar 24, 2008 9:33 am

In each chunk you can have as many takes you want

ok, it is ok, but witch is the way to create a new take for ALL the track in one step without create manually 20 take if i would have 20 tracksfor my project?

thanks a lot[/code]

Nigel Keay · Post by **Nigel Keay** » Thu Mar 27, 2008 3:14 pm

I've used DP to record my chamber orchestra only a handful of times so I don't claim to know the optimal procedure, but I can tell you how I've done it so far. Actually, I'm usually playing viola in the group, and on one occasion conducted one of my works, so on these occasions there's been no choice but to have everything set up and hit the record button before going on stage to play, so I've ended up with everything recorded on a single sequence. So far I've even just worked with the material in a single sequence; it's easy enough to make cuts using the scissors tool if necessary. I should probably start using more the "duplicate track layout" and drag a particular soundbite into a new sequence. In my case I'm just aiming to produce an aiff file without being concerned about durations of movements.

From the instruments and director you mention, it sounds as though we're doing a similar thing; each part being recorded is always the entire orchestra playing together. The DP takes function seems more designed for recording a single instrument/section completely independently and mixing it in with what's already there. I like the idea of keeping life really simple and stress-free by recording everything in one sequence at an orchestral session. I know that in an orchestral situation a conductor can jump back really quickly to redo something or go to a new section. Once the soundbites are safely recorded it's only a matter of seconds in post production to duplicate the track layout etc. and drag things around. A good old-fashioned pencil and paper to make notes still seems a good idea while actually recording.

HCMarkus · Post by **HCMarkus** » Fri Mar 28, 2008 10:24 pm

fafalio wrote:In each chunk you can have as many takes you want

ok, it is ok, but witch is the way to create a new take for ALL the track in one step without create manually 20 take if i would have 20 tracksfor my project?

thanks a lot[/code]

Use Track Grouping. It's in the manual, and can be set up in a variety of ways. It is a great way of keeping lots of tracks lined up across multiple takes, not to mention makes changing takes for all grouped tracks a one-step process.