Mixing Orchestra

[Fox Mulder]

Hello all,
I've always pondered upon how synths are mixed into a metal track but I never bothered learning about it till me and my band decided on using synths on a project that we're currently working on. I got hold of Reason + Orkester Soundbank. So yeh, we plan to use classical instruments that Orkester offers. All I know about is the panning principles from the audience's spot - Violins and harp to the left, cellos and double basses to the right, and violas, brass, percussion to the centre, etc - Just like they're placed in a classical concert.

I was hoping for some processing tips on it so here are some dumb questions

1. Should I or should I not go for some mild compression?
2. Is reverb a good idea?
3. I want to keep the level as subtle as possible, but not make it disappear. In what manner would you treat the frequency balance so that they do not eat up the guitars?:Smug:
4. And finally, am I being a dumb-ass by taking the 'classical panning approach'? Should I go for something else as there's very little space in a typical metal mix?

I know it really depends on what the mixes minus the orchestra sound like, therefore not the same in every case, but I'm expecting to learn about how you approach these instruments so that it clears up my perception a bit if you would be so kind.

Oh and yes, emoticons let you express yourself better.

 

[ahjteam]

depends on the mix

 

[Fox Mulder]

depends on the mix

Yes, of course.

I know it really depends on what the mixes minus the orchestra sound like, therefore not the same in every case, but I'm expecting to learn about how you approach these instruments so that it clears up my perception a bit if you would be so kind.

Don't expect me to post clips, though. I don't have any with those as of yet. But taking a trip down memory lane, I remember not going ahead too well with it.

Edit: bold.

 

[LydonB]

Don't be afraid to use compression if you have to, just don't squash the life out of it. Reverb wouldn't be a bad idea. Mix it like anything else, though, I think in order to get a really good orchestra with MIDI, you may have to automate volumes within the different sections to emulate the actual dynamics of a real orchestra.

 

[Fox Mulder]

Don't be afraid to use compression if you have to, just don't squash the life out of it. Reverb wouldn't be a bad idea. Mix it like anything else, though, I think in order to get a really good orchestra with MIDI, you may have to automate volumes within the different sections to emulate the actual dynamics of a real orchestra.

Good point. Thanks!

I've always had a bad habit of leaving my mixes super static.

 

[ahjteam]

If I were you, I would first write the orchestrations and then see how it fits the mix and process it so that it sounds as good as possible

 

[scorpio01169]

I did an orchestral instrumental for an intro for a demo and I followed the panning and positioning of this chart http://www.dsokids.com/2001/dso.asp?PageID=145 .

 

[REV00]

Hey, it really depends on which library you are using. I'm not familiar with that Reason Soundbank but the samples I use all come dry. I end up using Altiverb and an EQ on every instrument section, then I send everything to a bus with light compression and another EQ. I get decent results with this workflow but mixing around guitars, drums and vox is a BITCH !!
If you get a chance check out the first tune on this page.. If you like I can give more detail.

http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=931381