Programming cymbal crescendos.

[Vicioushead]

Not sure of the correct term for the sound but I was wondering if there was a way to program these so they don't sound like a pile of shit.

Anyone?

 

[Damian B]

Vary the velocities. Programming cymbals at 127 is a definite way to make them sound harsh - reserve 100-127 for the hardest hits. Also, mess around with room sounds to get things sounding more natural.

Also, are you talking about actual crescendos? As in, cymbal rolls that go from soft to loud?

 

[Vicioushead]

Yes, rolls from soft to loud.

I've tried varying velocities but they still tend to sound very odd. I find it very hard to create an effect where you have a crescendo which ends with a cymbal choke. The many crescendo hits that have been programmed tend to carry on after the choke which ruins the illusion.

 

[Damian B]

What software are you using?

 

[Vicioushead]

Superior Drummer 2.0.

 

[Wrecknine]

Test out the cymbals to hear which have less "stick" in the lower velocities to make the roll smoother. You may find a ride (edge) works better than some crashes.

Do you have any samples struck with mallets available?

I think there are a couple Toontrack libraries that have crescendos as extra hits. I wish more libraries did that even if they are limited.

 

[Loren Littlejohn]

The superior 2.2.3 update has the ability to make cymbal crescendos sounds quite a bit less dumb. Can't remember where the fucking knob is that you ajust on them though.

 

[Morgan C]

If you're using Sup2.0, just use the transient designer to roll off the attack a bit.

 

[Plankis]

I find a exponential curve is the way to go.

And how it sounds:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/933491/Cymbal Crescendo.wav
I'll add that this is Superior 2 if anyone doubted...

 

[Uros]

^^eggsactly

 

[FrenchFrog]

I use two cymbals for that. that way there's more sustain for each one and it sounds good.

 

[outbreak525]

I find a exponential curve is the way to go.

Can we hear a sample of that specifically?

 

[oroinvictus]

I find a exponential curve is the way to go.

+1, this is exactly how I do it. Try to imagine yourself playing a real cymbal, and how those velocities might translate to MIDI

 

[Plankis]

Can we hear a sample of that specifically?

As you wish:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/933491/Cymbal Crescendo.wav

 

[FrenchFrog]

Same way here but as I said I use 2 cymbals coz I don't like this little phasing when using only one cymbal.

 

[Vicioushead]

As you wish:
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/933491/Cymbal Crescendo.wav

Very nice, thanks.