Achieving the best fake strings

[EnSkorSang]

Same as the drum thread, but for strings. What are peoples tips for a) programming the strings for realism and b) mixing them with the rest of the track. I find that string libraries because they are recorded into large rooms often add lots of unwanted reverb to the track, also I am no string player, and manuals say 'make full use of the expression control', but how do you manipulate this for realism?

[richiebee]

If you want a dry sound, VSL SE will probably be your best bet.

Adding one or more real instruments is an absolutely ideal way to add realism to your VI string section. If you can't do that, layering sections of varying sizes can help. I use East West Gold for my strings, and often use separate first and second violin sections, plus add a soloist playing the top first violin line.

Writing real arrangements also helps. Split your parts between the various stringed instruments you're using rather than using "string section" patches.

Instruments with sustained sounds (strings, brass, woodwinds) add shape to their sound to give it expression even when this isn't written in the part. The amount of expression used can vary between different genres. Vibrato also changes depending on genre, though in large sections, it's unlikely you'll get much choice in the vibrato available (its usually recorded rather than using an LFO). Swell sustained lines to give them shape, usually using the expression controller, but it depends on the patch/library. I wrote my own patches in EWSO to include additional expression controls - altering the timbre of the sounds as well as the volume. This improves realism. Try and think like real players.

I'll be honest, getting a realistic sound is really hard work. I'm trying to put more work into mine now. Here's a section of something I'm working on. The mix isn't final, but I think I'm okay with how the strings sound at least in the first half (apart from some high frequency scratchiness). http://www.studiobeemusic.com/temp/8Arev.mp3 I used some of the techniques described above. The strings start at about 0'50", and I think sound best when they come back in at 1'50".

You should also use reverb to your advantage. Rock/pop is the odd man out here... recording other instruments usually REQUIRES room sound because of the way instruments generate their sound through resonance as well as directly through a specific point. Close mic a violin and it sounds horrible. In fact, close mic most instruments and they sound pretty horrible. And imagine a real string section. Put 60 players up, they're going to sound a little on the reverby side, because 60 musicians take up a certain amount of space, requiring a certain kind of studio.... a big one! I know of some people that might use 6 or 7 reverbs on a fake string section to give the illusion of depth.

[EnSkorSang]

Thanks some really good advice there. I have East West aswell, and also Steinberg String Edition, but cant decide which sounds best. The kind of tone I really like in pop/rock that I have most trouble achieving is the slightly ****er/closer sound you hear in songs such as Elanor Rigby, or on Pet sounds album, and that is most preferred by more lofi acousticy bands (Bright eyes, Shins, Decemberists..) Also, about the expression control, should i just use it on sustained notes, and how should it be shaped for most realism? In sections with shorter notes Ive also heard that you should switch your program from say, legato strings to spizzicato, or it wont sound realistic, but when I do this the switch seems quite obvious, and it doesnt feel like it is being played by the same section.

[richiebee]

Which East West package do you have?

Spiccato might be a little extreme - legato to marcato is probably a closer match.

Long notes need to be given shape. Sometimes short notes do too, but long notes definitely sound dull, and quickly sound fake if they are not shaped. Notes can start quiet, get louder then go back to quiet. Or they can start quiet and get loud. Or they can get loud and go quiet. The possibilities are endless - whatever fits the situation.

I don't really know any of the music you're trying to get to, but I wonder whether what you're really looking for is a small chamber orchestra or even smaller - a quartet or something?