string quartet demo mastering

[dru2]

Hi! I searched and read all I could find here first.

We are doing a string quartet demo, classical and rock covers.

Crown GLM100 clip on mics. (warm with a high roll-off)
Fostex 8 track (4 simult) 44.1 kHz HD Recorder
Backup zoom H4 portable stereo recorder

For editing / mastering:
Cubase 3 sx
Cubase 4 le

I've played with the cubase 4 equilizer, compressor and reverb on my old tracks, improving the loudness (not too much) and warming. --compared to other mass produced quartet recordings, sounds similar, not bad at all.

This is for a demo, so doesn't have to be amazing.

1) what is the proper chaining of effects? there will be 4 mono wav files. Is it equilize , send to Stereo FX for Compression, then send to Reverb.. then compress again a little?

2) to get a consistent master sound, can I do the whole demo (30 songs, 30- 40 total min) in one cubase project, using automations? OR each song a separate project?

3) any thoughts or advice welcome. thank you!

Drew

[johnlink]

Originally Posted by dru2

1) what is the proper chaining of effects? there will be 4 mono wav files. Is it equilize , send to Stereo FX for Compression, then send to Reverb.. then compress again a little?

Whatever sounds good. Experiment and find out what works best.

2) to get a consistent master sound, can I do the whole demo (30 songs, 30- 40 total min) in one cubase project, using automations? OR each song a separate project?

I would recommend doing all the songs is one cubase project. That will save you a lot of time and, as you suggest, make it easier to get a consistent sound.

John Link

[NorseHorse]

First off, this sounds like a mixing question, not a mastering question.

Secondly, a string quartet could be recorded with just one stereo pair. And it would probably sound better than only getting up-front individual instruments tracks.

So....

Record just like you plan, but I recommend mixing the H4 stereo signal into the mix. Try it, and you'll probably find that it adds key cohesiveness (and perhaps some natural reverb as well!). In the end, you might even decide to go with just the H4.

Some answers....

- Keep all the songs in the same project. You'll be using the same settings and everything.
- Carefull with EQ. Don't choke the instruments.
- Get the mix sounding good with moderate compression.
- Add reverb late in the process. (Careful about compressing AFTER adding reverb, because it messes with the natural decay.)

[dru2]

great suggestions.

We have been in a small practice room so a stereo pair is not great. I did record all sets on the H4, but the fostex is rocking.

Due to differences between the two nights... mics, levels, I will make one project for each night session, that will save time!

compression is tricky. i want to to be loud!

http://www.denverquartet.com/U2 DSQ - Beautiful Day.mp3

this is a special track with a timed delay. what do you think?

i have to do 43 tracks quick for demo cd replication. later when i have time I will go back and do a better job.

thank you

Drew

[NorseHorse]

Ooooooo... nice....

I can hear now that you aren't going for the traditional classical sound. The instrument mics are great for what you are going for. I even dig the delay!

Keep up the good work, and post an update when you have a demo printed.

[johnlink]

Originally Posted by dru2

this is a special track with a timed delay. what do you think?

It sounds great! Please post more, and let us know where to buy the CD.

I'm interested in the GLM 100s you said you clipped onto each instrument. I see that there is a version that can be used with a wireless transmitter:

http://www.multiconnects.com/audio-v...rown-glm-100-e

http://www.theavspot.com/audio-video...wn-glm-100-e-3

Have you ever used the GLM 100 for vocals?

John Link

[dru2]

Originally Posted by johnlink

It sounds great! Please post more, and let us know where to buy the CD.

I'm interested in the GLM 100s you said you clipped onto each instrument. I see that there is a version that can be used with a wireless transmitter:

Have you ever used the GLM 100 for vocals?

John Link

thanks John! The non E GLM100 comes with clips and gear, but I think it would not be great for vocals.

It has a high rolloff, so its great for wind and string instruments. very warm. you can get close but avoid a lot of the mechanical / wind noise.

It is very flexible based on where you place it close the the bridge / bow. aimed to the side, it gets dark and warm.

I got them mainly for live performance; you'd lose a lot of high frequencies on vocal unless you got close to the mouth. on the side there it could be very clean and natural.

[Adam Dempsey]

Originally Posted by dru2

compression is tricky. i want to to be loud!

For a string quartet? How loud? I suppose, as far as live performance situations go, I'm yet to hear the performers being told off for being too loud...

But compress for the sound of it, not for level. Personally I definitely wouldn't go for treading further on the dynamics based on that sample. Nice, clean captured sound.

[dru2]

Thanks for the pointers!

Mixed down, available in HQ aac audio on our website.

Andrew

Music | The Denver String Quartet

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[johnlink]

Very nice work!

I noticed that the titles for tracks 37 and 38 are reversed.

John Link