Strings/RCA 10001/Helios trying to get classic film sound!

[David Baron]

I have been doing research on recording orchestral instruments - trying to get that classic (50's-60's) film sound (like Vertigo, etc...).

This example was made with two players, a cellist and violinist, overdubbing into Pro Tools (i know! We do have an analog 3m24 but it's just a bit too tweaky to move quickly).

This was recorded with a custom tube mic pre by Dave Amels, the only mics used were the RCA 10001 ribbon mics. It was mixed on a Helios with a little EMT. I've been looking into other mics, techniques.

Comments, techniques, and suggestions are welcome.

[john caldwell]

Beautiful piece of music, and lovely restrained musicianship here. The overall sound is somewhere between nasal and horn-loaded listening here in my office. I can't discern how much of that is in the dry signals and how much lies within the effect paths. This may well be deliberate, and I do understand that controlling bandwith my be part of the retro approach you're after.

Regards,

John-

[Dangerous Dave]

That's Awesome, period.

[opentune]

Hey, i listened to your mp3 while playing a video on my computer.
There was it: the classical film sound!

Great!

[rainsinvelvet]

Well, I thought it sounded really cool! If I hadn't known what you were going for I would have said it had the vibe of the 50's is film sound.
Nice work!

ERic

[jajjguy]

now those are strings! sounds great.
a bit pushing in the mids, a little distorted even. not hifi. but very thick and good. maybe scoop out some mids? (or re-record cleaner)
but i like it very much despite. sounds like real players.

[themaidsroom]

i think it sounds great
i think if you're in nyc you should pm me
and bring your players over and will
put them on the 2"- 8 - track
it wil throw a bit of jumbo - retro
your way

i love recording strings

good luck
be well

- jack