Orchestral Mixing Explained
In this Groove3 video tutorial series, DAW pro Gary Hiebner presents a video series all about mixing orchestral music and instruments. Learn how to approach this artful task and get results that sound both realistic and incredible.
Videos
• Introduction to Mixing Orchestras (03:36) - In this video, Gary gives an introduction to how you approach mixing orchestral instruments. He also breaks down what is going to be covered in this series.
• Explaining the Sections in the Orchestra (06:47) - Gary shows you the different sections in the orchestra and what type of players are in each section.
• The Microphones (08:22) - In this video, Gary explores the different microphone configurations used to capture the sound of a player.
• The Standard Orchestra Positioning (07:17) - There's a standard orchestral seating plan that has evolved over the centuries. This video takes a look at the most common seating plan.
• Solo Section vs Ensemble Explained (04:34) - In this video, Gary explains the difference in sound and quality of an ensemble sections versus a solo player.
• Packing the Sections into Folders (08:44) - Here, Gary takes a look at how the audio files are viewed and how you can use the meters to monitor the signal of your audio.
• Balancing the Sections (14:13) - Gary takes you through the steps to balance your sections in the orchestra.
• Creating Reverb Sends (12:58) - Gary shows how to setup multiple reverbs for an orchestra so that all the tracks sound like they belong in their own unique space.
• Mixing the String Ensemble Pt. 1 (15:19) - In this video, Gary explores how to mix your strings ensemble section. It includes the panning, reverbs, volume adjustments and EQ-ing of the Strings.
• Mixing the String Ensemble Pt. 2 (13:00) - In this video, Gary picks up right where he left off mixing the string ensemble.
• The Brass Ensemble (16:00) - Gary mixes the brass ensemble section: Including the panning, reverbs, volume adjustments, and EQ-ing.
• The Woodwinds Ensemble (13:19) - Gary goes through the mixing of the woodwinds in an orchestra.
• The Percussion (15:13) - This video takes a look at the role of the percussion in an orchestral mix.
• Tuned Percussion (07:53) - Gary explores the mixing of the Tuned Percussion elements like the glockenspiels, and vibraphones.
• Piano, Harp & Choirs (14:25) - This video looks at extra instruments that could be included in an orchestra like pianos, harps and choirs.
• Enhancing the Dynamics with VCA Automation (12:20) - Gary explains how to set up VCA faders and how you can automate these to get extra dynamics out of the mix.
• Mastering the Orchestra (08:25) - Gary looks at how to finalize and master the orchestral mix, and what mastering processors are usually used.
• Smaller Orchestral Setup (04:48) - Here, Gary explores a different sized orchestra and compares how it is mixed.
• Mixing the Smaller Strings (17:22) - In this video, Gary looks at more chamber style strings and how using different microphone configurations and reverbs can give a different sound to the mix.
• Mixing the Smaller Brass (14:55) - Gary follows the same steps here and uses the different reverbs to place the brass in this smaller orchestra.
• Mixing the Smaller Woodwinds (16:43) - Gary finishes off with the smaller orchestra showing you how the woodwinds fit into the mix.
• Taking a Look at EaReverb (13:12) - Here, Gary explores other tools that can help you with the placement of your orchestral instruments. Beginning with the EaReckon's tool EarReverb.
• Virtual Sound Stage (11:36) - Another placement tool is Parallax Audio's Virtual Sound Stage, in this video Gary shows you how to use this tool to help place your orchestral instrument on a virtual stage.
• Hybrid Strings Mix (09:24) - Gary shows how you can use orchestral elements with other styes, for example with Rock (Strings in a Hybrid Rock/Orchestral Mix).
• Hybrid Brass (05:30) - Gary looks at the brass in a hybrid rock/orchestral mix.
• Hybrid Percussion (11:36) - Finally, Gary explores how to use orchestral percussion in a hybrid rock/orchestral.