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  • Can you explain what you mean by using more than one reverb?

    Hello fellow VSL users

    I'm fairly new to the VSL and while the library itself is fantastic I have a problem understanding what I've read here in recent posts about using separate instances of reverb for each orchestra section in order to make productions sound more realistic. I sort of understand the concept but how exactly do I use these different reverbs?

    - do I have to use the same reverb program (IR), let's say a "concert hall" with space designer, just with different settings for each orchestra section, or can I use different rooms (different IR's) that were specifically made for e.g. the brass section, strings, percussion etc. ?

    - on top of the different reverb instances for each orchestra section, do you use an additional reverb/program (IR) on the master bus to sort of bring all the different sections "back" into one room?

    Those are my main questions at the moment.

    Thank you!

    - Felix

    PS: I'm using VSL special edition extended and Special Edition PLUS Standard Library with Logic on a MacPro and Apogee Symphony


  • One thing you need to know about mix and reverb .. is that everyone has their own way of doing things, and of using reverb. There are MANY ways to use reverb in your mixes and the posts you're referring to are other composers methods.

    You may find that there is one particular method that works best for you in time. And it does depend a lot on the kind of music you're making. If you're wanting to produce a small quintet ensemble .. then the chances are you only need on reverb seeing as how you don't need to simulate lots of different layers of depth to your virtual room.

    But if you're going for a huge concert orchestra then you may want to use 3 or 4 reverbs for the different depths. Some people like to use a reverb for each instrument group. You can do the whole thing with just one Reverb, but using 'pre-fade' on the instrument channels to use the volume fader to 'simulate' depth.

    Myself I settle for a near, and far reverb with an overall reverb on the master output. As I said .. many ways to go. Just don't be afraid to experiment to find out what works best for you.

    You don't have to use the same reverb IR .. or even the same plugin for your mixes .. but do remember that a real room, only has one particular sound to it .. and not many. If you're using a collection of different libraries you may want to look at different types of reverb to make them match as the sound is not usually the same from library to library.

    VSL have published a template for mix for use with the Special Edition. Go check it out and take a look at the tutorial vid that goes with it.


  • ... and check here, too: [URL]http://vsl.co.at/en/211/497/1687/455/1287.htm[/URL] ... ;-)

    /Dietz - Vienna Symphonic Library
  • Thank you Hetoreyn for your comprehensive explanation!  It is like in other elements of music:  there are rules but you don't have to follow them and you can make your own.

    Where would I find the VSL mix template for use with the Special Edition?

    Again thank you for your help.

    - Felix


  • Hi Felix

    Try under USER AREA / OVERVIEW / Videos / Training Videos..

    Colin


  • Hello Felix

    As Hetoreyn explained: There are lots of ways for using reverbs. On the one hand we try to simulate the real concert situation sometimes. On the other hand we "know how the sound has to be" from listening to hundreds of CDs. It has to sound as we are used to do - so to say.

    Two examples:
    go to my Website http://www.beat-kaufmann.com/index.php

    and click at Highlights on

    1. Welcome (Example with a band which plays in its own room(s) even if there is a concert hall with an orchestra)

    2. BWV 565 Fuga in Dm (Listen to the 3 nice depths: Strings (close) Woodwinds (mid distance) Brass and Percussion (far away)

    All the best

    Beat Kaufmann


    - Tips & Tricks while using Samples of VSL.. see at: https://www.beat-kaufmann.com/vitutorials/ - Tutorial "Mixing an Orchestra": https://www.beat-kaufmann.com/mixing-an-orchestra/
  • Thank you for the examples Beat.  Those are beautiful pieces!

    - Felix