Software or Hardware?

[nonie]

When I say this, I'm talkin about sounds like horns, strings, etc. cuz lately when I get feed, people have been saying that my sounds sound "cheap". I don't know if it's because of my Motif Rack or what. And could someone list the pros and cons of software and hardware. Thanks.

 

[Formant024]

There is such a thing like blending a track, instead of layering up your instruments in the mix...its all about eq, dynamics and the summing of your mix. I havent heard your stuff but that the first thing that pops to mind when there setup consists of only a few instruments. Its not cheap but preset sounding, as if you're playing the demo track from the synth, things sound cheap when there's lots of noise and the balance in the mix is a mess.

 

[Agent Smith]

also it sounds cheap when instruments are used in a way that they don't sound natural...what i mean is like a saxaphone player doenst control his saxaphone with keyboard keys...so you have to remember that and play it (as much as the keys will allow) like a saxaphone (or trumpet or whatever)...this might mean picking different sounds as your main melody and using the real instrument (horns, strings, etc) patches as accents (or just sample some horns, strings, etc). also, learn some piano chords...play those with your strings and it makes them sound way thicker and more realistic.

and...reverb doesnt mean automatic realism. sometimes it sounds cheaper...like formant said, its all about balance and learning how to best use your patches to fit your style. from the stuff ive heard it seems like you are really melody oriented...which is good but that also requires you to get that much more acquainted with your sounds on that motif, ya feel me?

hope this helps

 

[nonie]

Thank you both, esp. John since you've listened to my beats and know what I'm talking about. Real nice information you gave me, somewhat similar to what Cold said.

So is there a difference in software and hardware sounds, quality and realistic wise?

 

[Agent Smith]

no worries man

as for your question- hmm not really...i mean you could argue both ways but if you flip it right, the difference is negligable...

 

[nonie]

Alright, thanks for clarifying.

 

[macproductions]

Software vs. Hardware sounds.

Everything said above was right. Here's my 2 cents though. If u can, use a good mixer to run your keyboards/modules through. It will warm up your sound and make it sound fatter rather than digital. As far as the software/hardware debate. It really depends on the sound itself and how it was recorded, etc. I try to mix it up though. Some of my sounds are from software, but u cant tell unless i told you.

 

[andreas]

The software hardware debate is getting kinda blurry nowadays cuz of the amazing samplers coming out. For example brass and strings as you mentioned. There's an awesome soundbank from East West called "symphonic orchestra Platinum Edition". It's the whole Orchestral ensemble of the london symphonic orchestra that has been sampled. And it sounds so got damn real that many moviescore makers have shifted to it cuz it's easyer n cheaper then to work with then a real orchestra..

Check the testtracks some guy made with it. No effects on to enhance the quality of the samples.


http://www.soundsonline.com/cd_mp3_demos/186924.mp3
Now listen to this and tell me it's samples playd by someone on his midicontroller this is fucking awesome


click here to check out the product
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...155_Symphonic_Orchestra_Platinum_Edition.html


Mind you though, the sample bank is 68 gig large
ohh, now I've gon and done it. i wet my pants listening to the track.. lol

 

[nonie]

Wow, that sounds dope as anything man. Some LOTR type of instrumental and the percussion is crazy. I wish I could afford that. :frown:

And thanks for the mixer tip, I might get one later, but for now, I think I'm good.