I would really appreciate your advice on this!
I have a recording of a violin, and recording of an ensemble (2 separate recordings).
They are playing the same song, and the 2 tracks ready to be combined, line up correctly and everything.
However, they were recorded with completely different microphones (solo violin with a ribbon, ensemble with condensers) in completely different spaces (violin in a small space, ensemble in a large space)
What are some techniques/ plugins that can help me manipulate timbres/sound space/etc - to make it sound as if they were recorded together. Is it correct to try to blend the violin into the ensemble, or is it better to edit both of them in the same way to unify the timbre more?
I am using Reaper at the moment.
What I've tried: Some reverb to smooth things out, stereo image manipulation to give both of them the same stereo simulation processing, and some EQ plugin . I am using the PSP Audioware plugins for this. I am not professionally trained, but have decent self-taught experience recording, and editing.
It still doesn't sound quite right though. Please help!
Daniel
Comments
Hi and welcome. This isn't a "Mastering" question, so be prepar
Hi and welcome. This isn't a "Mastering" question, so be prepared for an admin to move it.
But in the meantime, some things to think about.
You can't take the "large space sound" out of the ensemble recording, so your best bet is probably to give the solo violin the right reverb to match that larger space the ensemble is in. Remove all the unnecessary plug-ins and start with just reverb on the violin. Dialing in the right reverb is more than just adjusting the reverb length. I have a feeling you'll get the most benefit from experimenting with the early reflections / pre-delay adjustments until it sounds right - then try to fine-tune the reverb length.
If the ensemble was recorded in stereo, I'd leave that alone and pan the violin just slightly off-center. If the ensemble was recorded in mono, I probably would try to give the ensemble the illusion of being stereo.
Also, if the timing, tempo, and tuning aren't absolutely perfect, it can make it hard to get two tracks to 'gel'.
I'm sure others will have more to say on the topic.
Best of luck.