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IDI Gestures Here are some tricks you can use to spice up your virtual symphonies.

 

Many of the following .mp3 samples use older model synths, especially where it's possible to confuse the charm of modern samples with technique effectiveness. I also want to show that you can coax interesting sounds from almost any synth or sampler by using subtle gestures. Ideally, you'll use these techniques on your best sounds.

You can also get extra mileage out of older gear by pairing it up with your newest soundware in ensemble contexts, as demonstrated below.

 

Solo violin via three MIDI channels.

The unembellished solo violin sample is played using a single violin patch, whereas the simulated bowing example uses separate MIDI channels for down bows, up bows, and legato

 
Unembellished Solo Violin
Part
Synth/Software
Solo Violin

Kurzweil K2000S

 
Simulated Bowing, Dynamics, + Mod Wheel Vibratos
Part
Synth/Software
Violin Down Bows

Korg X5D

Violin Up Bows Kurzweil K2000S
Violin Legato Kurzweil K2000S

notes. Dynamics are controlled via CC 11 and dashes of pitch bend and Mod Wheel vibrato are added to the second audio clip.

 
   

String vibratos performed with pitch bend.

Control over vibrato speed and depth can be achieved by performing with pitch bend. In this

 
Performed Vibratos
Part
Synth/Software
1st Chair Violin

Kurzweil K2000S

Violins I Gigastudio: Garritan Orchestral Strings
Violins II Gigastudio: Garritan Orchestral Strings
1st Chair Viola Korg X5D
Violas   Gigastudio: Garritan Orchestral Strings

example, ensemble parts are played individually to create a rich and natural sound.

   
 

Bowed tremolo via two MIDI channels.

A bowed tremolo plays a single note using rapidly alternating down bows and up bows.

 
Bowed Tremolo
Part
Synth/Software
Cello Down Bow

Kurzweil K2000S

Cello Up Bow Korg X5D

Add tiny amounts of pitch bend for spice.

 
   

Woodwind phrasing and dynamics via CC 11.

Create dynamic contours emphasizing attack, swells, and release using MIDI expression (purple bars). A combination of CC 11 and note duration also distinguishes legato, non legato, and staccato notes.

The listening sample contains two versions of the same passage:

1. strictly quantized non legato notes, rigid dynamics (performed with a keyboard)

 
Woodwind Phrasing
Part
Synth/Software
Flute 1

Kurzweil K2000S

Flute 2 Gigastudio: Miraslov Vitous "Mini" Flute

2. varied articulations and dynamics (performed with a breath controller)—decorated with pitch bend and timbral filtering (gold bars)

In the first example, the two flutists play in exact unison and never pause to breathe. The second example uses two separate performances, letting the players diverge and breathe individually.

   
 

Brass rips.

 
Trumpet Rips
Part
Synth/Software
Trumpet

Kurzweil K2000S

Rapidly play a run of overtones on the attack or release of a note to make a rip.

 
   

Shake from cross-faded partials.

The shake is created by crossfading trumpet overtones from two separate MIDI channels

 
Shake
Part
Synth/Software
Trumpet

Kurzweil K2000S

Trumpet (upper partial) Kurzweil K2000S

using CC 11 (purple lines). Include pitch bend (blue lines) for extra realism.

   
 

Trumpet mute via automated EQ.

Try performing a mute effect by automating a high-pass filter in sync with a mid-range boost.

 
Performed Mute
Part
Synth/Software
Trumpet

Gigastudio: Quantum Leap Brass*

* Recorded as digital audio in Digital Performer and performed using the Parametric EQ DSP effect.
 
   

Flutter tongue with brassed tone.

Add a quiet dissonant overtone to the fundamental (+1 semitone) and flutter using rapid pitch bend (blue lines). Try it on flutes and other brass and wind instruments.

 
Flutter Tongue
Part
Synth/Software
Trombone

Gigastudio: Quantum Leap Brass

For brassed tone add quiet "harmonics," shifted up one octave, to the attack and/or release. Tailor dynamics using CC 11 (Purple lines).

   
 

Cymbal tremolo and roll.

The cymbal tremolo is performed using pitch bend.

A roll can be emulated through simple digital audio editing.*

 
Cymbal Tremolo
Part
Synth/Software
Piatti

Kurzweil K2000S

 
Cymbal Roll
Part
Synth/Software
Cymbal

Kurzweil K2000S*

* An ordinary pole cymbal sound, alternately reversed and played forward; ending with a hand-held cymbal crash.
 

By using the power of MIDI continuous controllers in concert with orchestral knowledge, you can produce a wide range of sophisticated sounds. Happy emulating!

 
   
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