Three Orchestral Mockup Versions

This video is about opinions. Personal preferences. Or you could even see it as a challenge. I’ve prepared three (!) basic orchestral mockup versions of the polar express suite. Trying to pin down which one sounds the best.

Don’t forget to hit that like button if you appreciate this video. Also sub to my channel for my music and videos about how to write orchestral music for film.

Recent talk about panning & mics settings

Recently I had a talk with a couple of professional film composers about using microphone settings. They told me that most of them only use good tree mic settings. No ambient, close, outriggers, spots etc.. I wondered, if that is the case do we even need those professional expensive libraries with all these different mic options?

We also talked about panning. And they stated that you don’t do extra panning on professional pre-panned libraries. Something I do! I showed how in the Masterclass videos.

So I felt challenged and made three orchestral mockup versions of the Polar Express Suite. Trying to pin down which one sounds the best.

Three Orchestral Mockup Versions

Now I guess I’m biased. So I’m asking you: which one do you prefer? In random order they’ll pass (starting at 4:05 – so if you wanna skip my talk, go ahead):

• only tree mics and no extra panning
• my personal mic preferences with extra panning in Kontakt
• my personal mic preferences with extra panning in Precedence

So let’s vote!

Next week I’ll return to this video and share the winner. Of course, we run through the midi mockup and the settings in detail.

Libraries used:

• Spitfire Audio
  • Symphonic Strings
  • Chamber Strings
  • Symphonic Woodwinds
  • Symphonic Brass
  • Percussion
  • HZ Percussion
• 8dio
  • Lacrimosa (female and men)
  • Liberis
• Audio Imperia Jeager Violins
• Native Instruments
  • Symphony Series Brass
  • Symphony Series Percussion
  • The Genteman
• Cinesine from Cinesamples
• Sonokinetic Modal Runs