> > Yeah. One way would be to record multiple tracks, using a different
> string patch for each track. When someone mentioned that real
> orchestras were used for disco strings, it got me wondering if
> anybody ever actually put together a "synth orchestra"; a large
> number of people playing synths at same time. Not very practical, but
> sure would be cool...
Now you're on to something.
Instead of actual people on multiple synths, you could try programming a
patch sounding like a solo violin, but giving the VCO a slight randomness
in pitch variance. Then the patch could have a random delay in the start
of the VCO and the end of the envelope. This would give a "human" feel.
Now you'd just sequence this, sending identical MIDI data each time you
recorded. I suppose maybe 6 tracks or so would be enough to start to
sound like an actual ensemble. Be careful to have any reverb or delay
shut off in the initial recording and only add it later in the sequencer
as a global effect for the entire group.
Messy, difficult, but cool.
Have any of you ever read about how Wendy Carlos programmed each sound for
the Synergy synth? Here is a person who is a perfectionist maniac. It
used additive synthesis, which, if you've ever used it or read about it,
is insanely difficult to get good sounds from. Simplified, it uses
multiple sine waves with varying parameters mixed together to form a
complex sound. Decisions, decisions: should I program a patch for 4 hours
or practice? (I'll take the latter.)