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Advice on a new tape set

Advice on a new tape set

2009-04-09 by lilainjil

Hello folks. So I'm looking for thoughts on a new tape set for my M400.
My current set is flute/boys choir/MKII violins.

I've gone through the sounds on the Streetly site. Rick Blechta also gave me some good ideas. I definitely lean toward the odd and interesting, creaky, haunting, atmospheric - rather than realistic emulation. I have gigabytes of EastWest and ProjectSam libraries for that.

Here's my shortlist:

cor anglais/oboe split
bass clarinet
Ian Macdonald flute
angry strings
new cello
Cyndee's viola

Rick suggested this would be a worthy six-sound tape set in that order.

I also like tenor sax, french horn, and american pump organ.

And what's the word on the new tape sets with the six sounds? Stick with the standard three?

Thanks,
Andy

Re: Advice on a new tape set

2009-04-09 by Bernie

--- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, "lilainjil" <andym@...> wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> Hello folks. So I'm looking for thoughts on a new tape set for my M400.
> My current set is flute/boys choir/MKII violins.
>
> I've gone through the sounds on the Streetly site. Rick Blechta also gave me some good ideas. I definitely lean toward the odd and interesting, creaky, haunting, atmospheric - rather than realistic emulation. I have gigabytes of EastWest and ProjectSam libraries for that.
>
> Here's my shortlist:
>
> cor anglais/oboe split
> bass clarinet
> Ian Macdonald flute
> angry strings
> new cello
> Cyndee's viola
>
> Rick suggested this would be a worthy six-sound tape set in that order.
>
> I also like tenor sax, french horn, and american pump organ.
>
> And what's the word on the new tape sets with the six sounds? Stick with the standard three?
>
> Thanks,
> Andy
>

Andy,

Sounds like a good selection; all newer sounds. Are you having all six sounds put on one or two frames? The sounds you've selected would probably blend well on the 6-track frame if that's what you're planning. One sound I really like is Gothic. It's really a massive sound. I wish I still had it, but I plan on getting it again in the future.

Bernie

Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: Advice on a new tape set

2009-04-09 by Rick Blechta


On Apr 9, 2009, at 4:16 PM, Andy wrote:

> Here's my shortlist:
>
> cor anglais/oboe split
> bass clarinet
> Ian Macdonald flute
> angry strings
> new cello
> Cyndee's viola

You know, in thinking about this further, how about a slight reordering:

cor anglais/oboe split
bass clarinet
Ian McDonald flute
Cyndee's viola
angry strings
new cello

The change would allow the angry strings to be mixed with either the cello or the viola (both allowing for a fatter string sound but each with a difference) and I think the viola and flute would be a better combination than the cello and flute you'd have in the first set -- less space between the tessituras (now there's a 25-cent word!).

Rick

Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: Advice on a new tape set

2009-04-09 by john barrick

Rick - your quarter is in the mail...


Rick Blechta wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> The change would allow the angry strings to be mixed with either the
> cello or the viola (both allowing for a fatter string sound but each
> with a difference) and I think the viola and flute would be a better
> combination than the cello and flute you'd have in the first set --
> less space between the tessituras (now there's a 25-cent word!).
>
> Rick
>

Re: Advice on a new tape set

2009-04-09 by lilainjil

--- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, Rick Blechta <rick@...> wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
>
> On Apr 9, 2009, at 4:16 PM, Andy wrote:
>
> > > Here's my shortlist:
> > >
> > > cor anglais/oboe split
> > > bass clarinet
> > > Ian Macdonald flute
> > > angry strings
> > > new cello
> > > Cyndee's viola
>
> You know, in thinking about this further, how about a slight reordering:
>
> cor anglais/oboe split
> bass clarinet
> Ian McDonald flute
> Cyndee's viola
> angry strings
> new cello
>
> The change would allow the angry strings to be mixed with either the
> cello or the viola (both allowing for a fatter string sound but each
> with a difference) and I think the viola and flute would be a better
> combination than the cello and flute you'd have in the first set --
> less space between the tessituras (now there's a 25-cent word!).
>
> Rick
>

Good stuff guys, thanks. Yes Bernie I was thinking of the six sounds on one tape. Although I'm a little concerned about the potential bleed between sounds. For instance I would think that the bass clarinet would really be at its best completely solo, without any ghosting from one of the other woodwinds. No?

I'm also having doubts about 'angry strings'. Maybe it's me, but does it lack a certain 'mellotronness'? Is it almost too sample-like?

And how could I fit in American pump organ, or the venerable tenor sax, or the french horn?


Andy

Re: Advice on a new tape set

2009-04-09 by ceccles_ca

I seem to recall that you can have five (5) unique voices from the new 6 track format. A AB B BC C. Martin-baby can explain it better.

Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: Advice on a new tape set

2009-04-09 by Rick Blechta


On Apr 9, 2009, at 6:35 PM, ceccles_ca wrote:


I seem to recall that you can have five (5) unique voices from the new 6 track format. A AB B BC C. Martin-baby can explain it better.

You know, I do believe Clay is correct.

As for Frank, he's always wrong. Even when he's right he's wrong, right?

Re: Advice on a new tape set

2009-04-10 by lilainjil

--- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, Rick Blechta <rick@...> wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
>
> On Apr 9, 2009, at 6:35 PM, ceccles_ca wrote:
>
> >
> > I seem to recall that you can have five (5) unique voices from the
> > new 6 track format. A AB B BC C. Martin-baby can explain it better.
>
> You know, I do believe Clay is correct.
>

A AB B BC C. That says to me three actual sounds per tape set. Total of five including the blends.

My understanding is there would six new sounds per set. More like A AB B BC C CD D DE EF F. Correct me if I'm wrong.

Anybody else here have experience with the new tapes? How much bleed is there when selecting an individual voice?

Andy

Re: Advice on a new tape set

2009-04-10 by Bernie

--- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, "lilainjil" <andym@...> wrote:
Show quoted textHide quoted text
>
> --- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com, Rick Blechta <rick@> wrote:
> >
> >
> > On Apr 9, 2009, at 6:35 PM, ceccles_ca wrote:
> >
> > >
> > > I seem to recall that you can have five (5) unique voices from the
> > > new 6 track format. A AB B BC C. Martin-baby can explain it better.
> >
> > You know, I do believe Clay is correct.
> >
>
> A AB B BC C. That says to me three actual sounds per tape set. Total of five including the blends.
>
> My understanding is there would six new sounds per set. More like A AB B BC C CD D DE EF F. Correct me if I'm wrong.
>
> Anybody else here have experience with the new tapes? How much bleed is there when selecting an individual voice?
>
> Andy
>

I don't believe you can select an individual voice. There are two instruments per track, so Track A would be a blend of A1 and A2, between Tracks A and B would be a blend of A2 and B1, etc..

Regarding the Angry Strings, I really like the sound of the sample on the Streetly library website. It sounds Mellotronic to me. Keep in mind that there is cello on the lower half-octave or so. Another possible string sound is the Sad Strings, or even the standard MkII Violins.

Bernie

Re: Advice on a new tape set

2009-04-10 by ceccles_ca

From the Mellotron tape library http://www.mikedickson.org.uk/tron/
under Other Sounds and Services:

" Standard three track tapes have always offered two additional blends at the mid points between A and B and B and C but now you can have 5 unique voices from the new 6 track format. "

Here's what I think:

position A - voice one

position AB - voice two

position B - voice three

position BC - voice four

position C - voice five

You would also be able to dial in four different "mixed voices" between these five selector positions. How bloody marvelous is that?!!

Re: Advice on a new tape set

2009-04-10 by ceccles_ca

> Anybody else here have experience with the new tapes? How much bleed is there when selecting an individual voice?
>
> Andy

Talk to Martin Smith at Streetly Electronics TRONBROS@aol.com . He has lots of experience with the new five voice tapes and he can tell you about bleed and all that. He can also refer you to people who are currently using the new tapes.

Clay

Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: Advice on a new tape set

2009-04-11 by Mike Dickson

Be careful blending the Sad Strings with anything. They are actually
pretty much in tune and show other stuff up pretty horribly. They blend
well with the New Cello though. As for bleed, be aware that Great
Hulking Sounds (like the bass clarinet) do have a slight bleed effect,
even on 3 track tape and are best placed next to another Great Hulking
Sound.

As for the blending, to quote from the web site: "Why limit your M400 to
just three sounds? We have been experimenting and can now offer an
expanded version of M400 tapes. In an effort to maximise what can be
achieved with the predetermined format we are now producing 6 track
tapes. Standard three track tapes have always offered two additional
blends at the mid points between A and B and B and C but now you can
have 5 unique voices from the new 6 track format. It's all about
*maximising the possibilities* and reducing the inherent limitations.
These tapes open up a host of new sound combinations, all recorded on
wonderful EMI stock of course. And all at no extra charge!"



Bernie wrote:
>
>
> --- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
> <mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com>, "lilainjil" <andym@...>
> wrote:
> >
> > --- In newmellotrongroup@yahoogroups.com
> <mailto:newmellotrongroup%40yahoogroups.com>, Rick Blechta <rick@> wrote:
> > >
> > >
> > > On Apr 9, 2009, at 6:35 PM, ceccles_ca wrote:
> > >
> > > >
> > > > I seem to recall that you can have five (5) unique voices from the
> > > > new 6 track format. A AB B BC C. Martin-baby can explain it better.
> > >
> > > You know, I do believe Clay is correct.
> > >
> >
> > A AB B BC C. That says to me three actual sounds per tape set. Total
> of five including the blends.
> >
> > My understanding is there would six new sounds per set. More like A
> AB B BC C CD D DE EF F. Correct me if I'm wrong.
> >
> > Anybody else here have experience with the new tapes? How much bleed
> is there when selecting an individual voice?
> >
> > Andy
> >
>
> I don't believe you can select an individual voice. There are two
> instruments per track, so Track A would be a blend of A1 and A2,
> between Tracks A and B would be a blend of A2 and B1, etc..
>
> Regarding the Angry Strings, I really like the sound of the sample on
> the Streetly library website. It sounds Mellotronic to me. Keep in
> mind that there is cello on the lower half-octave or so. Another
> possible string sound is the Sad Strings, or even the standard MkII
> Violins.
>
> Bernie
>
>

--
Mike Dickson, Edinburgh

Free Music Project: http://www.last.fm/music/Mike+Dickson
Or http://www.mikedickson.org.uk/

Re: [newmellotrongroup] Re: Advice on a new tape set

2009-04-12 by lsf5275@aol.com

In order for this to work Tracks A, B and C have to be blended tracks
So, for example, it works this way:
A is Clarinet & Flute
B is Oboe & French horn
C is Brass & 3 violins
AB is Flute & oboe
BC is French Horn and Brass
In a message dated 4/10/2009 1:21:16 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, kornowicz@cox.net writes:


--- In newmellotrongroup@ yahoogroups. com, "lilainjil" <andym@...> wrote:
>
> --- In newmellotrongroup@ yahoogroups. com, Rick Blechta <rick@> wrote:
> >
> >
> > On Apr 9, 2009, at 6:35 PM, ceccles_ca wrote:
> >
> > >
> > > I seem to recall that you can have five (5) unique voices from the
> > > new 6 track format. A AB B BC C. Martin-baby can explain it better.
> >
> > You know, I do believe Clay is correct.
> >
>
> A AB B BC C. That says to me three actual sounds per tape set. Total of five including the blends.
>
> My understanding is there would six new sounds per set. More like A AB B BC C CD D DE EF F. Correct me if I'm wrong.
>
> Anybody else here have experience with the new tapes? How much bleed is there when selecting an individual voice?
>
> Andy
>

I don't believe you can select an individual voice. There are two instruments per track, so Track A would be a blend of A1 and A2, between Tracks A and B would be a blend of A2 and B1, etc..

Regarding the Angry Strings, I really like the sound of the sample on the Streetly library website. It sounds Mellotronic to me. Keep in mind that there is cello on the lower half-octave or so. Another possible string sound is the Sad Strings, or even the standard MkII Violins.

Bernie


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