String Quartet Mixing

[Markisflippinsweet]

I have laid out the standard string quartet of:

Violins 1: at (-5 .8) dB, and -36 pan to the left.

Violins 2: at (-7. 8) dB, and -25 pan to the left.

Violas: at (-8.6) dB, and +25 pan to the right.

Cellos: at (-6.4) dB, and +36 pan to the right.

 

Does this panning sound like an accurate representation of a quartet from the listeners perspective? What do you think should be changed?

I processed each one so that it is even in loudness on both channels. I'll post a clip of it, below. It's just some random notes so you can hear it.

 

Mark

tester.mp3.zip

[Eriksimon]

Can you explain to me why I (and others) will probably say/think this is a futile exercise? Several different reasons possible.

[ski]

My personal reasons as to why this is an exercise in futility...

 

1) You're asking for advice on levels and panning for a quartet, but in the clip only two violins are playing.

 

On the right.

 

2) The samples sound unnaturally harsh and are quantized to the point of distraction. But you wanted advice on something as subtle as listener's perspective?

 

3) Anytime you attempt to approach a mix of music by specifying numbers, you've not only lost the battle, you've lost the war.

 

You asked... "what do you think should be changed?" I'd offer this: next time you want advice on mixing and panning, post an actual piece of music.