[Boydie]

Hi all

It has been a while since I have posted anything

KEROUAC1957 started a discussion about programmed "hornz" just as I was looking to add some hornz to this track - which was intended as a "bluesy/soul" number so I wanted some authentic horn sounds

http://www.songwriterforum.co.uk/recording/arranging-brasshorns/

I looked at samples and did some loads of research into VST instruments

I decided to go for Chris Hein Horns Compact, which I think gives an "authentic enough" sound

This track has been in my head for ages and is not intended for pitching - this one is just for fun!

As it is my "hornz test" I have just included the intro, V1, Chorus, V2, Chorus (so apologies for the abrupt ending!) and it is just an initial "rough mix"

There are no vocals but I have the melody & lyrics (mostly!) so hope to update it to a finished track soon

I would love to know your thoughts - especially on the hornz

https://soundcloud.com/boydiemusic/mr-bad-news-hornz-test/s-4Um1u

[Neil C]

Boydie
Just listened and the sound is really, really good - Stax on a plate IMHO

My only thought is it nearly sounds too together and tight in terms of the playing of the notes if that makes any sense?

I'd just got Kontak Session horns but not had time to play with it yet..
If I can get near what you done I'll be happy
 
Neil

[beckylucythomas]

Very nice! Great writing, and the horns/sax/trumpet or whatever else you have in there certainly has an authentic sound and packs a punch..... Agree that if anything it's just a tiny bit too perfect. Are you going to do more with it?...

[hardtwistmusic]

My brain and ears would have never come up with the concept of "too perfect sounding" but I can now hear what they are saying. 

I wouldn't worry much about that.  And there is probably some trick to use. 

Perhaps deconstructing the track and slightly un-synching some parts to create some imperfection in the timing would help.  Dunno... but I love the whole idea of that Hornz software.  I'll Put that on my wish list. 

[Boydie]

Thanks Guys

I consciously tried to app variation to each horn line by recording them separately and resisting the temptation to copy and paste the MIDI notes

I also ensured that not all horns were playing exactly the same lines

I will revisit them to increase the "sloppiness" - I think it is the trumpets that are probably too "tight" as I just nudged one track slightly as an experiment and it made a massive difference

I'd just got Kontak Session horns but not had time to play with it yet.. Smiley
If I can get near what you done I'll be happy

I had narrowed down my search to Chris Hein and Session Horns

I felt Chris Hein edged it on "sound" but Session Horns has some great features like the "riff generator" and an "automatic" assign function that puts the different notes on to different horns

You will have no trouble getting the same sound and feel though

Are you going to do more with it?...

Yes, I have the melody and lyric pretty much sorted and there is also a bridge section so the "sketch" of the whole song is done - I just need to record the vocals and put some "bells & whistles" on

However, I have another one of my tracks that I want to finish first   

[KEROUAC1957]

Wow excellent Boydie and you certainly got better results than me I think. It took me by surprise as didn't think that was you kind of music from memory hearing your other tracks. All that's missing is Sam and Dave  I love that old soul sound.

[Alan Starkie]

Hi Boydie,

Nice fret work mate.

The brass is ok on the long padded sections but they come undone on the staccato stabs for me. That's when it sounds artificial.

[Boydie]

Thanks Alan

The brass is ok on the long padded sections but they come undone on the staccato stabs for me. That's when it sounds artificial.

I know EXACTLY what you mean

Interestingly the "full" version of Chris Hein Horns (CHH Pro) includes LOADS more velocity layers and sample options (ie a separate set of samples for stabs), which I think would make a real difference

However, this comes in at a whopping £519 

I will wait for the "too good to miss upgrade offer email" 

Overall though, for less than £150 I am well pleased with them and I am sure I will get to grips with them over time (I have just got to resist putting horns over everything!!!!!)