Layering Multiple Samples

Hey producers,

When looking for a sample on a record I am sure you have came across multiple segments throughout the track that you would sample. For instance a piano plays during the intro, a string comes during a break and a cello provides a nice bassline to it all. I have came across an issue that I've been experimenting with over and over again to obtain the exact result I am looking for, but haven't came across anything that quite solves my problem. For the purposes of this post, I'll use the above scenario.

I would like to use the piano, violin and cello all in one sequence without having the frequencies and melodies collide providing a muddy an undesirable sound.

With that said, I have scoured the search engine on the forum and from what I've so far learned was obviously panning and eq-ing will play very dramatic roles during this instance. I've experimented with all these different facets in producing a beat, and only got so far. The closest I've come to obtaining the sound I want was filtering the cello with a Low-Pass to rid of any high frequencies that are present while filtering the piano with a high pass and band pass to compensate for the emptiness in that frequency of the overall track. After applying this, any instance where I would attempt to add the violin would clash with the piano and produce a muddy sound regardless of how much I would pan these seperate samples.

I hope you guys can understand what I'm trying to explain here, and if not maybe I can post a track that will mimic the sound I am trying to create and obtain. I was directed to this portion of the forum to Clint246Clint who also assured me that you guys can point me in the right direction.

Thanks in advanced, and sorry that you have to read an essay.
Illestrait

have you tried a parametric eq? that'll give you much more precise control. than low/hi passing

^Definitely. Also there could be an increase in overall noise. If you have three samples stacked that's 3x the noise.

All of this makes perfect sense to me. I'm going to try it tonight and let you guys know how it works out. Thanks for all the input!

illestrait wrote:All of this makes perfect sense to me. I'm going to try it tonight and let you guys know how it works out. Thanks for all the input!

Keep us posted.

you might also wanna apply a reverb to the piano and the strings, after you eqd the sounds individually

are you sure they are in tune with each other and you are not hearing a note clash?

also, its possible that each instrument was not perfectly tuned when recorded. Maybe adjust the tuning on one of the instruments a couple nicks, (like this 0.02) - see if that helps.....

also, what are the octaves each instrument is in? i mean, if they are all in the same freq range you're going to have more trouble than say the cello is like a bass, piano in mid range, and violin in vocal range..........just saying...........if they are all in high range there is more to clash.

plus, where did you get the sample from? is it clear recording? if you sampled from vinyl youll also get alot of "unheard" noise that could be contributing, noise on top and bottom that you can even hear.

Hey guys,
So I experimented a little last night, but didn't come to a complete answer yet. Mainly I EQed the samples on a parametric EQ and really isolate each sample towards its concentrated area. I did try adding reverb and still came out muddy.

I guess a good point to look into is the actual sample and its quality. Maybe it's all poor.

@Cyrus
Everything is coming from a record. Not in the best condition, but the table is hooked directly into the MPC. I used to use a mixer, but it picked up a LOT of that unheard sound and picked up a lot of additional noise. I never tried altering the notes, but I will give it a try. As far as octaves are concerned the problem instruments are usually the piano (mid range) and violin (vocal range). somewhat close to eachother.
Maybe I can upload the samples and have you guys listen. I bet right off the bat you'll come to an answer.

do you think tuning the samples would help? that would shift their frequency range, right?
but it could throw them out of tune with the other samples.

cyrus wrote:also, its possible that each instrument was not perfectly tuned when recorded. Maybe adjust the tuning on one of the instruments a couple nicks, (like this 0.02) - see if that helps.....

@ Beachbreak: This indeed will help preventing from notes clashing with eachother. But pitching it up or down with such a small amount won't throw it off key.

At the OP:

-Eqing, experiment with that
-Cyrus' tip: pitch it up or down just a little bit.
-Seperate the sound by panning the samples. Let's say keep the piano in the middle, pan the chello slightly to the left and the strings wide right. (or wherever you want to place your instruments) Gives it also more space and air.

Use this as a guide, then go back to the parametric EQ and play around in the right frequency bands.

Still experimenting...
You guys have been such a big help, and I thank you all. That chart is perfect. I will definitely be remembering that one.

^cool chart jones... maybe I should print that...

also check out this, can be very helpful:

http://www.recordingwebsite.com/articles/eqfreq.php

that chart is going to be my desktop background for awhile