Epica - Great string sounds

[charic]

Trying to work out how the hell Coen Janssen from epica gets his keys to cut through so well without overpowering the vocals.

I've got some great sounds loaded in for huge epic chords and crashes (along the lines of Sonata Arctica sounds) but as soon as I'm playing a fast melodic part it loses all it's impact and tips or ideas? I'm thinking it's maybe going to have to be a combi using a few sounds but I'm damned if I can figure which would be best to use right now.

Btw, check out their new track... it's what's got me wanting this sound again. Particularly the high run :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_Ys_W7ySkM

[jeebustrain]

As you said, layering might work...detune 2 or 3 of them on top of each other. Make sure the attack is pretty sharp, too.

You could also try using unison to beef the program up a bit.

[jeremykeys]

Thanks for turning me onto that video! Now I have to go out and but their new cd. I already have 2 others. Great band. I'm also a huge fan of Nightwish. If you don't know them, check them out.

Can you point out where exactly in the video you are talking about the high run?

I did notice that his sounds do tend to be very dynamic in nature. When he wants them to jump out, he hits it hard but generally stays away from the vocal register.

[jeremykeys]

I just read on the Epica site that they used a lot of real strings and brass for this recording. I'm not sure what they'll do live but and really good keyboard will cover the sonic basis pretty well I'd think.[/quote]