Okay, so I'm on my way to creating a fairly comprehensive djembe soundfont. Here's the recording setup, which will also give people an idea of what the drum looks like if the name is unfamilliar: Miked-Up Djembe
We took three channels of each sample (~550 samples, but I won't use all of them - probably condense down to around 100 or so) - large-diaphram condensor in the bell and next to the head and pencil condensor overhead (the little white thing on the left is a dB meter). So, I'm looking for advice in mixing the samples down. We took some rhythms as well, and my intention is to use those to set the mix, and then duplicate those settings for all the samples.
First blush is eq to separate the bell from the head, and compression all around to tighten things up. Maybe I'll do a second preset with some verb or even phasing or something crazy like that. But, what to the experts think concerning the dry version?
Djembe Soundfont
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- KVRist
- 68 posts since 1 Feb, 2007 from On the Shore
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- KVRist
- 113 posts since 1 Nov, 2006 from VA USA
You should try to get a natural sound as possible with as little compression or EQing - if any. Although rumble filtering is OK.
I would mix the mikes so that you have two sets of samples per hit - a good top sound, and a good bottom sound. (And perhaps an ambient set of samples from a more distant mike if possible) This will allow the user to mix the sound themselves.
I would mix the mikes so that you have two sets of samples per hit - a good top sound, and a good bottom sound. (And perhaps an ambient set of samples from a more distant mike if possible) This will allow the user to mix the sound themselves.
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- KVRian
- 868 posts since 7 May, 2002 from Sydney, Australia
no advice to give, but looking forward to hearing this! 
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- KVRAF
- 6504 posts since 25 May, 2002 from Bobo-dioulasso\BF__Geneva/CH
I'm not experienced of these works of detailed soundtakes and samples articulation but...
...maybe it would make sense here to include an impulse response of
the instrument's body ?
...maybe it would make sense here to include an impulse response of
the instrument's body ?
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- KVRist
- Topic Starter
- 68 posts since 1 Feb, 2007 from On the Shore
Thanks for the thoughts. I've probably settled on no compression (couldn't make it sound better, and that's the point, right), and relatively minimal EQ. I found that I really liked a light, tight reverb on the overhead mike - gave the overall mix a little space without overwhelming it. Without the reverb, quite frankly, the overhead mike is almost superfluous.
I'll toy with the idea of mixing two different variations, one with the side mike lit up, one with the bass. We'll see how long it takes me to get the basic one done. I have over 500 samples to audition, cut and paste in order of loudness, once I get all of the takes mixed down with the same effects and mix.
Krakatau - I'm not sure how to include an impluse response of the instrument's body, but it sounds fascinating.
Finally, I'm keeping a record of the recording and mixing on my blog: http://robntweber.wordpress.com/tag/djembe/
I'll get a sample up and posted sometime this week (I hope).
I'll toy with the idea of mixing two different variations, one with the side mike lit up, one with the bass. We'll see how long it takes me to get the basic one done. I have over 500 samples to audition, cut and paste in order of loudness, once I get all of the takes mixed down with the same effects and mix.
Krakatau - I'm not sure how to include an impluse response of the instrument's body, but it sounds fascinating.
Finally, I'm keeping a record of the recording and mixing on my blog: http://robntweber.wordpress.com/tag/djembe/
I'll get a sample up and posted sometime this week (I hope).
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- KVRist
- Topic Starter
- 68 posts since 1 Feb, 2007 from On the Shore
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- KVRist
- 237 posts since 21 May, 2003
Download my free Djembe instrument (part of FlyingHand Percussion library).
http://www.flyinghandpercussion.com/downloads.htm
It was also recorded with multiple microphones. Try to use an Omni directional microphone as an overhead instead of a condenser. It makes a big difference.
A combination of omni on top, small condenser pointing the shell or bell and a bass drum mic from the bottom gives a great result and minimal phasing problems.
Hope this helps.
http://www.flyinghandpercussion.com/downloads.htm
It was also recorded with multiple microphones. Try to use an Omni directional microphone as an overhead instead of a condenser. It makes a big difference.
A combination of omni on top, small condenser pointing the shell or bell and a bass drum mic from the bottom gives a great result and minimal phasing problems.
Hope this helps.
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- KVRian
- 1440 posts since 16 Jul, 2003 from Zwollywood, The Netherlands (Europe)
Hi Teomi,
Would it be possible to have these samples in SF2 or EXS format?
My old converter can't read them, let alone convert them
BTW, they are very large for a light kit... It appears to be something quite spectactular
Would it be possible to have these samples in SF2 or EXS format?
My old converter can't read them, let alone convert them
BTW, they are very large for a light kit... It appears to be something quite spectactular
-- Regards MrM --
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- KVRist
- 237 posts since 21 May, 2003
at this point the samples are anly available for Kontakt. There is a lot of features I need for this library that aren't available in many samplers.
More formats will follow at some point.
Take care,
Eitan
More formats will follow at some point.
Take care,
Eitan
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- KVRist
- Topic Starter
- 68 posts since 1 Feb, 2007 from On the Shore