an opinion question on mixing chords

[Rock Star 87]

i have a harmonization part with four voice, Soprano, Alto, Tenor, and Bass on four different tracks. I feel that if these voice are played as a chord on 1 piano, that the volume should remain at the same decibel level for the sake of realism. But for the sake of sounding maybe a scotch (i'm such a dork) better, though they sound reasonably good now (really good in fact) i assume they should be the volumes should be adjusted. maybe it's just a matter of opinion, but i want some opinions and maybe a new perspective on things. i did put some reverb on the 1 bus, but they works on the entire track. thanks.

[AlChuck]

I don't understand what it is you are asking.

[Rock Star 87]

i'm asking if i should keep the volumes the same on the different notes in a chord or change them for the sake of being technical.

[James Argo]

It's not necessary to be exactly same level for each part. Althought doable, setting them at same level will impact on dynamic vibe of the song. They'll become "dead flat". Imagine that none of choir chamber would sing at exactly same volume all the time. Sometime the soprano is a bit louder, while in the other part, the tenor is. It's called dynamic, for the sake of being musical...

But I want it, Jaymz...!!!"

Sure, like I said, it's doable.
1. Make sure all tracks set to same volume level
2. Make sure each notes on a same row have same velocity level
3. Make sure each track has same value of CC=91 and CC=93 (default = 64)*
4. Make sure their track's setting are same (pre or post, bus route, etc.)

They should sound about same level now

*note: CC91 is MIDI Control Change to control how much the track will have reverb effect on "GM compatible", while 93 is chorus effect.


Jaymz

[moskus]

Originally Posted by Rock Star 87

i'm asking if i should keep the volumes the same on the different notes in a chord or change them for the sake of being technical.

This is the sollution to all mixing-problems, and can of course be applied here:

If it sounds good, do it!

[AlChuck]

It would be rather unnatural if all the levels of each note were identical... probably a bit subtle but it would contribute to an overall unnaturalness.

This is particularly true if the "chords" are not really chords, but moments in four-part writing (which is really a series of seperate lines that create moving harmonies) that, when analyzed, happen to spell a chord. The lines are what's important, and how they are accented can make a huge difference in the performance.

[James Argo]

Originally Posted by AlChuck

It would be rather unnatural if all the levels of each note were identical... probably a bit subtle but it would contribute to an overall unnaturalness.

This is particularly true if the "chords" are not really chords, but moments in four-part writing (which is really a series of seperate lines that create moving harmonies) that, when analyzed, happen to spell a chord. The lines are what's important, and how they are accented can make a huge difference in the performance.

WORD!!!
And chosing choir sound is preferable instead of piano for arranging choir parts (...for the sake of character )


Jaymz

[DEKAmusic]

I would have thought a bit more velocity on the root note of the chord might make a bit more impact. It is probably a bit more natural to play it that way.

[AlChuck]

Actually slamming the root is likely to make the sound more bombastic; you usually don't have to hit the root too hard, you bring out the upper notes more, especially when they are all parts of melodic lines, and especially the prominent melodic line...