need help picking instruments

[kevbulony]

Hi,
I've been asked to get a live recording of this track(the instrument in the link are all VSTs)I'm a little concerned that although what I have here sounds ok / clear : when I transfer this into the real world of acoustics the bottom end is simply going to break the composition. ?
The parts in question are the two French Horns.They're playing a minor 2nd between G below middle C,and A flat.It resolves to E and G.
The aim of the compostion was to create a kind of 'jesting' clownish sound.This is why I opted for the minor 2nd.
However I've read the safe low limit for a minor 2nd is in the A 27.5 Harmonic series located between D sharp (first D sharp above middle C ) and E.
Anyone any ideas how this would sound in a real recording environment ? Would the effect serve its purpose,and would the bottom end overpower the rest of the instruments ?
Many Thanks
Kev
The piece is called Wacky Races ! http://www.soundclick.com/bands/defa...?bandID=736516

[Pietro]

The simplest solution would be to transpose the lowest french horn voice (or 2 of them) to an octave higher. But this is easy to do during the rehearsal, so first try it as it is, then do some changes. The other solution is to change the lowest french horn to a trombone. I think it would sound quite fine as it is, but it would be difficult to play short notes at that low register and in these dynamics.

The other thing I'm worried about is that mallet instrument in 0:17 and later (vibes?). Vibes are pedalled instruments, and will sound very much different (especially with motor on). Most popular vibes have range from F2-F5, and sound best at lower end. Check if your part respects that. Maybe an octave lower? Would sound much better, really. Ah, and tell the percussionist to play with rubber mallets.

Just couple of thoughts.

- Piotr

Edit:

One more thing, what is that stringed instrument? Is it a viola or cello? Definitively too low for violin. Cannot check the exact sounds, now, but if it's in range of viola, then it would sound rather dull at lower end. Not sure about the clarinet, if it's a bass clarinet, than it should be fine.

[kevbulony]

Originally Posted by Pietro

The simplest solution would be to transpose the lowest french horn voice (or 2 of them) to an octave higher. But this is easy to do during the rehearsal, so first try it as it is, then do some changes. The other solution is to change the lowest french horn to a trombone. I think it would sound quite fine as it is, but it would be difficult to play short notes at that low register and in these dynamics.

The other thing I'm worried about is that mallet instrument in 0:17 and later (vibes?). Vibes are pedalled instruments, and will sound very much different (especially with motor on). Most popular vibes have range from F2-F5, and sound best at lower end. Check if your part respects that. Maybe an octave lower? Would sound much better, really. Ah, and tell the percussionist to play with rubber mallets.

Just couple of thoughts.

- Piotr

Edit:

One more thing, what is that stringed instrument? Is it a viola or cello? Definitively too low for violin. Cannot check the exact sounds, now, but if it's in range of viola, then it would sound rather dull at lower end. Not sure about the clarinet, if it's a bass clarinet, than it should be fine.

Hi !
Thanks for the feedback thats great.I think if all goes wrong thebn I'll definately try your suggestion of transposing one of the parts an octave higher.
The vibes are pretty much ok I think.Its more the brass and the strings that I have to work on ! I haven't came round to looking at the violin part yet.I wrote the piece one year ago,and never had any idea I'd have to get it recorded live ! I thin I'll be more cautious in future !!!
Thanks so much for your help.
Kev