Every library is different, so you'll have to experiment a bit, but definitely try at least 70-80% close mics, then add in the decca and room mics to give the instrument a slight "aura". Of course wetter stuff doesn't need as much room, while you can be more heavy handed with drier samples. From there you can apply convolution as you would like, but a popular method is to use convolution together with an algorithmic reverb. You would use only the early reflections of the convolution reverb, so no tail, then send that to an algorithmic reverb for the late reflections. The idea being that convolution by nature is static, and algorithmic provides modulation and diffusion that is calculated on the fly for the late reflections to get a more natural tail and decay. Obviously doing it this way involves a lot of moving parts, but maybe you will like the results.

 

Thank You. I have very few fx plugins installed though - Do you think a combination of Altiverb for early reflections and TC System 6000 hall for the tail could work?

 

Sure, I think VSS3 is ideal for this sort of dual reverb approach

 

That’s great. Given that I’m just starting out with this, please let me ask you one last question. Should I group all of my own recordings together with all the sample library tracks and put the VSS3 on that group track? Or send a certain % amount separately from each track into a 100% wet VSS3 aux return? Would both technically sound the same? Is it just that sending signals separately would simply be more time consuming/pointless? Are there any major downsides to doing it this or that way? Thank You.

 

Depends what you're going for, if you're trying to position the different sections in a space, you kind of have to treat those sections separately (strings, brass, etc.), but if it's say a string section for a pop song, you don't have to go that deep into it, give them a space, give your other instruments a space that is flattering for them (it's ok to have different types of verb on different instruments) and then you can apply a very light transparent verb to everything to sort of glue it all together. Per track might not be necessary.