Opinion needed on sound quality of string instruments

[Phlegmak]

Hewwo. I have two versions of this song which I composed. The song is 1 minute long and is called "The Scrying Pool". Each are 1.6MB. So, which version sounds nicer? In other words, which do you prefer? Any other criticism is welcome, including saying that you hate it. The only difference in the two songs is the quality of the string instruments. The harpsichord is the same in each, but perhaps the volume is lower in one versus the other.

Version 1:
http://cctg.us/~alex/music/the_scrying_pool_fl_ver1.mp3

Version 2:
http://cctg.us/~alex/music/the_scrying_pool_fl_ver2.mp3

 

[PeteAtoms]

I like the second one better. I don't have a very well trained ear though, but i prefer the 2nd. I think its that it sounds more "live," if that makes sense.

 

[Phlegmak]

Thank you, Mr. Atoms.

 

[Riffraff]

In either case the accompaniment voices are too loud imo and there are too many dissonances for my personal taste.

I like the intro though with the individual voices coming in step by step.

 

[thescaryworker]

Definitely the second. The first sounds a bit too ... simulated.

On a whim, I strung the two versions on top of each other in audacity, and the quality improved over what I thought of version 2.

 

[andvruss]

Definitely the second. The first sounds a bit too ... simulated.

On a whim, I strung the two versions on top of each other in audacity, and the quality improved over what I thought of version 2.

I ran both at the same time and I believe it improved the opening at least, in both recordsing the 'cello' is rather rediculous

 

[Phlegmak]

I ran both at the same time and I believe it improved the opening at least, in both recordsing the 'cello' is rather rediculous

In version 2, it's not a cello, but rather a deep "string ensemble". I don't remember what I used in version 1. I think it was a contrabass ensemble. Either that, or another deep string ensemble.

 

[Taras Bulba]

out of the two, the second

but personally, I think andvruss is right, the beginning does sound a bit out of place.

you might want to think of adding a very soft, but with a crescendo, perhaps a violin or viola to counter act the deep bass. Or, if you don't want to do that, make the bass a bit lower.

but those are just some suggestions

 

[classical_hero]

They both sounded synthetic, but I would just give the nod to the 2nd one.

 

[Mirc]

Strings are one of the hardest things to emulate in a computer-generated sound. Except for human voice, it's the hardest, IMHO, together with some brass instruments.

Both sound quite fake, second one sounds more like a string ensemble, first one sounds a liiiitle bit more dramatic but doesn't have much to do with string instruments (the beginning of the first one sounds a bit like a slightly distorted bass actually), so I wouldn't know what to pick. Depends on what kind of atmosphere you're looking for.

Anyway, I wouldn't give too much thought to those things. You're improving it from 4.5994/10 to 4.6213/10... with a live performance of an average ensemble somewhere around to an 8.8/10.

 

[Harbringer]

They both sound like a CASIO keyboard....maybe you uploaded the wrong one

 

[Phlegmak]

No, why do you say that? You hate the sound quality? Is that what you mean?

 

[Harbringer]

No I mean they both sound like CASIO keyboards, the second has more reverb and the bass sounds jacked up. But other than that I don't hear any strings......just keyboards....I guess im not cool like all you guys

 

[Phlegmak]

No I mean they both sound like CASIO keyboards, the second has more reverb and the bass sounds jacked up. But other than that I don't hear any strings......just keyboards....I guess im not cool like all you guys

Ah. The sounds are all from soundfonts or VST instruments. They are all played via the program FL Studio. No physical instruments are used. I guess that's what you mean. They are simulated string instruments.

EDIT: By the way, thank you all for your input. And:
Version 1 is VST instruments
Version 2 is soundfonts.

Both versions use some extra effects to enhance some of the sound.

 

[Supr49er]

I'm in the minority, but preferred version 1.
It was less "in your face".

 

[sourboy]

The second one is much better. No doubt.

EDIT: Neither sound like real stringed instruments, but the first is distorted, digitally, and that's why I said go with #2.