Getting the most out of drum samples is very important, because it can give “life” to your mixes, especially when we talk about epic cinematic music where percussion instruments are very important. In this second part of the tutorial we will be talking about stereo doubling. Using stereo enhancer effects and playing around with stereo is a great way to add variation to your music. For those of you, who bought some of East West Quantum Leap’s products and haven’t tried the stereo double yet, I’d strongly recommend using it – it will definitely add colour to your music.

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Probably most of you have played computer games or have watched movies, where the music is made with large percussion hits and really low ethnic drums. I remember watching the Warcraft 3 introduction video, where the attack of the orcs was accompanied by smashing drums. I always wanted to capture that sound and in this quick tip I’ll try to explain you some of the techniques I’ve come across in my experience.

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When you have to work hard and fast on a project that has its deadline, templates are a valuable tool for the composer. You know what you have to do and you simply start doing it, without searching for the correct samples, because you’ve selected them before. In this quick tip I’ll try to explain how to create templates with PLAY, developed by East West.

Templates – are they good or are they bad? To be really honest, I seldom use templates. Even when I’m working on a deadline (I was told once or twice to make 50-60 minutes of music in one week) I prefer to sweep through my samples and VST instruments and to get the most suitable sound for the music.

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Do you have high standards about achieving realism with orchestral sounds? DXF Patches in East West Quantum Leap Orchestra are controlled via the mod wheel and they can help you achieve better realism when sequencing orchestral music in your DAW.

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When you listen to 80% of the dynamic and action-oriented orchestral music, you’ll notice that when used appropriately, orchestral hits can bring tense feeling to your tracks.

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One of my favourite composers is Cliff Martinez, an ex-drummer of Red Hot Chilli Peppers. He is working as a film composer right now, scoring most of Steven Sodenberg’s features.

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Getting the best of an orchestral library is sometimes the worst nightmare for a composer or orchestrator.

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