Cubase: Orchestrating with Iconica Sketch
If you're a Cubase user and want to add some orchestral vibes to your tracks or get started with writing music for film/TV, you've come to the right place. In this Iconica Sketch video course, veteran Groove3 instructor Gary Hiebner will show you how to do just that using Iconica Sketch, the orchestral library that's included with Cubase. You'll not only learn essential orchestration and arranging techniques and concepts, but you'll also get hands-on tips for adjusting parameters and tweaking settings to make this VI library sound incredibly convincing and authentic. These Iconica Sketch videos are designed for Cubase users new to Iconica Sketch.
Videos
• User Interface (08:36) - In this video, Gary introduces you to the Iconica Sketch virtual instrument and shows how to load it up in Halion, where you can choose between the different instruments/programs. From there, he walks you through the user interface and demonstrates how to switch the articulations and use the dynamic levels.
• Single Instances vs Multi-timbral (08:07) - See how to create a multi-timbral instance of Iconica, add different instrument programs, and assign them to different MIDI channels. Plus, we create the linked MIDI channels for these instruments. Then, you'll see how to build up the same thing with single instances and compare the difference between the two methods.
• Building Up the String Chord Progression Using Four-Part Voicings (11:01) - We start the string orchestration by working with a simple piano chord progression first. Then you'll see how to turn this simple piano idea into a string arrangement by spreading the notes out to form four-note voicings for the strings.
• Adding Other Articulations with New Instrument Tracks (04:52) - Discover how you can use extra instrument tracks if you want to use other articulations in your productions. For example, you can add extra violin tracks that will only play the tremolo articulation.
• Creating a String Arpeggiation (07:50) - See how we can build up a string arpeggiation that leads to an ostinato section. We use the staccato articulation and build up a triplet pattern that plays over the chord progression. We also use some key switching to switch between the pizzicato and staccato articulations.
• Building up the Motif (06:18) - We take this chord progression to the next level by creating a theme that will be used throughout the music piece. The string section combines a mix of sustained and staccato notes to create interest, again facilitated by the use of keyswitches.
• Reiteration of the Theme with the Strings (12:10) - Here, we see how to create a reiteration of the theme on the strings with some slight variation using a combination of different articulations and counter melodies.
• Creating & Using Expression Maps (10:20) - Learn how to create and use expression maps, which are an alternative to the keyswitching method for changing articulations. You'll also see how to build and save your own expression map for an instrument.
• Using Modulation & Expression to Add More Realism to the Strings (08:37) - Discover how you can use your modulation wheel to change the dynamic level of the instruments in real time while recording your string parts. You'll also see how you can use CC11 expression to change the level of your MIDI Performance. By combining CC1 modulation and CC11 expression data, you can add more realism to your instruments.
• Exploring the Brass Section (05:16) - In this video, we go over the different instruments in the brass section. We'll build up section using trumpets, French horns, trombones, and tuba and show how louder velocities give a raspier sound to the brass.
• Building a Brass Section to Accompany the Strings (09:44) - See how to take a rough melody idea and move it across the brass instruments to accompany the strings.
• Exploring the Woodwinds (06:14) - In this video, we explore some of the Woodwinds and build up a section with oboes, English horn, and bassoon that compliments the strings and brass.
• Using Woodwinds to Add Extra Flourishes to the Arrangement (06:32) - Learn how you can use woodwinds to create runs and flourishes in your orchestral arrangement. Here we use flutes and clarinets and show what types of MIDI note data and effects we can use for these types of patterns.
• Adding Orchestral Percussion (08:54) - Discover how you can add percussion to your orchestra for a more cinematic impact. You'll see how to add snare tools, big drum hits, timpani, and cymbals. Plus, you'll learn the difference between hits and rolls in the percussion map.
• Adding Other Pitched Instruments (07:06) - Here, we take a look at other instruments you can add that don't fall into the previous groups. These can be classed as other pitched instruments, such as celestas, glockenspiels, and harps.
• Panning of the Orchestral Instruments on the Virtual Stage (09:19) - To finish off, we look at how to use panning and reverb to place instruments in the same position as a real orchestra and its players. Placing the instruments of a virtual stage like an actual orchestra gives more realism to your performance.