Real vs Synthesized Symphony Orchestra

This is one in a series of videos of me demonstrating advanced sound synthesis using analog or virtual analog synthesizers and subtractive synthesis. Each video lists what synthesizer was used. In addition, some standard outboard effects were used such as EQ, reverb, digital delays, and/or chorus.

Be sure to check out other related videos in my series, and check back now and then as I will be posting more in the near future.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• synthesizer
• synthesis
• synth
• arturia
• mmv
• moog
• virtual
• analog
• beethoven
• symphony
• 7th

[jenhorne]

It is sad to see people hearing little to no difference between the two. As a classical violinist myself, I find it horrifying to see that someone would be just as pleased with a synthesized sound rather than the sound that comes out of my violin. Technology is amazing, but it has also desensitized us to the point where we would be happier with a sub-par imitation.

Truly upsetting.

[AKITM]

I have yet to hear a good synthesized or even sampled cello. I don't think this video gives a very accurate comparison. Studio effects could have been used to make the synth example sound different than the real instruments. Just a thought.

[Elhardt]

To AKITM, for some reason you bring up sampled solo strings which are the most difficult to pull off. However, I've heard convincing sampled orchestra demos. But of course my demo here isn't about sampling. Saying it's not an accurate comparison and then making up something about studio effects doesn't make sense. All that was added was reverb and EQ. The fact that I placed the synth version right next to the real version and you can A/B them means I'm not trying to hide anything.

[CheeseheadTanner]

Don't be too upset.

The people who prefer a synthesised sound to a real equivalent (or can't even tell the difference if the truth be told) are the type who also think Hans Zimmer's Gladiator film score sounds nothing like Pirates of the Caribbean.

Do you know how many reviews I've read on iTunes that state the first score is "a great orchestral masterpiece"... What orchestra? The first score is 99% synth. Fortunately there are larger numbers of us who actually aren't as clueless nor ignorant.

[Elhardt]

To Cheesehead, I've never heard of anybody who preferred a synthesized sound to the real one. And confusing synthesized with sampled sound. If people mistook something as an orchestral masterpiece, it was a sampled orchestra. And samples are recordings of the real instruments, no synthesis involved. I like pushing synths to do complex acoustic sounding sounds because it's hard to do, much the same way I'm into photo realistic 3D rendering. Perhaps you think that field should go away too.

[Elhardt]

To jenhorne, first, nobody but me has ever sat down and made a concerted effort to synthesize the sections of a orch on an analog synth. Mine is close enough to sounding real as can be heard here, had I swapped the sounds, most wouldn't know. Considering there's probably nobody else on the planet that could have done this, it really shows a lack of appreciation for what's involved. Maybe you consider Rembrandt to be a sub-par imitation of photography too. My demo doesn't replace a real violin.

[LIGHTRONIX]

The synthesized version was horribly done, they used horrible samples and didn't manipulate dynamics or take advantage of effects at all. I also don't get why people are so anti synthesis. I think it's because they're jealous that they spent their whole life trying to learn what I can make in half an hour.

[cprostudio]

An orchestra is a placement of instruments in an acoustic space. Instruments are tools for the function of sound manipulation. Music is a human invention to construct a sensual language via the control of sound. There is no such thing as a real orchestra, real is totally context dependent, the same as truth/fact and beauty. There is no 'VS' in this video, both have equal statue within their own sonic context. Synthesized sound resonates with me much more than acoustic instruments.

[saeir]

@jenhorne its not about imitating an acoustic instrument, there 2 different worlds. They both have uses, there shouldn't be a comparison. If you want an acoustic sound, then use one. same goes for analog and digital sounds.

[baadc0de]

@muzikman2008 Finally a voice of reason

[ccandrew111]

depends which synth was used to make it tbh... if they've used a slightly older or a cheaper keyboard then it won't sound anywhere near as good as a real orchestra... but use something like a yamaha s90xs or a korg oasys along with maybe a tiny bit of eq and effect tweaking and there won't be much of a difference at all... to some extents the sound will be improved because there won't be with the synth de-tuning...

[MrRexTV1]

the synth is not bad but its still very obvious that its not a real orchestra

[muzikman2008]

Whatever the final result of Music... as long as "your ears" enjoy it and it appreciate it.. it does not matter one bit how it ended up being recorded, what equipment is used, or what it is played on... that is why i love music. Not because of someones snobby attitude telling me how to make and listen to music. If it affects you emotionaly or makes you want to listen it has done its job! Rich or poor! Music is powerful with no  discrimination, or favour of "instruments" electronic or analog....

[legaata]

@jenhorne I am personally a big fan of synths, but I also think that synths should be a complement, not an alternative to real instruments, and used to create sounds which cannot be achieved using real instruments. Music played by real instruments is "alive" in the sense that it is being created in the moment it is played, in the form of small differences in timing and loudness. But this said, electronic music is a wonderful tool to study and experiment with the natural product.

[r5t6y12]

So what's the name of the tune?

Is it something as fabulous as Copland, or Berlioz, or Stravinsky?

[thesoundtestroom]

@Elhardt

Hi I've just stumbled across this, and I think you have done a very good job of programming the sound. I used to listen to Tomita, and his skills were awesome to say the least, its nice to see someone still programming realistic sounds with synths, these days I use a lot of sampled stuff, mainly because of time, but to be honest I still think that a good programmer can sound as good as a sample. Anyway I am subscribing to your channel. Thanks