Symphonic Metal Mixing - Episode 6 - Mixing the Guitars 

Thank you. :)

I don't touch the bass at all because it is already processed the way I like it. If you like that kind of sound and you are using bass VSTs, check the stuff from Submission Audio. That's what I use.

Thank you. Regarding the problem you are having, if the orchestration tracks sound really good, then they are probably getting in the way of the guitars when everything plays together. Does your orchestra have low instruments, like double bass, trombones, tubas, etc?

@@synapticschism Yes. I have Spitfire's Abbey Road so I do have a relatively complete orchestra.

@@PJ-ee5mc In that case, what you'll see in the next video may not be enough because you'll have a lot of clash in the low mid frequencies. My arrangement only has violins and violas which makes it much easier to mix. I'll try to make a video to address a full orchestra during the weekend and post next week, would that be cool?

@@synapticschism YES, that sounds great. Thank you. When you asked if I have these lower instruments I was sure that you were going suggest that I use those instead of the higher instruments because I was under the impression that it was the higher instruments (violins, high strings ensembles) that were clashing with the guitar being played in the upper parts of the neck. I did find that if I push a couple of individual string lines up an octave higher I do get that sweet suspended 'string sound' more apparent than when it was lower. I love the sound of tasty semi-hot guitar lead with regal sounding orchestration like some of the things that Jeff Beck did later in life. It makes for a nice contrast in style. Kinda like looking like a rock star but driving a Bentley :) Thanks for your willingness to help. Your efforts are very much appreciated.

@@PJ-ee5mc I asked about the low instruments because you referred that it got muddy when you had all of them playing. That is usually because many instruments are playing in the 200Hz-500Hz region. Since your issue is specifically with lead vs strings, that usually means they are playing in the same octave. The easy solution is to orchestrate differently: raise or lower and octave in one of them or (more ear-candy) harmonize the strings with the guitar in 4ths or 6ths. If they stay in the same octave (which is the problem I have in this track) then you can use stereo widening, dynamic EQ/compression or automation. In the video I'll show stereo widening and automation. It will help you IF you want different instruments to appear at different times but if you want all of them playing together, then I'll need to make that other video. :)