2. misc-audio
  3. 159876-150567

the sound of massed violins in classical orchestral recordings

why do massed violins have this sort of gritty sandpapery reverberation in classical orchestral recordings?even in some sections of a piece, when the violins are playing softly in the background, you hear that gritty overtone more than the melody.when I listen to the Houston symphony in Jones Hall,sitting fourth row, facing the violin section, I don't hear that sound.I have three systems { two of them mid-fi ] and I hear the same thing-even with headphones.in all instances, the other parts of the orchestra are clear.  my main system : Vanalistine Trancendence 10 tube preamp,a 35 year old solid state Proton D1200 amp, [have tried NAD,Project, Musical Fidelity amps--they don't sound any better],Onkyo dx7555 CD player [Stereophile class B],and Project Carbon turntable with Grado Black 2 cartridge [ the Ortophon Red was too bright ] through Magnepan MG12/QR speakers.Tried a highly regarded Elac speaker--no change as far as the violins go, but way inferior to those dramatic Maggies.So, there you have it. Is it the equipment? Is the state of the art not up to recording violins? Is it me? [its o.k.-I can take it}. In closing,a couple of years ago,I had phone conversation with a well known person associated with a major speaker company about this. His response :[ paraphrased ] Violins are a problem--don't like 'em.  Any input will be appreciated. Thanks.
6119

Showing 2 responses by glevinson

glevinson
4 posts
 
6119: Many thanks on your kind words. As a fellow audiophile, my intention was to demonstrate that great results can be achieved by making sure that every link in the recording and reproducing sound equipment is on a high level. While there is some thought and commitment involved, it is so worth it. 

Finally, as we live in the age of covid, where we may have more home time, we can search out small companies which are creating some of the finest tools for us to listen to our favorite music. They are worth searching out and auditioning with your equipment to discover how they fit in your life. 
glevinson
4 posts
 
Respectfully, your friend from the speaker company is clueless. There are literally hundreds of recordings that don’t suffer from the problem you’re referencing because the engineer and producer know what they are doing.  Here is a video that deals with some of the nuances of both recording and reproducing: https://youtu.be/h9dv9AVVHT4

The bottom line is some of the best mics to record violins or any acoustical instruments are being made now. Conversely ribbon mics of the 1930s were also marvelous at recording the great orchestras of the Golden Age. Look for Cleveland Orchestra with Szell and Chicago symphony with Reiner as a start and you will hear breathtaking sound. Let me know what you think of the video and what your conclusions are. 
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