PRO TIPS

KNOW YOUR RANGES

Each brass instrument has a range of notes, from low to high in pitch, that it can realistically cover – for instance, a trumpet’s note range spans F#3-D6, while a trombone takes in E2-F5. So if you want authentic programmed brass parts, keep each instrument’s part within its allowable range. Sample libraries worth owning will not allow you to play beyond this range.

NOTE LENGTH AND VELOCITY

With decent sample libraries responding well to note velocity, getting the note length and velocity right will have a huge impact on your programmed brass parts. If you’re not a brass player, listen to how some of the arrangements on your favourite tracks are played, and try and set the length of the notes in your parts to sound similar. For staccato runs, keep trigger notes short and loud; for legato melodies, long and soft with minimal gaps; and so on. The difference is noticeable.