Mellotron

Tape Notes Podcast

Layer live violin over MIDI strings for organic depth

Bonobo demonstrates how to create a fuller, more organic string ensemble sound by layering live violin over MIDI strings. By recording a single live violin in multiple takes, and layering these live takes over MIDI strings, Bonobo achieves a natural and deep ensemble effect. The MIDI strings provide the foundational weight, while the live violin lines add authenticity and depth. In Bonobo's "Black Sands," this technique is employed by using Mellotron pads as the MIDI foundation, with live violin layers on top. This approach enhances the sense of a live performance, enriching the texture and creating a more immersive sound.