Big Bang Orchestra: Jupiter

Majestic Power

Ensemble of six French horns, recorded at Synchron Stage Vienna
Multiple microphone positions, additional close-mic positions
Full-fledged set of articulations with up to five velocity layers
From mysterious pianissimos to heroic fortissimos
Real legatos, glissandos, swells, rips, flutter tonguing, trills, etc.

During the last several years of recording big projects for film, games and commercials at Synchron Stage Vienna, the team has had extensive experience recording various horn ensemble sizes. Having identified a sweet spot of six double horns, that's the ensemble size they chose for the recordings of Big Bang Orchestra: Jupiter.

Working with Viennese musicians, the Vienna Horn would be the natural choice, but the double French horn is the gold standard in film scoring, so that's what they've recorded for this installment of the Big Bang Orchestra. Its compelling sound is well rounded from pianissimo to fortissimo, and it's extremely powerful in the louder ranges.

The large "Stage A" magnificently emphasizes the characteristics of the horns, and their glorious sound is captured with skillful miking by Synchron Stage's chief recording engineer, Bernd Mazagg.

The library boasts a rich set of articulations, with up to five velocity layers, variations of short notes, marcatos, real legatos, several dynamic articulations (sfz, sffz, various crescendos and decrescendos), flutter tonguing, trills, rips and fast repetitions.

BBO: Jupiter offers mixer presets that integrate seamlessly with all the other modules of the Big Bang Orchestra. What's more, the "Processed" category offers mixer presets such as "Compressed", "Sparkling", "Wall of Low Horns", "Howling Horns", "Threatening Sustain" and more that correspond with the brass presets of Big Bang Orchestra: Hercules, Izar and Korpernikus.