Pedro Macedo Camacho: Orchestrating Epic Scores with Sonnox Plug-ins
Pedro Macedo Camacho, based on Portugal's scenic Madeira Island, is a composer, mixer, and arranger known for his award-winning music across films, orchestras, commercials, and video games. His powerful and evocative arrangements are set to feature prominently in "Star Citizen," the most successful crowdfunded video game in history. We caught up with Camacho to discuss his classical roots, the creative process behind his lush compositions, and his essential use of Sonnox plug-ins.
A Foundation in Classical Training
Camacho's journey into the world of composition is grounded in rigorous classical training. "I was classically trained, learning orchestration thoroughly—harmony, counterpoint, and so on. I studied for more than ten years before making my first note as a professional composer," he explains. This deep foundation in music theory, without the aid of computers, gave Camacho a unique perspective when he transitioned into using modern digital tools for his compositions.
Preferred Tools and Workflow
Camacho primarily works in Steinberg Cubase, preferring it over other DAWs he has used in the past, like Logic and Sonar. "Whether it's scoring to picture or not, I tend to start composing with piano alone before moving to Cubase," he shares. His setup includes five PCs and 176 GB of RAM to handle the extensive orchestral libraries he uses for his projects. "Most of that RAM is used to load a complete orchestra, deeply sampled with both commercial and private libraries. Orchestral work is my main focus, but I also enjoy working in all genres."
When scoring for a live ensemble, Camacho often collaborates with the Capellen Orchestra in the Czech Republic, bringing the recordings back to his studio in Madeira for mixing.
Discovering Sonnox Plug-ins: A Game-Changing Addition
Camacho discovered Sonnox plug-ins through word-of-mouth recommendations praising their quality. "I tried many limiters from other high-end plug-in developers, but none of them worked as I wanted," he says. "When I used the Oxford Limiter for the first time, I was completely blown away. It’s now my go-to limiter for orchestral music—even when considering hardware options. Not only does it increase perceived loudness more than other limiters, but it also doesn’t alter the timbre or color of the sound, which is crucial for orchestral music."
The Sonnox Approach: Precision and Transparency
Camacho relies heavily on Sonnox plug-ins for mixing and mastering his orchestral projects. "A great orchestral recording starts with perfect microphone placement and a strong performance from the players. After that, you just need a little EQ and some limiting," he notes. "I use Oxford EQs throughout the mix and the Oxford Limiter on the final bus. There’s something about Sonnox plug-ins that makes it easier to achieve the sound I’m looking for."
A great orchestral recording starts with perfect microphone placement and a strong performance from the players.
He emphasizes the importance of precise equalization in his mixing process. "Using 'ears only' EQ is extremely important to me. I think the secret of any good mix starts with great EQ'ing," he states. Camacho prefers to EQ by ear, often choosing the Type 3 setting on the Oxford EQ for its curves. "I focus on maintaining the idiomatic sound of the orchestra while correcting frequency problems in certain sections. It’s a compromise between the true original sound and the ideal sound from an ideal orchestra."
Current Projects and the Role of Sonnox
Camacho is currently scoring "Star Citizen," one of the most ambitious and bold sci-fi game projects in history. "It’s a world-record crowdfunded project, currently at $43 million USD, and all the music has Sonnox in it," he says proudly. In addition to his work on "Star Citizen," Camacho continues to compose and arrange for a variety of media, always with Sonnox plug-ins as part of his toolkit.
Versatility with Sonnox Dynamics and Other Plug-ins
Beyond the Oxford Limiter and EQ, Camacho frequently uses the Oxford Dynamics plug-in, particularly for hybrid tracks. "It’s great when you want to compress a reverb tail—it sounds totally transparent and works perfectly," he says. Camacho appreciates the Dynamics plug-in for its subtlety, as it maintains volume without the typical artifacts of compression. "I use it on bass, drums, and vocals, especially when vocalists are singing softly and you want to hear the final articulation of their voice. It makes a great difference in terms of interpretation and sounds completely natural."
The Essential Impact of Sonnox Plug-ins
For Camacho, Sonnox plug-ins are indispensable. "Even though I use many plug-ins, Sonnox makes the most significant impact in my final product and mixes," he affirms. From maintaining the pristine quality of orchestral recordings to enhancing the finer details of his compositions, Sonnox plug-ins provide the tools he needs to bring his musical visions to life.