Workflow (if I’m using the term correctly) for an orchestral arraignment:

So I’m putting together a dedication to a lost loved one (it’s cathartic for me) and I’ve some questions on how to best arrange my setup.

Right now, what I have is:

• a “Hi Strings” combinator with solo violins, section violins, and section violas, with reverb, EQ, and a stereo widener- panned accordingly • a “Lo Strings” combinator with solo cello, section cellos, and double bass, with reverb, EQ, and a stereo widener- panned accordingly • a “Hi woodwind” combinator (same as above) • a “Lo woodwind” combinator (same as above) • a “grand piano” combinator on its own

I have the hi and lo strings bussed to “strings” and the hi and lo woodwinds bussed to “woodwinds on the mixer.

Is this a decent setup? I know it’s all preference, but as far as I can see, I have one main issue: and that is effects. To have the whole setup sound as it it’s all in the same room, as I understand, they should run through the same effects, reverb, etc... However, the way I have it set up, I really can’t do that. Considering that each instrument is in a combinator that’s bussed out, they can’t really use effects from the main mixer, right? Or am I missing something?

I have the reverb on each section set the same, and it’s sounds good, but as I understand, this is putting a lot more work on my PC that might be lessened if I were to run everything through the same reverb.

Thoughts?