Yeah a lot of layering – let’s see, on the session I’m currently working on I have 14 staccato string tracks – some are full section, most are one instrument section each. My perc is getting a little ridiculous – if you include all the FX like risers, signature hits etc, along with drums, I have about 70 tracks.
That said, I cut a lot of corners – I don’t have a full orchestra laid out with every articulation ready to go. My single computer set up is pretty much pushed to the limit even with no video window synced. I’d love to have a massive track line up, like John Powell, Junkie XL etc (500 tracks or more!), but then I’d need a machine room bigger than my current studio 🙂