Complete newb Help w.VST plug-in please

[SarahJMusic]

Thank for reading my question. I am a pianist/composer I am completely new to recording and have purchased a DAW (ableton) and use a single channel Scarlet solo and condenser mic to record my songs acoustically. I would like to add some string parts (I like the Chris vein suite) and would like to know what other equipment I would need.

So far I have been just recording piano acoustically because it’s just one instrument but adding a virtual string, do I need to buy/download anything else besides the plug-in? Thanks in advance for anyone who can help answer this.

[lobanov]

If I understand you correctly, you need a plugin only. Sampler or rompler.

There are plenty of options. Kontakt, Halion, Sample Tank, SFZ samplers etc. You just load a plugin on MIDI track and write the part in Piano Roll.

Samplers are "tricky science", so I don't want to confuse you by details. For the start, I'd recommed Decent sampler and libraries from PianoBook. Many good or usable libraries. But not all of them are for Decent sampler. There are libraries for Kontakt, EXS24 (Logic sampler), SFZ etc.

It's free. May be, you'll want more professional instruments but don't hurry up, for the beginning free stuff is better.

[lobanov]

Another good option: BBC Symphony Orchestra Discover

It's a free but limited version of their BBC Symphony Orchestra. Also look at their LABS. May be you'll find strings there (I don't know).

[i need Help]

… but adding a virtual string, do I need to buy/download anything else besides the plug-in?

It depends.

Some plug-ins come with all the samples, so all you need is the one plug-in and you’re good, like say this one:

https://www.airmusictech.com/virtual-in ... rings.html

Other plugins are more of a platform for various other sound libraries like Kontakt for example, where you buy the Kontakt plug-in, but then you can also buy other Kontakt Libraries to use within the Kontakt plug-in:

https://www.native-instruments.com/en/p ... kontakt-7/

Kontakt does actually come with some string sounds, but just making the distinction that there are plug-ins that you can then buy/get more sound libraries for.

If you’re a newb as advertised, I’d also recommend trying one of the many great free strings plug-ins available before spending money. Or if not then snag one on Black Friday sale.

The Decent Sampler and Pianobook libraries lobanov mentioned would be my first choice.

Here’s some free “strings” libraries I found (again you use the Pianobook sound libraries within the Decent Sampler plug-in:

https://www.pianobook.co.uk/packs/string-quartet/

https://www.decentsamples.com/product/v ... e-edition/

https://www.pianobook.co.uk/packs/firefly-strings/

https://www.decentsamples.com/product/b ... -sfz-free/

https://www.decentsamples.com/product/l ... -sfz-free/

Edit:
I’m sure someone will eventually mention a MIDI controller, but that’s not technically needed to play the string plug-in. As you can tell this music stuff can get complex pretty quick lol.

[zerocrossing]

Thank for reading my question. I am a pianist/composer I am completely new to recording and have purchased a DAW (ableton) and use a single channel Scarlet solo and condenser mic to record my songs acoustically. I would like to add some string parts (I like the Chris vein suite) and would like to know what other equipment I would need.

So far I have been just recording piano acoustically because it’s just one instrument but adding a virtual string, do I need to buy/download anything else besides the plug-in? Thanks in advance for anyone who can help answer this.

It depends. If you are content to add in each note like a piano roll, then yes, you’re set. If you’d like to play the part in, like you would play your piano, then you will need some sort of MIDI controller. There are quite a lot, and some actually will mimic the feel of a piano, if that’s what you want.

[Big DAW Audio]

Ableton has some built in instruments including strings. Simply choose the "Strings" section from the "Sounds" menu on the left hand side. Find a sound you like and double click on it to create a new midi track with that sound loaded already. Then insert an empty midi clip onto that track (the help menu will show you how to do this quickly) and you are ready to add your new strings to your song!

[mixyguy2]

I'm not sure we're clear on your setup. Are you recording a "real" piano or using an electronic keyboard? If the latter, all you need is the DAW and a good piano and strings plugin.

There are some very good of both for free (the strings more depending on what you want to do), so do yourself a favor and don't make an impulse buy based on some trendy plugin you heard about or someone wetting themselves about how great library XYZ is.