synth strings

[jammer42777]

in general, how do I make synth strings? what waveforms do I use? what filter settings, any ideas?
I really don't want to buy atmosphere when I can design very similar strings with the synths that I have (albino, and sytrus)
any ideas?

--Joshua

[xolax]

Synth strings are really easy to make. Ok, first of all, for the oscillators - choose a couple of saws (or add a square wave if you like, but not too much square). Choose a lowpass filter, 24db should work. Turn the cutoff up to slightly more than halway (or more if you like) and add a bit of resonance to taste. Then, set the volume envelope - raise the attack a bit to get a slight "fade in", turn up the sustain to max and add some release so it sounds natural. You can also throw in an LFO to slightly modulate the cutoff. This should yield some nice results, but play around and see what you like. Hope this helps.

[jammer42777]

thank you!!!

[xolax]

Oh yeah - I forgot the most important part. Detune the saws like crazy - detuning adds the fatness to the strings.

[Dave Blakely]

Other tips: If the oscillators on your synth can be pitch modulated independently you can get more movement by slowly modulating osc 2 against osc 1 or vice versa, this coupled with slight detune can thicken a sound, but use your ears to judge the amount, on a three oscillator synth this can yield more lifelike results if different lfo rates are used. Also get your hands on some fx plugs if your synth hasn't got built in fx, the processing of string sounds is often the thing that helps the sound fit in a mix.

[jammer42777]

I'd probably use Albino 3 for the task.
Unfortunately I'm moving, so that is consuming all my time for this week, but I greatly value your advice.
--Joshua