Solo and Ensemble Strings

Solo & Ensemble Strings further expands Samplemodeling technologies. Multi-microphone anechoic recording allows to capture the original timbre of the instruments, along with their radiation pattern. The proprietary "Harmonic Alignment" yields continuous transitions across virtually infinite dynamics. Specially devised "early reflections" impulse responses add a virtual space to the anechoic sound, greatly contributing to realism. New, patent pending technology allows to vary the perceived size of the ensemble in a continuous manner. The programming moves further away from conventional libraries, by exploiting physically-oriented modulation of the recorded sound. The result are playable, very expressive virtual instruments retaining the rich, full sound of real strings.

The package includes four solo instruments, namely Violin, Viola, Cello and Double Bass, and five ensembles, Violins I & II, Violas, Cellos and Double Basses. The base material of the instruments consists of 5 GB of samples, chromatically performed by professional string players over a very wide dynamic range. All samples are un-looped, and have a minimum duration of about 10 sec. The Strings engine is structured according to an adaptive model, based on the performance "fingerprints" of the real instruments. The purpose of the model is to minimize the differences between the real phrases and those played by the virtual instruments.

Proprietary instrument body IRs, innovative techniques for sample modulation and advanced artificial intelligence MIDI processing are used for real time construction of all articulations and morphing across dynamics, vibrato, legato, portamento, cross-string, portato, trills, tremolo, staccato, pizzicato, col legno, harmonics and so forth.

Pseudo-random detuning and pitch & dynamics modulation, based on real performance-derived trends, is another outstanding feature of Samplemodeling Solo & Ensemble Strings, adding further realism.

Why anechoic?

The purpose of anechoic recording was threefold:

• Avoid "contamination" of the pure strings sounds with the uncontrolled resonances of a particular ambience.
• Allow artifact-free "harmonic alignment" processing.
• Provide clean articulations and phrases as a database to build the "adaptive model".

Player is included as a separate installer, and no additional software is required to play the instrument. Stand-alone mode, as well as plugin formats VST, AU and AAX are supported.