New VSL String Collection

US Synchron Duality Strings (sordino) features two separately but simultaneously recorded muted string ensembles 04/10/23

The Vienna Symphonic Library has announced the release of the second installment in their Duality Strings series, Synchron Duality Strings (sordino). They tell us that the all-new library features two muted string ensembles that were recorded at once, performing simultaneously in separate rooms at Synchron Stage Vienna. A spokesperson said, "While the large ensembles played their instruments in Stage A, the small ensembles simultaneously played in the dryer Stage B, performing perfectly in sync, with a beautiful velvety timbre that's still full of variety."

Here's the details direct from the company...

When "muted" means more expression

Synchron Dualtiy Strings (sordino) adds another layer of expression and sonority to small and large string sections, recorded exactly the same way as the first installment in the Duality Strings series. As in the first part, the large and the small ensemble were sampled at once, playing in separate rooms, with the conductor on the podium in Stage A also directing the ensemble in Stage B via video monitors. While the mic setup in Stage A delivers a broad string ensemble sound, the smaller ensemble in Stage B was recorded closer with two different sets of microphones, offering bright and dark sounding variants. This enables users to customize their own string sound organically and effortlessly within the Synchron Player. Users can also rely on the expertly crafted mixer presets, ranging from close and classic to wide, distant, lush and more.

Sordinos massively expand the sound palette of string instruments, especially string ensembles. Considering that the volume of the instruments is only slightly reduced, playing with mutes is not synonymous with "playing quietly". Rather, sordinos evoke a change in the frequency and sound spectrum that multiplies the possibilities of instrumentation, as the great orchestrators and composers have impressively demonstrated since the end of the 19th century.

Changing the instruments' sound also has a decisive influence on the attitude of the players. Musicians instinctively react to the sound thay produce and the overall sonority of the ensemble. Passages played "con sordino" (with mute) will therefore always be clearly different from "senza sordino" (without mute) passages, even when a sordino effect is artificially applied to the recordings. The musical feeling and expression of first-class musicians makes all the difference, beyond the mere placement of a piece of plastic or wood on the bridge of an instrument.

Consequently, this sordino collection is not just a reduced version of the non-sordino recordings. Continuing in the vein of Vienna's Duality principle, each sordino articulation was recorded immediately after its non-sordino counterpart. The objective was for users to be able to activate or deactivate sordinos without creating a difference in expression, resulting in a continuous, coherent performance. This means that all the articulations of Duality Strings (regular) are also available with Duality Strings (sordino), except for snap pizzicato.

Users who have both the regular and sordino collections of Synchron Duality Strings installed will find a "Merged" Preset that combines "senza sordino" and "con sordino" articulations, making it easy to switch and keep an overview of all available articulations.

The Standard Library and Full Library of Synchron Duality Strings (sordino) both include the same articulations. The difference lies in the number of provided microphone positions.

Pricing and Availability:

The new Collection is currently available at introductory prices of €395 (reg. €545) for the Standard Library and €635 (reg. €870) for the Full Library.

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