The Sound Board

VSL has apparently finished their Synchron Solo Strings and AudioModeling has released their latest improvements. Has anyone tried either in a quartet?

I have not, and I'd be curious what people think... I don't have any convincing solo strings, although I don't really ever use them, but that's likely because I never found any that were convincing to me. Ensembles, no problem.

I'm a fan of modeling technology in general, I think it's quite cool, so the AudioModeling solo strings seem interesting! VSL does everything well, of course.

No, I've given up on samples for string quartets. Neither the Synchron Solo Strings nor the AudioModeling ones gave me any hope that they might work for that. String quartets have subtle yet important timbral changes and detailed interplay between the instruments, as well as nuances in dynamics and articulation. All things that samples sorely lack. Attempting a string quartet mockup using samples is akin to trying to decapitate an egg with a rocket launcher.

I am following the AI-modelled options Melisma and Ace Studio. I think they could produce an almost passable result on a string quartet, i.e. much better than samples, if the music isn't too demanding. But I haven't taken the plunge and really tested this new technology.

As always, I am going to say it depends on the purpose. Would I use any of the solo strings libraries nakedly exposed? No, of course not. But if it is under dialogue, at a low volume, I have several I could and have used and the client was happy.

My purpose would be to support my songs, ergo they have to make ME happy.

Jay's quote from Charlie C rings immediately true to me. Unlike so many VI enthusiasts out there, I never use them to try to make a convincing orchestra, string quartet, woodwind quintet, or any other "real ensemble in a real acoustic," even though I've heard some pretty obsessive ones. I know, at least, that way lies madness for me.

In the context of any kind of "hybrid contemporary" production, which probably encompasses most current music, I can imagine many of these VIs being great for textural and supportive roles. I always use ensembles, particularly Spitfire Chamber or Symphonic Strings, but I'd imagine the advancements in solo instruments are getting to the point where these would be viable too.

(There's also the old trick of just hiring one violinist to play the lead line and use VIs for everything underneath... sneaky and effective.)

Lawrence wrote: ↑Aug 02, 2025 10:05 am VSL has apparently finished their Synchron Solo Strings and AudioModeling has released their latest improvements. Has anyone tried either in a quartet?

I've listened to the new incarnation of VSL solo strings but honestly I don't think they are a substantial improvement over the old solos... whenever I need a quartet I go back to VSL Studio solos (can't remember if you have the library). AM has as always the playability, but not a wholly convincing timbre. Had great expectations on CSSS but no, they don't work for me. Cremona doesn't either...

Yeah Rob , I don’t have the full, just the SE Solo strings, but I find those better than most.