VSL SE and Sibelius 6...and fast legato runs in strings

[Evan017]

Dear Forum, I have a string passage (the violins) where they have a running melody, and although I've been pleased with most articulations out of the box, I can't nail this sound: fast legato, or just slurred runs. There is a video that talks about trills...is that part of an additional product or a downloadable add-on? I'm a little annoyed that I haven't been able to figure this out on my own, because it doesn't seem all that complicated; I'd be surprised if VSL doesn't have the perfect patch for this right out of the box. I'd greatly appreciate any help! -Evan

[andi]

Hello Evan!

In order to help you I will need some more info.
Which product and which sound set are you using?
Which matrix or preset did you load?

Best regards,
Andi

[Evan017]

Hi Andi! I am using Vienna Special Edition. I am working on an original orchestral piece and I've been taking on different parts of the orchestra at a time; currently, I have the 21S Strings violins matrix loaded to work through the violin parts (and have tweaked the presets as I've needed to, using commands in Sibelius, which works OK for the most part). I haven't been able to get the VSL sound set to quite work with Sibelius; I've copied the .lib file (I've tried both versions) into the sibelius directory but it never shows up in the "Import House Style" dialogue. -Evan

[andi]

Hello Evan!

The House Style File has to be copied to the following directory:

Windows XP:
Documents and Settings\username\Application Data\Sibelius Software\Sibelius 5 (or 6)\House Styles

Windows Vista and Windows 7:
Users\username\AppData\Roaming\Sibelius Software\Sibelius 5 (or 6)\House Styles

Mac:
Users/username/Library/Application Support/Sibelius Software/Sibelius 5 (or 6)/House Styles

If the House Styles folder does not exist, simply create it.

The sound set for the Special Edition only works with the matrices that come with the Special Edition and not with "tweaked" ones.

If you haven't done so yet, I recommend reading the "Optimizing Sibelius Playback" manual. You can download it at the following location:
http://vsl.co.at/en/68/141/460/576/655.htm

Best,
Andi

[Evan017]

Yeah...like I said, Sibelius doesn't seem to see the new House Style after I copy the .lib file into its directory. Also, when I try to drag the .lib file straight into Sibelius a message appears to say that it's currupted. Is the sound set that is part of that House Style imperative for Vienna to respond well to Sibelius? Because it just doesn't seem to work.

[Evan017]

I think I've figured it out. Firstly, the sound sets for VSL don't have to be manually loaded into Sibelius 6; they come with it. This explains why commands would still work, even though I hadn't loaded the House Style. Secondly, and rather unfortunately, I have determined that the standard string ensemble legato patches just aren't very good. The solo instruments are awesome, in terms of connecting notes when they should do so on slurred runs and so on. Soo...I think I'm going to try and make due by layering ensemble instruments with solo instruments and mix it with another program and hope for the best. Thanks for your help, Andi. -Evan

[andi]

Right. The Special Edition and Special Edition PLUS sound sets come with Sibelius. The Vienna Symphonic House Style doesn't. If you want to use it, you will have to copy the .lib file to one of the folders I have written earlier.
The House Style is not loaded on the Playback devices page, but can be loaded when starting a new score or with the import House Style command.

Sorry to read, that you don't like the orchestral-violins-legato patch.

Best,
Andi

[Evan017]

For anyone else who couldn't get Sibelius to see the VSL House Style, I found a House Styles folder in the English folder in Resources (Sibelius 6/Resources/en.lprog/House Styles). So now I have the House Style enabled...not too sure how it helps things, though.