Okay, even though this is a discussion on "how to improve" and I did refrain to voice my opinion because of some really hostility here (and on the "other forum") but here it is:
First of all I have the hope that the all the discussion and even the anger towards other members is simply due to the fact that everyone just wants the best and get the most out of the product which seemed to be so great. (I still get excited by the marketing text and promises that were made by VSL, well somehow...)
There is a lot of passion involved.
I did pre-order SyS. I still somehow trust VSL as I love their products (even some parts of Sys Strings I ) and was always very happy with their support.
Even tough I could be bashed for also saying it: I am dissappointed by Synchron Strings I but I still have high hopes (maybe because I have to and dont want to move on by selling it and going with another company. Also I am not sure anyone would buy it except for 50% off as the reputation of the product and VSL as a whole seems by reading this forum and "the other forum" to have suffered a lot. Thats just an observation)
Back to improvement:
Yes, I used Sys a lot, i mean Really a lot, even in "real" projects, both with VIP and Synchron Player. Yes, one gets better results with spending time on working with them... still there are a lot flaws and there is a lot of effort needed from the user (which is okay, but a lot of times it feels like fixing not polishing)
It is really hard to suggest what could be improved, especially with VSL not participating in discussing the topic and not knowing what Can be improved/they are willing to do. (It would suck to spend even more money for a second edition, and no - for now i wont buy SyS Chamber) - So lets mix suggestions with wishlist:
- If the legato samples cant be improved / more added, I hope that some additional programming/scripting can help the functionality of the legato. Right now - no matter what anyone here has tried - the legato is subtle. Most of us hoped for more options especially at this price point. Maybe adding a time stretched folder could also help?
- I sometimes hear strange background noise in some samples. Maybe the samples could be reworked?
- The violins are indeed very piercing if not handled correct (which means corrected). Using the built-in mic eq or the Vienna Suite did help, but still it is strange that the whole ensemble somehow doesnt seem to be that well balanced as it seemed.
- Yes, the sound and behaviour is not very expressive and lively, but it seems like this is on purpose and this kind of sound Has its purpose. Layering and lots of CC riding did help when I wanted more emotive string sound.
- Yes, the shorts are great - We all hear that. The Sfz is okay, but I still dont get my head around about that whole stacked approach.
- Synchron Player is a ongoing process of development, I get it. Still: Please integrate more features that VIP already had, humanization being one thing.
- I dont like that we dont get real statements from VSL which means not knowing where we are heading at or what their views are. Especially after the debacle of communication the post-poned proper release was.
I am still trying to improve my workflow and approach with using Synchron Strings I as I still need to put in a lot of effort into working with them for even making them sound allright.
There are a lot of of positive things about this library, but a lot of bad things - Every library has its flaws, we get it.
VSL set the bar really high with their previous products, legacy and with their marketing.
I know I am there are a lot of things that were already said, but lets hope for the best : )))