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  4. how to get a smooth flat sustain?

  • how to get a smooth flat sustain?

    L
    L
    how can I get strings to sound flat and smooth the way, say a synth would? vsl strings have a lot of inflection and sort of rise in volume and intensity. I've gone through the demo (there's only one right?) and messed with attack release times and stuff.. kind of stuck. also how can I get a smooth legato? have tried overlapping with sustain and overlapping midi notes but still not perfect
  • Beat KaufmannB
    Beat KaufmannB
    last edited
    last edited

    @ltno said:

    how can I get strings to sound flat and smooth the way, say a synth would?...

    Hello Itno and welcome in the "family"

    I understand that you are looking for a "Streicherteppich". An expression we have in German. The 1:1 transaltion is "string carpet".

    First, I believe it depends on the library you use. If you are using the Appassionatas I would select the perf-sus4-level articulation.

    Further you should apply the X-fader function. Now you are free for inserting crescendi, diminuendi etc.

    A nice sound you will also get by combining strings. Example: Use the Appassionatas and play unisono (the same part)

    once more with the chamber strings. Adjust the balance then between these two libraries within the Audio-mixer.

    For lots of perf-legato-articulations we get 2 Layers. I would try to play in the first Layer for using the strings as background (Streicherteppich).

    So that means below a velocity-level of 88 (89 and higher = layer 2)

    If it comes to to play the melody go up into layer level two.

    Listen to a Strings-Mix as I mentioned above here: http://www.beat-kaufmann.com/vitutorials/vi-tips--tricks-3/index.php

    I used the Appassionatas combined with the Solo Strings and with the Chambers.

    Another Example for background strings: Listen to "A. Zwyssig, Swiss-Anthem" on the right within the sidebar.

    Appassionatas+Chamberstrings, x-fade-function, mostly perf-legato/perf-sus.

    BTW: The Air of Bach (within the Zwyssig-section) is a combination of the Chamberstrings and the Appassionatas (second part) as well

    All the best

    Beat

    - Tips & Tricks while using Samples of VSL.. see at: https://www.beat-kaufmann.com/vitutorials/ - Tutorial "Mixing an Orchestra": https://www.beat-kaufmann.com/mixing-an-orchestra/
  • L
    L
    Hi, by articulation do you mean patch? I'm using SE my patches look like 03S-V14 sustain for example. Do you change default attack/release/sustain settings?
  • Beat KaufmannB
    Beat KaufmannB
    last edited
    last edited

    @ltno said:

    Hi, by articulation do you mean patch? I'm using SE my patches look like 03S-V14 sustain for example. Do you change default attack/release/sustain settings?

    Yes, articulation = patch

    "...V14" are the 14 Violins of the orchestra-strings-library

    Even if you have the SE you should have the V14-perf-legato patch (articulation)

    Use it together with the solo Strings (legato).

    Maybe you put in the first cell the violin-orchestra-perf-legato-patch

    and in the second cell the one of the solo violin

    (just as you can see here with another combination of patches  http://www.beat-kaufmann.com/vitutorials/vi-tips--tricks-2/index.php#0439199ae0080e261 )

    No, normally I don't change default attacks and release settings.

    Finally, I believe that the appassionata strings would be closer to your idea of string-sound than the orchestra-strings.

    Best

    Beat

    - Tips & Tricks while using Samples of VSL.. see at: https://www.beat-kaufmann.com/vitutorials/ - Tutorial "Mixing an Orchestra": https://www.beat-kaufmann.com/mixing-an-orchestra/
  • civilization 3C
    civilization 3C

    really, what you want for a string pad is probably a cheap string ensemble patch. the exercise you're engaged in here is how to get less inflection, so use something that has less inflection... shouldn't be hard to find. this seems like a perverse exercise to me, at some level. the appassionata strings that come bundled with VE Pro are pretty suitable for pop string parts but sound really good. there are a million things available to give you 'string pad'.
  • L
    L
    okay thanks guys I think I have 30 days trial key if I recall I will try the appassionata strings, but even for normal usage, isn't it very difficult to carve a sound you want when the patch has so much inflection?
  • civilization 3C
    civilization 3C

    it might be for some situations, but I would choose whatever tool fits the task best. I don't have very intricate string libraries and would tend to find that I need more, not less inflection/nuance/texture. I usually use strings for a kind of glue or a sheen, or overlay rather than really feature them, and I think I get the gist of what you're saying though. The sus patch in the Appassionata strings I have (bundled with VE Pro, less than what you get with SE I think, there are no sections, just a strings tutti according to ranges) doesn't do much but sit there, gotta tell you.