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  4. Dimension Strings compared to Orchestral Strings?

  • Dimension Strings compared to Orchestral Strings?

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    What is the difference between Dimension Strings and Orchestral Strings? If I buy just Dimension Strings, what will I be missing by omitting the Orchestral Strings (or vice versa)? Thanks.
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    Dimension is a different way of recording an ensemble which uses indiviually controllable solo players recorded playing together but with solo mikes.  They blend together into a more complex ensemble than you can get with a pure ensemble recording. 

    On the other hand Orchestral though it is a single recording of each ensemble articulation, does actually have more articulations than Dimension.  Also, the sound is overall bigger than Dimension (though not as big as Appassionata which is huge).

    So it depends on what kind of sound you want.  I like both because Orchestral gives a simple-to-control basic string ensemble for almost any articulation you could want, but Dimension adds a huge amount of realism in the individual player's combinations and complexity.
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    Thanks for your helpful reply. I see the Dimension ensemble is relatively small (e.g., 8 violins). Is it possible to get Dimension to sound like a 16-violin section playing in unison?
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    you could duplicate the 8 DM violins, make them play on other strings (Sul G, ...), position them differently if you have MIR, or you could apply the ''transposition trick'' (See other thread about that).

    Or

    you could layered them with Chamber (6violins) , Appasionnata (20 Violins)  or Orchestral Strings (14 Violins) (Or other libraries).
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    Thanks, FredB. I'm trying to develop a plan which I can afford. I already have EWQLSO and LASS Full and have ordered Appassionata I & II Standard; I'm thinking next (as far as strings) I should consider Dimension, to add realism, especially for melodies in the foreground. And while I know Orchestra I & II have some advantages over EWQLSO and LASS, I will hold off on Orchestra in favor of Dimension, for now.
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    One thing to consider when purchasing VSL libraries: if possible, getting both the standard and extended portions of a library is helpful.  The extended portion increases the overall realism and the additional articulations really round out the given instrument.  The dynamics patches in particular can be very useful.
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    last edited
    last edited

    @noldar12 said:

    One thing to consider when purchasing VSL libraries: if possible, getting both the standard and extended portions of a library is helpful.  The extended portion increases the overall realism and the additional articulations really round out the given instrument.  The dynamics patches in particular can be very useful.

    It was hard for me to decide on that with Appassionata. When I receive Appassionata, I gather I'll be able to demo the Extended sounds for a limited time, and will surely try them.
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    With the libraries you already have, large ensembles are definitely well covered! Good move in your part to start looking into Dimension Strings to pick up the slack on the small end. LASS is amazing but it is definitely catering to large ensembles. Comparing four LASS players against four DS players really shows the difference.  DS is capable of sounding so much smaller and more intimate. On the other hand I have never been satisfied with using DS to achieve a larger sound. You have the best of both worlds with LASS and DS.
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    Now I'm curious how far the mics were placed from the instruments during recording of Dimension Strings?