Dimension Strings too much for me? (and my computer?)

[shnootre]

Greetings, 

Looking to upgrade my string sounds. I've got Spitfire Chamber Strings, which sounds great, but I'm really leaning into developing my VSL libraries, since I find they integrate best with the work I do. 

I spend a lot of time working in Finale, and I've been working hard to get my playback to be top notch. I also do work in DAWs, but often I don't have the time. 

I love the sound and concept of Dimension Strings. But my current setup is lightweight. I've got only 16gb of Ram, working on a MAC Powerbook. 

Currently, I can load my full template  - a small orchestra for an opera I'm revising - with limited difficulty but also limited breathing room. Eventually I hope to upgrade to a better system, at least a better computer that enables me to make full use of my libraries. 

I'm just wondering if it makes sense to get Dimension Strings now, and if there's any in-between way of using it that won't completely overwhelm my setup. I generally make my own matrices for the VSL instruments. Based on my understanding of the Dimension setup, it seems like it would be very ram intensive, since you have to sound multiple patches for each articulation in each section? Is it possible to set up less intensive matrices but still use the full ensemble? (I know I can put in fewer artics., I'm just wondering how much functionality I lose). 

I could also see myself going with the Chamber Strings, though I feel like I'll be disappointed, long term, when I upgrade my current system. 

Long story short: can I make Dimension do my bidding now, knowing I have to hold back in my usage of it, or is it simply better to go with a more contained VSL string product? 

[J.Hall]

From my experience, Dim. Strings benefit from being loaded from a fast SSD. But a trick that some people use is to turn off Velocity X-fade since using that bumbs up the voices in use a lot, which can result in drop outs when using many tracks. 

My RAM usage is 1288MB in VI PRO when enabling all of the patches for the violins. I have the sample preload at 16384.

I can't answer if it'll work on your computer (I think so though) but if you're going to upgrade then sure, why not? Dimension Strings sound great. The Divisi possibility is awesome.

Would probably layer well with the Spitfire Chamber Strings as well.

Do you have VI PRO? Among other things it lets you disable cells you aren't using, which might be a good feature for you as well.

[shnootre]

Thanks for this response. 

I do have VI Pro, and I understand that it's basically essential to run Dim strings properly. 

I also have an external SSD for all my samples. It's 1TB, and even after I make space, Dimension Strings will basically fill it up. I'll have to look into upgrade possibilities there. 

I just fiddled around with it on the audition player - it really sounds beautiful, and all the mixing and matching possibilities are wonderful. 

While I agree it probably will mix great w/ Spitfire Chamber Strings, one of the big things pushing me towards this move is that I just can't integrate SCC into my workflow in a good way. They have tons of articulations, but you don't have the flexibility you do w/ VSL, and that combines with some Human Playback bugs in finale to make it very difficult to use their strings in my template. When I first started accruing sample libraries I thought that I'd have the luxury to spend lots of time in a DAW later on, but now I'm coming to terms with the fact that the bulk of my work is done in Finale. I'm not generating broadcast-ready recordings, but I'm really interested in having top flight midi demos to pass on to performers and others. VSL's customization options make it possible for me to really get the most out of their libraries. So for now, instead of using SCC strings for my opera demos, I'm using VSL SE strings, and looking to upgrade there. 

[Beat Kaufmann]

Hi

What are the benfits of the dimension strings which are indispensable for you?

• Do you need the possibility of having only two, four,... or 8 players?
• Do you need the possibilty of having (a correct) divisi-split-up?
• ...

If yes, no question - you need to buy it incl. better hardware.

If no: VSLs Chambersting Library is a good and very complete and well balanced library as well because you get a lot articulations for all the instruments ...down to the double bass. You also get a really super string sound and a full library with all the necessary articulations for playing all sorts of music styles - and all this for a nice price (full library). Also: You always will be able to use these chambers for layering with other string libraries for finally having an even richer string sound in total.

No question: The chambers still are worth evrey single cent - even if the library has got its age.

Beat

[shnootre]

Thanks Beat, 

This is a helpful reply, and my thinking is along your lines. The option of ALL the customizability of Dimension is tempting, but the truth is, it's unlikely I will have the time to do all that playing around. Mostly I'm working on getting my Finale playback to be stronger, and I think the chamber strings may indeed be the way to go for me. 

My one hesitation is that I already own Spitfire Chamber Strings, which sounds great, but is hard for me to use in my day-to-day Finale set up (keyswitch issues, and also I just like the Vienna interface and responsiveness more). I don't currently have any large orchestral strings except for SE1+. But I just don't love the sound of the orchestral strings. The chamber strings sound better to me, and not so very dissimilar from the demos I've heard of Dimension. 

Trying to make this decision while the academic sale is still on. Your post helped push me in the right direction (I hope!)