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  4. group vs. solo instrument samples

  • group vs. solo instrument samples

    Xander S.X
    Xander S.X

    Hi there! I have a VERY basic question (again) that bogs me for quite some time. There are samples that cover whole instrument groups, like Fl-3 or Vln-14. As I understand it, those samples contain 3 flutes or 14 violins playing the same note in unison - right?

    Here comes my question: When I write chords for a group, let's say a triad, wouldn't be using the FL-3 samples be the wrong choice, for it would take 9 flutes to sound like that? Shouldn't I use the Solo Flute samples instead, because in a real orchestra each of them would play exactly one note?

    In case I'm not completely off by now, let me ask another question: Comparing the different VSL string samples like Appassionata and Dimension strings, I see that Dimension strings samples consist of significantly fewer instruments, to be exact it is 8 violins compared to 20 Appassionata violins. If my assumption above is right, I shouldn't use Appassionate strings with chords or, put differently, I could go with Dimension strings as long as I don't need all violins to play in unison.

    Does that make any sense? Am I right or am I missing something?
  • Xander S.X
    Xander S.X

    No one to answer my question? Am I completely in the wrong box?
    Maybe someone from the VSL team on how they intended their samples to be used?
  • PaulP
    VSL Team
    PaulP

    Hi Xander, 

    You are correct. 

    And that's also the reason for the different ensemble sizes and options you get with VSL instruments (and there is also a Flute 1 &2, Bassoon 1&2 and so forth). 

    Best, 
    Paul

    Paul Kopf Head of Product Marketing, Social Media and Support
  • Xander S.X
    Xander S.X

    Thanks, Paul, for getting back to me. I feel almost ashamed to ask such basic questions here, but there's actually little material on how to transfer musical ideas into the sample world, so it might well have been I've been doing it wrong. Though right is what sounds right, right? ;) Thanks again!
  • PaulP
    VSL Team
    PaulP

    Hi Xander, 

    There are quite some different approaches to virtual orchestration, and you are Correct again: If it sounds right, it is right.

    I'm sure you will get a few good pointers from forum members on how to get started!

    Best, 
    Paul

    Paul Kopf Head of Product Marketing, Social Media and Support
  • Xander S.X
    Xander S.X

    Actually I've been working with VSL samples since Opus1, so "getting started" would be a little late for me. :))) Though it's never too late to ask stupid questions. :)
  • PaulP
    VSL Team
    PaulP
    last edited
    last edited

    Oops, should have checked your registrations!! 😳

    Great to have you on board for such a long time!

    Best, 
    Paul

    Paul Kopf Head of Product Marketing, Social Media and Support