Hey muziksculp. Here's a suggestion: how about installing only the close and mid mics and the room mix? The installation process makes this possible. That way, you would cut down the total disk space requirements by quite a bit and would still have a pretty good idea of what the library can and can't do. With the standard library, not installing the main + main center mics (why are these separate anyway?) would save you around 94 GB.

The Synchron Player comes with some mixer presets for all sections - close, classical, wide, distant, ambient. The mixes are done very well, are good starting points and should cover the most needed sonic characteristics. The cool thing about these is that if you're going with the room mix versions of the presets, only the room mix, the mid and in some cases the close mics are required. The room mix is kind of the bulk of the sound and you dial in mids (and if needed the close) to taste for more or less close and direct sound.

I spent some time comparing the room mix versions of the presets with their decca multi-mic counterparts and honestly, I think they hold up very well and I don't hear any noteworthy differences between them. The room mix versions sound a bit "roomier" and more airy due to the fact that the mics from the full library have been baked into the downmix as well, but that's not a bad thing either, right?

I think that room mix + mid + close could quite possibly be sufficient for many users. I'm thinking of going this route for the time being and yanking the excess mics from the drive, because I too can't justify having such a big library taking up all this space - not considering the limited number of actually good sounding articulations available.  But there are some things about the library that I really like - the overall sound and clarity, the dynamic shorts, the beautiful and musical soft longs, the pizz - and that's not a bad thing to have in the toolbox.

So I suggest installing only the three previously mentioned mic positions, making some music and getting some actual first-hand experience with the library and the player, instead of relying solely on other people's opinions. Maybe you'll find things about the library that you like. That's exactly why many of us are so adamant in pointing out the flaws and shortcomings - because there's a lot to like and with some revisions and additions, the library could still live up to the usual high VSL standards and be absolutely killer.

On a sidenote, the existence of these presets already show that SyS was of course not conceived as a library that's tailored to just one specific sound, and the objection that you're expecting something from it that it can't possibly deliver is of course mistaken.

@JimmyHellfire said:

Hey muziksculp. Here's a suggestion: how about installing only the close and mid mics and the room mix? The installation process makes this possible. That way, you would cut down the total disk space requirements by quite a bit and would still have a pretty good idea of what the library can and can't do. With the standard library, not installing the main + main center mics (why are these separate anyway?) would save you around 94 GB.

Hi JimmyHellfire,

Thanks for the suggestion to install just the close, mid and room mix mics, to conserve SSD space, and to give the library a spin. I might just do that. I can install some of the other mic options the full version offers if I feel it's worth it. 

Q1. How many GB do the (Close, Mid, and Room Mix) mics consume, and did you install the entire Full version (if you have it) to test all mic options, If Yes, are they worth the SSD space ?  

Q2. How do you like the Legatos, and Sustains it offers via Synchron Player ?  

I still hope that VSL will post some well produced audio demos of Synchron Strings 1, produced using the Synchron Player in the near future. 

Cheers,

Muziksculp 

Ok here you can find my first result with Syncbhron-Player-Strings and there are some other to come the mnext days. I hope you like it.

I wonder why VSL has not posted any new Synchron Strings 1 Audio Demos, produced using the new Synchron Strings 1 Player ?  

Can anyone at VSL give us some feedback if we can expect to see some new Synchron Strings 1 audio demos posted in the near future ? 

Thanks, 

Hi VSL/Paul,

Can you please let us know if you will be posting new Synchron Strings 1 Audio Demos, produced using the new Synchron Strings 1 Player soon ? 

Thanks,

Muziksculp 

@Pixelpoet1985 said:

I really would like to know if one can realise some "Hollywood" sounding music, with expressive legato lines which sound realistic. Or something like in the Blue Planet promo video.

Because I can't and I don't think that anyone else can. Harsh words, I know. I just want to be persuaded.

Hi Pixelpoet, 

some suggestions from a novice....

I am wondering whats so special about "Hollwood sounding" music. Firstly, we know that all orchestral hollywood music has its roots in late romantic classical music. So it might be better to listen to and try imitating romantic masterworks since they are the source of all orchestral HW music.

Secondly, no library by itself will automatically help you get the sound you hear in, say, John WIlliams or Bernard Hermann. It takes years and years of training and musicianship, and on top of that a thorough knowledge of the sample library.  This is serious business. If you want to sound like John WIlliams, you need to undergo the training....he as a Juliard trained Jazz and classical pianist, and lived and breathed around orchstras since he was a child. So just think abotu how much effort it takes. To think that we can shell out a few grand on a sample library and get that effect....not gonna happen. As Errikos (I think) once described...imagine that you have an orchestra in the next hall waiting for you. What are you going to do with them? The power is limitless, but you need to know how to use them efficiently before they even make a sound.

The quality of renditions of VSL truly depend on both the level of musicianship and programming skills of the person using it. Hypothetically...if Williams or Mozart had these libraries and knew the programming skills, they would produce fantastic music. Most of the demos here attest to the power of VSL...doesnt matter if its Synchron or the Cube or whatever.

Sorry if this sounds insulting...not my intention and I am not assuming you are an amateur. This is just a reflection of what I am myself learning and experiencing as I navigate the challenge of becoming a composer.

Best

Anand

P.S. btw this is one of the best Star wars renditions with VSL Ive heard. You can hear the one on the VSL demo page as well. You cant find problems with the legato here.  

@Pixelpoet1985 said:

I really would like to know if one can realise some "Hollywood" sounding music, with expressive legato lines which sound realistic. Or something like in the Blue Planet promo video.

Because I can't and I don't think that anyone else can. Harsh words, I know. I just want to be persuaded.

Hi Pixelpoet, 

some suggestions from a novice....

I am wondering whats so special about "Hollwood sounding" music. Firstly, we know that all orchestral hollywood music has its roots in late romantic classical music. So it might be better to listen to and try imitating romantic masterworks since they are the source of all orchestral HW music.

Secondly, no library by itself will automatically help you get the sound you hear in, say, John WIlliams or Bernard Hermann. It takes years and years of training and musicianship, and on top of that a thorough knowledge of the sample library.  This is serious business. If you want to sound like John WIlliams, you need to undergo the training....he as a Juliard trained Jazz and classical pianist, and lived and breathed around orchstras since he was a child. So just think abotu how much effort it takes. To think that we can shell out a few grand on a sample library and get that effect....not gonna happen. As Errikos (I think) once described...imagine that you have an orchestra in the next hall waiting for you. What are you going to do with them? The power is limitless, but you need to know how to use them efficiently before they even make a sound.

The quality of renditions of VSL truly depend on both the level of musicianship and programming skills of the person using it. Hypothetically...if Williams or Mozart had these libraries and knew the programming skills, they would produce fantastic music. Most of the demos here attest to the power of VSL...doesnt matter if its Synchron or the Cube or whatever.

Sorry if this sounds insulting...not my intention and I am not assuming you are an amateur. This is just a reflection of what I am myself learning and experiencing as I navigate the challenge of becoming a composer.

Best

Anand

P.S. btw this is one of the best Star wars renditions with VSL Ive heard. You can hear the one on the VSL demo page as well. You cant find problems with the legato here.  

Now, everyone is talking about me, but actually there are so many people who don't like Synchron Strings. It's just my opinion, I am also a beginner. But I have ears and I have a sonic taste/preference.

I know what you are talking about that orchestration is indeed the key to this "Hollywood" sound, but for this you need THE appropriate tool. I'm repeating myself: I also have LASS, and for me it's the best playable and realistic library. I also have the older VSL strings and they sound way better in terms of the legatos. Synchron Strings, for me, isn't just the appropriate tool. With LASS I can achieve classical, romantic or hollywood music, because it comes really close to the real thing. And this is the prerequisite. And when John Williams is composing on his piano (with the orchestration in mind) he can RELY on the real thing. If you can't rely on it than you can be an orchestration god, and it won't work. That's my point.

I know the Star Wars demo you posted quite well. It's an old one, and this was the reason I started with the Special Editions. I like it, it does sound realistic, but not Synchron Strings, and we're talking about the latter.

Please stop making me the bad boy, there are many with the same opinions as mine, and when you are comfortable with Synchron Strings than it's okay. 

Going back to the main topic of this thread.

Unfortunately VSL has not posted any new Audio Demos of VSL Synchron Strings I, using the new Synchron Player. I have requested this a while ago, but so far VSL has not delivered, and Paul of VSL has ignored my requests, and not even bothered replying on this thread. 

I would be delighted if they posted some new Cinematic Demos, not re-creations of classical works. using Synchron Strings I , running in the new Synchron Player. 

Sorry, i didnt mean to make you the bad boy at all.....my point was that many people have done amazing things with VSL strings which I aspire too...so I have a long way to go before I need another library. I am not sure why you are not satisfied with the legato in the VI strings, which is the best I've heard.

LASS does sound very good btw, added to on my wishlist.

Anand

@muziksculp said:

Unfortunately VSL has not posted any new Audio Demos of VSL Synchron Strings I, using the new Synchron Player.

The reason seems to be pretty obvious: it is not necessary because the new player doesn't sound different than the 'old' one. It's a different workflow, not a different sound. If it would sound vastly different, then VSL certainly would have advertised it and posted demos. Also, if you really wanted a response to your questions why not just send an e-mail to support? In my experience they are friendly, quick, and happy to answer any questions.

@muziksculp said:

I would be delighted if they posted some new Cinematic Demos, not re-creations of classical works. using Synchron Strings I , running in the new Synchron Player. 

There is not a single "re-creations of classical works" among the Synchron Strings I 'demos' at all 😛 (as far as I know its all Guy Bacos selfmade Stuff)

And I honestly haven't heard yet at all any "classical" (1770-1827) Work "re-created" with Synchron Strings anywhere. 😉

But seriously: if you dont own SyStr yet perhaps you should just wait for what others do. I am sure there will be frequently new User-Recordings with Synchron-Strings posted here made by more and more different users with different musical intentions. The most who own it already just began to become familiar with it. I am sure during next year you will be able to get a much better impression, what real-world-user realy can achieve with that librariy. So no one would need anymore discuss just "opinions".

@muziksculp said:

Unfortunately VSL has not posted any new Audio Demos of VSL Synchron Strings I, using the new Synchron Player.

The reason seems to be pretty obvious: it is not necessary because the new player doesn't sound different than the 'old' one. It's a different workflow, not a different sound. If it would sound vastly different, then VSL certainly would have advertised it and posted demos. Also, if you really wanted a response to your questions why not just send an e-mail to support? In my experience they are friendly, quick, and happy to answer any questions.

I think more demos of VSL Synchron Strings I would be a good thing, especially now that Synchron Strings I has the new Player, (even if it doesn't sound different when using the new Player).  

@agitato said:

Sorry, i didnt mean to make you the bad boy at all.....my point was that many people have done amazing things with VSL strings which I aspire too...so I have a long way to go before I need another library. I am not sure why you are not satisfied with the legato in the VI strings, which is the best I've heard.

LASS does sound very good btw, added to on my wishlist.

Anand

I didn't want to be rude, sorry. I didn't mean it that way. But in the last time everyone was quoting my statement from the other thread... 😊

I started with the Special Editions, and then upgraded to Chamber, Orchestral and Appassionata Strings standard editions. They have better legatos than Synchron Strings, I do like these. But finally I decided to stay with LASS. It's the best tool for me. 

Sascha

@muziksculp said:

Unfortunately VSL has not posted any new Audio Demos of VSL Synchron Strings I, using the new Synchron Player.

The reason seems to be pretty obvious: it is not necessary because the new player doesn't sound different than the 'old' one. It's a different workflow, not a different sound. If it would sound vastly different, then VSL certainly would have advertised it and posted demos. Also, if you really wanted a response to your questions why not just send an e-mail to support? In my experience they are friendly, quick, and happy to answer any questions.

For me there is no sonic difference between the two players, too, just the workflow.

I still want to hear a "hollywood" demo. I really liked the legato demo by @fahl5, but it doesn't come close to the real thing, in my opinion. The (majority of) demos posted are all compositions made for the capabilites of Synchron Strings, i. e. for the things it can handle well and neglecting those which it can't do. 

The older VSL string libraries have demos of Star Wars and other famous cues. I want to hear these. Why isn't there such a demo? Because Synchron Strings can't do it? I'm just wondering ...