@Viktor said:

Comparing to VI Brass1 and Brass2 will Synchron Brass be really important upgade? If anyone of VSL users made this comparison? I´d like to hear what changes (improvements) in sound and articulations this upgrade will mean. Thank you

VI Brass 1 and 2 are very "classical" sounding, while Synchron Brass is decidedly "cinematic".  I'd hesitate to call Synchron Brass an "upgrade".  I think it's more appropriate to say it's complimentary and fulfills a different sonic purpose.

When comparing the two, I think these are the most useful observations:

- VI Brass is dry, and therefore more flexibly used in a variety of situations.  Synchron Brass is not dry, so it's stuck in the Synchron Stage.  However, that stage - along with the absurdly large ensemble sizes - gives the sound an incredible "thunderclap" effect that is very, very difficult (if not impossible) to replicate digitally.  This is most noticable in the short notes.

- VI Brass is comprehensive when it comes to articulations.  Synchron Brass is made up of both originally recorded material and material taken from BBO products.  While the structure of the keyswitching remains constant throughout, it also means that certain patches lack certain things.  For example, the most noticable omission is that the 9 Trombones don't have a legato patch (as they were originally recorded for use in BBO, which is not meant to be as detailed or comprehensive as other product lines).

- VI Brass does not contain anything like the Low Brass patch in Synchron Brass (Which is also available as single BBO libraries).  Since that patch was recorded in unison and in situ, it has an extraordinarily powerful sound.

- Synchron Brass introduces a seemingly small but amazing feature called "Timbre Adjust" which is essentially a custom filter control designed specifically for these brass instruments.  This, along with very smooth velocity layers and crossfading, makes the dynamic control of the whole library *extremely* responsive, playable, and smooth.

Hope that helps inform your decision!

Paul and VSL,

My thoughts on the library:

The sound of the library is fantastic: powerful, thunderous, clean.  A major problem with sampled brass - seamless dynamics - is handled extraordinarily well here.  Not only is the VelXF very, very smooth, but the Timbre Adjust feature is quite possibly the best part.  The difference it makes can't be understated.  The solo instruments are impressive and expressive (esp. the first trumpet), and being able to layer them into the ensembles easily makes the library much more extensive.

Since the library is an amalgamation of previously recorded material, I can very much hear the difference in the legato patches between the older Big Bang Stuff and the new material recorded for this library specifically.  Namely, the ever-difficult "ambient legato" has been improved over time.  This unfortunately means certain ensembles are more flexible/playable than others, but it also bodes well for future libraries (namely, Synchron Woodwinds which will absolutely need great legato patches to work well, esp. at fast tempos).

That said, I'd like to make two requests:

1) If possible, update the library with newly recorded legato patches for the 9 Trombone Ensemble.  For a premium library at this price point, the lack of this patch seems like a glaring omission.  I realize that's quite a task, but I figured I might as well make the request as you've done similar things before (i.e. Cantabile Violins).

2) The Timbre Adjust feature is incredible, but so far only works as intended with the Synchron Brass library.  As you continue to update Synchron Player, it would be fantastic for the Timbre Adjust feature to be updated to work its magic with past releases as well (like Synchron Strings Pro/Elite, and perhaps even the SYN-zed libraries).

@PaoloT said:

I'm surprised not to see the Synchronized Dimension Brass in promo. They would be a great match with the new Synchron Brass! 😊

Xing my fingers for the next days' promo change. DimBrass are a great way to get the missing solo instruments!

Paolo

Has the Intro. Price been extended to August 15th ?  

I didn't get the Newsletter email informing me of this, but someone mentioned it. The product page doesn't show this, maybe they will post this change tomorrow. 

@Paul, is the Synchron Brass Update02 including the Update01? I didn't update it, so I wonder if I have to look for the older update as well.

Paolo

Hi,

Yes, newer updates always include previous updates, as written on top of every Library Update Info.

Best,
Paul

@Paul said:

Yes, newer updates always include previous updates, as written on top of every Library Update Info.

Thanx, Paul! I had always missed that sentence. Cleaning up my folders!

Paolo

Thank you for replying, just bought this library and really can say that the sound is amazing!

@Seventh Sam said:

- VI Brass does not contain anything like the Low Brass patch in Synchron Brass (Which is also available as single BBO libraries).  Since that patch was recorded in unison and in situ, it has an extraordinarily powerful sound.

Actually, Dimension Brass contained a Low Brass section. Only, you could access the separate components. But they were recorded all together.

Paolo

@Seventh Sam said:

- VI Brass does not contain anything like the Low Brass patch in Synchron Brass (Which is also available as single BBO libraries).  Since that patch was recorded in unison and in situ, it has an extraordinarily powerful sound.

Actually, Dimension Brass contained a Low Brass section. Only, you could access the separate components. But they were recorded all together.

Paolo

I know.  I was comparing to the specific "Brass I" and "Brass II" bundles, as that's what Viktor asked about (I think?)

Hi Mark, 

Glad you like Synchron Brass!

We have limited the dynamic range of this articulation to make it fit better with the rest of the articulations. You can easily adjust the volume with Expression (CC11), if you like. 

Hope that works for you!

Best, 
Paul

@Paul said:

Hi Mark, Glad you like Synchron Brass! We have limited the dynamic range of this articulation to make it fit better with the rest of the articulations. You can easily adjust the volume with Expression (CC11), if you like. Hope that works for you! Best,Paul

Hi Mark, 

Here is the philosophy behind this decision: 

We are generally avoiding Velocity XFade for alle articulations with only one layer, also because 2 identical layers would have to be triggered, which doubles the voice count - a considerable fact with our multi-mic libraries. 

Psychoacoustics is a big topic for all libraries that were recorded in a big hall like our Vienna Synchron Stage (and that room-sound is an integral part of the sound). Changing the perceived volume of an articulation isn't something we'd suggest to do, which is why the difference between Velocity 1 and 127 is only 3 dB for those articulations. 

In our eyes, this is also a question of workflow, as you can generate any kind of dynamic change by using the Expression Controller, which is the main task of this controller anyway. 

"Timbre Adjust" will be an even better option at this point, with it's very natural dynamic changes. 

I believe that you could achieve the results you are after by using 2 MIDI Channels, with the sfz on one channel, triggering Timbre Adjust with your player Velocity. Definitely worth a try. 

Best, 
Paul

@Paul said:

Hi Mark, 

Here is the philosophy behind this decision: 

We are generally avoiding Velocity XFade for alle articulations with only one layer, also because 2 identical layers would have to be triggered, which doubles the voice count - a considerable fact with our multi-mic libraries. 

Psychoacoustics is a big topic for all libraries that were recorded in a big hall like our Vienna Synchron Stage (and that room-sound is an integral part of the sound). Changing the perceived volume of an articulation isn't something we'd suggest to do, which is why the difference between Velocity 1 and 127 is only 3 dB for those articulations. 

In our eyes, this is also a question of workflow, as you can generate any kind of dynamic change by using the Expression Controller, which is the main task of this controller anyway. 

"Timbre Adjust" will be an even better option at this point, with it's very natural dynamic changes. 

I believe that you could achieve the results you are after by using 2 MIDI Channels, with the sfz on one channel, triggering Timbre Adjust with your player Velocity. Definitely worth a try. 

Best, 
Paul

Hi Paul

Thanks for the very detailed explanations about this. That would be helpful and I will try what you suggested. 

The "Timbre Adjust" is a very cool feature. Love this library. Thanks again.

@Paul said:

...

We are generally avoiding Velocity XFade for all articulations with only one layer, also because 2 identical layers would have to be triggered, which doubles the voice count - a considerable fact with our multi-mic libraries. 

Paul,

Does this explain the multiple preset types in recent libraries like SSP, SES and SY Brass? Types like VelXF, XF sus, Velocity, etc.? It seems like the labels are not consistent between libraries, and it seems like this has been a process developing over time as libraries continue to be released. Is Timbre Adjust is one more element in that process, one we might see commonly in future libraries?

For planning purposes going forward, your comment suggests that, while they will work with the appropriate preset, the straight XF presets may not be the best if VSL is now "avoiding" them. Is there a fuller explanation that might help customers like me be sure that their custom Synchron presets and DAW expression maps are based on the most enduring approach. A lot of work goes into these, and I'd hate to have to replace everything I've done because I'm used the Vel XF only. Nevertheless, if that's the direction, I'd rather make the changes now than face a larger project later.

Thanks for any advice you can give.

Hi DaddyO,

My comment was ONLY aiming at Velocity XFade for single-velocity patches like sfz, sorry about the confusion.

Here is an explanation of the different variations of our presets.
The naming is consistent and will stay like this. We will add the same preset structure to previous products with the switch to iLok.

Velocity XFade is still THE go-to option for dynamic control for all our libraries, with Timbre Adjust being a great addition for Synchron Brass that adds even more control. If you like Timbre Adjust for your custom presets, you can of course add it!

Best,
Paul

Ah, thanks for clarifying, Paul. I'm sure it's my being too ready to extrapolate from your comments.

Apart from the small Bruckner piece I did during the latest days, using just the two Trombones, it's the first time I can put the full ensemble to work on a larger scale piece.

In my view, the small Bruckner already proved incredible for realism. The full brass orchestra, mixed with the Synchron Strings Pro and the Synchron (well, BBO) Percussions, is really stunning. Big, malleable, creamy and metallic on need – again, utterly realistic.

And they give a new perspective on SSP, now getting their true sense in context.

Can't wait to complete this piece. It's a revelation for me.

Paolo