Vienna Symphonic Library Forum
Forum Statistics

194,405 users have contributed to 42,918 threads and 257,960 posts.

In the past 24 hours, we have 2 new thread(s), 5 new post(s) and 79 new user(s).

  • What is the difference between Synchron Strings I & Synchron Strings Pro?

    The difference between Elite Strings and Synchron Strings I is pretty clear. What I'm not clear about is the difference between Synchron Strings I and Synchron Strings Pro. They're the same price, though I noticed Synchron Strings I takes up more space on an SSD, and Strings Pro doesn't require as much storage space. Is Strings Pro intended to compliment Strings I? If I only bought one, which one would you recommend?


  • last edited
    last edited

    @suihcteg said:

    The difference between Elite Strings and Synchron Strings I is pretty clear. What I'm not clear about is the difference between Synchron Strings I and Synchron Strings Pro. They're the same price, though I noticed Synchron Strings I takes up more space on an SSD, and Strings Pro doesn't require as much storage space. Is Strings Pro intended to compliment Strings I? If I only bought one, which one would you recommend?

    I recommend going with Synchron Strings Pro and calling it a day.  You don't need both.


  • I've spent most of the day pursuing this, as I got both in the Strings Bundle sale.

    The BEST way to learn the differences are to compare their spec pages, and then check these 2 links:

    Comparing both libraries: https://www.vsl.co.at/en/Fancyboxes/Strings_Comparison

    Seeing what's been moved if you choose to go the Optimized Content route on String I to save disk space: 

     

    In general:

    Strings Pro utilizes an improved process. Think Synchron 2.0. So, things are reorganized, expanded, simplified, more efficient, and in many cases sound better.

    Strings Pro adds features such as: Agile legatos, Spiccatos, Detaches, Portamento, and Ponticello. The Sustains and Legatos benefit from the Cantabile improvement offered as an update to Strings I. 

    What's missing from Pro (still included in the Optimized version of Strings I) are Marcatos (!) Slurred Legatos (which seem to be a nice option when portamento is too much), and additional long and legato variants.

    The Full version of Strings I includes shorts with more velocity layers (8-9, vs. 5), NKS compatibility, and 30 second crescendo and decrescendos.

    If only buying one, it's an easy pick: Go Pro. But, the Strings bundle is so compelling, I expect I'll be glad to have Strings I if only for marcatos and slurred legatos. And NKS. 


  • Rather than poring over specifications, which anyone can do and no doubt many have already done, could you perhaps give us some of your own musical examples that show exactly where and how these differences become significant, either practically or sound-wise. That would be mighty useful, dude man.


  • Hello,

    I have both synchron Pro and I and both are amazing, especially when you tweak them (eq, mic mixing...)

    Here an example with Synchron Pro and Synchron 1 for divisi + a little taste of Elite strings for the cello.

    + Synchron Brass on the last chords.

     

    standard libraries and mix preset

    And some recorded guitars.


  • I like what you've done there, NG33, very nice job! "Soaring" indeed - magical stuff!

    When I finally get around to setting up my Synchron Strings 1 and Pro properly in my template, I know I'll be gagging to do plenty of soaring stuff with a huge 28:20:16:16:12 strings section. And no doubt over time, as I get more and more familiar with these two libraries, I'll know intuitively which one I want to use for this or that kind of piece using a more modest 14:10:8:8:6 strings section. (Though of course where lots of divisi is involved, my Sz Dimension Strings are always ready and waiting.)

    I really don't think it serves any useful purpose - other than for the dubious satisfaction of a few annoying clerically-minded pedants - to attempt to assign right or wrong in choice between SS1 and SSP. I'm all for old-fashioned experience, skill, taste and art (and not a little artful cunning) when it comes to music-makers picking their 'weapons' of choice at any moment.

    Rock on, NG33!

    Suihcteg, I'd seriously suggest you may as well flip a coin, if personal opinions and preferences posted here and elsewhere haven't persuaded you. And then of course if - like NG33, me and no doubt others - you feel tempted to use a LARGE 28:20:16:16:12 strings section, get the other one when you can.