ARP Solina String Ensemble

String machine. Mostly strings!

UTILIZATION

Immediate use. The ears are of sound instruction manual!

SOUNDS

Sounds very special. In my view, we use the machine or you do not use it. For 7 years I have, I use it in almost all my components! The sound is very fine and unique. It is not modifiable. We find the right setting for his style and what you want to do, and it is held. I do not use the chorus. The sound is more thin and fits into the mix. I always pass the machine in a little reverb and phaser. I am looking nevertheless always the effect or the dosage effect that dress even better sound. I love the sounds too Solina to mess with too many effects, the sudden, he often sounds a little dry in my tracks. Maybe not I used good phaser (that of YAMAHA 01V).

OVERALL OPINION

Currently the machine is really expensive, probably not as much as the price of nine times, however, compared to the average wage. Obviously, when you use it like me, price does not matter. However, it should get the money! I advise to listen to such AIR Moon Safari (1997) to get an idea if you like it or not. They use it in almost all the songs. If you do not like the price of the machine is no longer justified at all!

String Machine features a excellent keyboard Pratt / Read to 4 octaves. Two mono outputs (one Hi and Lo), it is only the ARP model (the one with the red LEDs behind the buttons) to be equipped with a stereo output jack as well as the CV / Gate. Mine is an outstanding model (non-ARP) with mono output. The polyphony is total, because it's an octave divider. It is possible to change the pitch usually through a small volume pot on the left.

There are 6 sounds available: Viola, Violin, Horn and Trumpet, which cover the whole range, Cello and Contrabass and for the lower keyboard.

You can still modify the attack and release (A & R in fact). And there especially the little magic button on the far right of the keyboard: MODULATION.

This button is largely responsible for the sound of the Solina.

Everything is housed in a natural tree wood and untreated. The look is vintage, original. It should not be taken lightly. (25 kg anyway)

UTILIZATION

Simpler you die.

SOUNDS

I already said above ... there's this button MODULATION. This is the famous circuit Orbitone found almost identically in the Eminent 310 U or other organs of Eminent home. Personally, I play sometimes without that famous chorus in his "right". It's been a bit like an organ, but it has its raison d'etre.

The sound is truly unique. Whether you play single notes at the top of the keyboard, close or agreements, each time the Solina demonstrated a very strong personality sound. At the end of all times, discreet, but still present, air, atmosphere.

Using the envelope control can easily switch from a smooth (as she likes to use AIR, with a good EQ that strengthens acute) attack and a very slow release up to a sound more direct (Herbie Hancock, Parliament, etc ...) and funky with attacks and release to a minimum.

Both possibilities are super limited, we may well put a few effects pedals, the sound is extra and always makes a good impression in a piece.

OVERALL OPINION

I've had almost a year. Purchased for less than half the rating AF in a state almost like new. For the little he proposes is an expensive instrument. But when you love, you do not count. And if anyone needs this in his productions, he will not miss. There are many VST trying to imitate. Some (based on Reaktor) fared very well. But the charm, the smell of hot circuits, the look, the feel on the keyboard Pratt & Read, he will be missed!

I would do without hesitation that choice, but not at any price.