VSL Vienna Dimension Strings

With a total of more than 300,000 violin samples, and an estimated one million for the full library, Vienna Dimension Strings includes recordings of a 24 piece string ensemble that has been captured in four groups (8 violins, 6 violas, 6 cellos, and 4 double basses) by using individual microphones for each instrument. The Violin Section of this magnum opus is now available for download at the company’s User Area.

With Vienna Dimension Strings, individual changes in dynamic levels, vibrato, intonation and the timing of the players within a group can be achieved by assigning individual controllers such as velocity crossfades and expression. It’s even possible to designate “weak” musicians to play sloppy notes, with hesitant or delayed starts.

Users may create their personalized string sound by adjusting level and position in the mix for each player, or desk. When using Vienna MIR PRO or Vienna MIR PRO 24, different timbres can be achieved by changing the players’ positions on the virtual stages. What’s more, each string of each instrument has been captured in its full range (approximately one octave plus a fifth) in Vienna Dimension Strings. With presets such as “force strings” or “use/avoid open strings”, users may select a darker or brighter sound according to their needs. Advanced features such as pre-configured divisi sections with flexible groupings, e.g., 4 desks with 2 players each or 2 groups with 4 players each for the Violin Section, are provided when using the latest version of the Vienna Instruments PRO player

Vienna Dimension Strings comes with a variety of articulations such as three different sustains (vibrato, non-vibrato and progressive vibrato) that are controllable via crossfades, Repetition Performances (legato, portato, staccato, spiccato, various crescendos and “harsh” fortissimos), Legato, Portamento and Trill Performances, various tremolos (normal, slow, and with fast attack), pizzicato, snap pizzicato, col legno and more. Another innovation is the addition of finger noises – these sounds, obtained from shifting positions on the fingerboard, are designed to result in a more realistic sonic impression when combined with single note samples.

Pricing & Availability:

Customers who take advantage of the Early Bird Offer (€695, regularly €1,190) receive a full license of Vienna Dimension Strings and may download the Violin Section (Full Library) right away. They will receive the Viola, Cello and Double Bass Sections (Full Libraries) as they become available in 2013, free of charge.

More information on the company’s products can be found at www.vsl.co.at.