SPITFIRE - Spitfire Solo Strings NEW Virtuoso Violin Total Performance Patch

[windshore]

A very nice chamber example! The various short articulations proove to be very usable! I can confirm this also in my own attempts. However things like the before mentioned bump/swell for example in the cello melody at 0:30 (and again at the repetition at 1:22) is the show stopper at least for me...

Well there are several things that have made me change what i was going to write but the bump issue was not one of them. Probably the most significant is that legato (or even using a sustained patch) simply won't work even with eight notes at this kind of tempo.(160bpm) You can use a few 8ths in a row but if you have a line of 8ths or a arpeggiated pattern over a bar or two, the legato and sustained patches don't respond quickly enough and have a strange ringing quality. I've experimented with combining an a long and a staccato and other combos but nothing gets it.

Vibrato feels to be either on or off, which can still be fine but I noticed a volume change (I forget which patch.) when vibrato is engaged compared to when it's not. (I'm sure they'll address) It's also a bit tricky since the vibrato is super wide on a couple of patches so going from vibrato to sans is hard to make sound natural.

In spite of whatever shortcomings, I see this library as eminently useful & and a good investment especially knowing SF's history of improving their libs after they've been released. Certainly for those who own the other SF strings, this is a great tool for creating intimacy at a level that's really been impossible to up to this point.

 

[GtrString]

Some more noodling - actually a re-noodling on top of a section of the original noodling - but now with couple of violins, the SSW bass Clarinet and a touch of an Olafur Chamber evo.




Again, really not a composition, more of what I think of as a colour wheel if anyone's a painter here - just mixing the raw colours to see what kind of palette we have before getting started in earnest.

Critique welcome, as ever.

Nice test. Im aware that it requires quite a bit of work to get solo vi strings to sound natural and authentic. I seem to hear some volume drops in the legato transitions, that needs some levelling and perhaps attention in the arrangement. I wonder if the vibrato is adjustable, it sounds quite pronounced out of the box in this example?

 

[Sid Francis]

You probably did not read the 22 pages before?

 

[Allen Constantine]

Just to put this out there! Used Solo Strings in a contextual form, alongside Chamber Strings.



I believe that @christianhenson sees the endless possibilities by just going contextual?

 

[N.Caffrey]

Just to put this out there! Used Solo Strings in a contextual form, alongside Chamber Strings.



I believe that @christianhenson sees the endless possibilities by just going contextual?

Nice one

 

[Allen Constantine]

Nice one

Thanks! If we could only have a less abrupt vibrato curve and a virtuoso solo legato patch! :D

 

[Alex Niedt]

A non-contextual, legato-focused demo of Spitfire Solo Strings for the people...

 

[playz123]

Over the last number of days I’ve read many of the posts in this thread and to be honest some of them surprise me. I mean someone actually felt the library is so bad they deleted it from their hard drive? Wow! Because you see, I, on the other hand, feel this is one of the most satisfying and beautiful-sounding libraries Spitfire has ever released. So I guess, since I have a completely opposite view to some, I’ll avoid arguing with anyone about it here. Nor do I wish to spend time nitpicking one minor thing or the other. Instead, may I simply offer one small personal observation? I suggest that it should now be obvious that there are people who CAN take this library and create beautiful music with it and, like me, find inspiration and joy using it. Christian is, of course, one of those people…along with many others, and the user demos demonstrate. I suppose though I’m also someone who usually tries to focus on what a library can do…and this one can do a LOT, and if there is a minor glitch here or there, I simply learn how to work around it if possible. Amusing story: one time I wrote a line that had a note in it that wasn’t quite as perfect as it should have been, so I worked around it, changed the line slightly… and ended up preferring the workaround over the original. So, perhaps even glitches can be beneficial on occasion?

It is also my humble opinion that Spitfire produces some of the best libraries there are, and yes, sometimes (as with all libraries) in the initial release there are one or two things that could be improved. And if they are serious enough, they usually are corrected in an update. And, in general, Spitfire’s libraries also continue to excel and advance and perform better than much of the competition. Love me or hate me for suggesting that, but that’s how I feel, and I have a LOT of libraries from a lot of developers. Anyway, I did feel I should post what I hope are a few positive comments about this release, and also take the opportunity to publicly offer a sincere “thank you” to Spitfire for another amazing release and the work they do for us. Finally, altering a line of former American president J.F. Kennedy, I suggest we also “Ask not what you library can do for you, but what you can do with your library!” Cheers!

 

[sostenuto]

Over the last number of days I’ve read many of the posts in this thread and to be honest some of them surprise me. I mean someone actually felt the library is so bad they deleted it from their hard drive? Wow! Because you see, I, on the other hand, feel this is one of the most satisfying and beautiful-sounding libraries Spitfire has ever released. Cheers!

I should not respond given my lower-level capabilities. Yet, I am very close to purchasing this Library, for all the reasons you state so effectively.
In the background, however, I work steadily (as pianist/organist) at studying and understanding related orchestral details. Some capable individuals have generously helped me progress, and specifically involving SOLO Strings.

Accepting all of your positive impressions and experiences, does SF_Solo Strings implement precisely, the expectations of Solo Strings?
I sure as heck do not know, but purchasing this product, to gain many other impressive capabilities, but NOT receive those results 'expected ' of Solo Strings, is a sincere concern. This is very much articulation-related, is it not?
I read the many Legato (and other) concerns, and am uncertain.

(edit) OTOH …. $339. for superb content described is seems a solid purchase.
CH's (video) mention of Chamber Strings merits is one example.

 

[ism]

A non-contextual, legato-focused demo of Spitfire Solo Strings for the people...

Wow, that is not only a wonderful little composition, but it really gets straight to the really visceral strengths of this library.

I'd love to study the midi of what you done there. I course I understand if you're not inclined to share it ... but if you would be inclined to share the midi (/logic) files ... ?

Regardless, a very nice piece.

 

[ism]

Just to put this out there! Used Solo Strings in a contextual form, alongside Chamber Strings.



I believe that @christianhenson sees the endless possibilities by just going contextual?

I really like this also. It captures a different facet of the library from Alex's demo. More the ability to use the solo strings to great effect as a fine detail brush on a larger canvas. Very nice work.

 

[playz123]

Accepting all of your positive impressions and experiences, does SF_Solo Strings implement precisely, the expectations of Solo Strings?
I sure as heck do not know, but purchasing this product, to gain many other impressive capabilities, but NOT receive those results 'expected ' of Solo Strings, is a sincere concern. This is very much articulation-related, is it not?
I read the many Legato (and other) concerns, and am uncertain.

IMHO, yes, the library certainly does meet the criteria for "solo strings", but whether it meets an individual's "expectations" is obviously a matter of opinion. But one suggestion I have for you as you try to decide is to download the manual which is available at the Spitfire site and have a look, for example, at the Welcome page (excerpt shown below). I can also add that these strings stand very well on their own or with SCS and SSS, and with the flexibility the mics offer one can bring the soloist further towards the front if required. Re. legato, well that has been a subject for discussion, opinions vary, and it seems much centers around fast legato. Surprisingly that has not been my concern at all though and the legato has been great for what I've been doing so far. What I have to master yet is the vibrato control....but I'm getting there. Anyway hope those comments help, but certainly feel free to base any purchasing decision on comments others have offered as well, listen to the demos, watch the Spitfire videos, c/o the manual and hopefully ALL those things will help you make an informed decision. Cheers.

From the manual:
Our new solo violin can be played in three distinct modes
and was performed by three distinctly different players: Vir-
tuoso, 1st Desk and Progressive, each containing not only
their own range of articulations, but also a range of record-
ing locations in the hall and different styles of performance.
Virtuoso, with a standing player, captures the sound of a
sonata, or a featured soloist out in front of the orchestra
performing in a ‘concerto’ style. 1st Desk was recorded on
the front desk of the first violins, perfectly placed for adding
individuality and definition to a string line, while still able to
blend in with the section.
Our “1st Desk” performer plays “out”, leading the orchestra.
Our progressive player was recorded further away from the
conductor, designed to fit into larger string sections, or of-
fer up solo passages in a more contemporary vernacular,
opening the door to a modern, filmic sound of extended
techniques including “Mandolin pizzicato” and “Tremolo
whispers”.

 

[sostenuto]

IMHO, yes, the library certainly does meet the criteria for "solo strings", but whether it meets an individual's "expectations" is obviously a matter of opinion. **** I can also add that these strings stand very well on their own or with SCS and SSS, and with the flexibility the mics offer one can bring the soloist further towards the front if required..**** Cheers.

From the manual:

Most helpful Reply @ playz123 . Product Manuals have never been experienced in this context, and with this type of descriptive information. I respect and access many User Manuals, but have not taken advantage of these as a pre-sale tool ….. expecting mostly technical detail, lists of content, 'how to_Settings', etc.
Your snippet clearly offers far more of what I need at this point.

My aging ears are great for daily life, but definitely lacking at important higher frequencies. This reduces some key benefits of Walkthrough videos, audio demos, etc. My hardware is capable and I will follow thru with what is currently offered.

Thanks and regards

 

[B.Karloff]

IMHO, yes, the library certainly does meet the criteria for "solo strings", but whether it meets an individual's "expectations" is obviously a matter of opinion. But one suggestion I have for you as you try to decide is to download the manual which is available at the Spitfire site and have a look, for example, at the Welcome page (excerpt shown below). I can also add that these strings stand very well on their own or with SCS and SSS, and with the flexibility the mics offer one can bring the soloist further towards the front if required. Re. legato, well that has been a subject for discussion, opinions vary, and it seems much centers around fast legato. Surprisingly that has not been my concern at all though and the legato has been great for what I've been doing so far. What I have to master yet is the vibrato control....but I'm getting there. Anyway hope those comments help, but certainly feel free to base any purchasing decision on comments others have offered as well, listen to the demos, watch the Spitfire videos, c/o the manual and hopefully ALL those things will help you make an informed decision. Cheers.

From the manual:
Our new solo violin can be played in three distinct modes
and was performed by three distinctly different players: Vir-
tuoso, 1st Desk and Progressive, each containing not only
their own range of articulations, but also a range of record-
ing locations in the hall and different styles of performance.
Virtuoso, with a standing player, captures the sound of a
sonata, or a featured soloist out in front of the orchestra
performing in a ‘concerto’ style. 1st Desk was recorded on
the front desk of the first violins, perfectly placed for adding
individuality and definition to a string line, while still able to
blend in with the section.
Our “1st Desk” performer plays “out”, leading the orchestra.
Our progressive player was recorded further away from the
conductor, designed to fit into larger string sections, or of-
fer up solo passages in a more contemporary vernacular,
opening the door to a modern, filmic sound of extended
techniques including “Mandolin pizzicato” and “Tremolo
whispers”.

I cannot see too many variations of opinions in this thread concerning the technical flaws of the legatos which should be designed to provide realistic transitions from note to note but actually don't. Most comments from users on this performance aspect did agree it is an issue that needs to be addressed and fixed. I do believe it is not a minor issue but significant and elementary. If you as an individual decide to downplay this issue as a simple matter of opinion you are ignoring the fact that the library in that regard is not producing any credible results in the majority of applications. Instead you choose to "work around" with what the library has to offer otherwise - still your choice! However you will exclude an elementary articulation of a real solo performance as a result. A real solo violin performance will have slow emotional lines but ALSO will consist from virtuoso passages. Consequently this is what I will expect from a Solo String library(which gets promoted as such in the marketing) as a very basic requirement. It would feel kind of awkward to me to avoid legato lines in my composition just because the library simply cannot deliver in that regard.

 

[playz123]

@ B. Karloff...I certainly respect your right to express your opinion, but also, with respect, I simply cannot agree with your harsh assessment of the legato either. And when I referred to workarounds in an earlier post, it was not directly in connection with legato, nor am I excluding or avoiding using legato. I hope that clarifies my statements. I have also read your earlier posts on this subject, and the pros and cons suggested by others as well, and my intention was to simply provide my own opinion.... with which others are free to agree or disagree. Cheers.

 

[B.Karloff]

@ B. Karloff...I certainly respect your right to express your opinion, but also, with respect, I simply cannot agree with your harsh assessment of the legato either. And when I referred to workarounds in an earlier post, it was not directly in connection with legato, nor am I excluding or avoiding using legato. I hope that clarifies my statements. I have also read your earlier posts on this subject, and the pros and cons suggested by others as well, and my intention was to simply provide my own opinion.... with which others are free to agree or disagree. Cheers.

Thank you for clarifying. Well, if you are not avoiding the legatos being able to use those with great realistic results I'd kindly like to ask you for an in depth description on HOW you do it. Simply because I have not been able to figure it out myself.

 

[Alex Niedt]

Thank you for clarifying. Well, if you are not avoiding the legatos being able to use those with great realistic results I'd kindly like to ask you for an in depth description on HOW you do it. Simply because I have not been able to figure it out myself.

Are you having trouble with the legatos altogether, or just on fast passages? If you have trouble with even the slower legato and find my demo (posted above) any better than what you're able to achieve, I'd be glad to describe how I work with it.

Wow, that is not only a wonderful little composition, but it really gets straight to the really visceral strengths of this library.

I'd love to study the midi of what you done there. I course I understand if you're not inclined to share it ... but if you would be inclined to share the midi (/logic) files ... ?

Regardless, a very nice piece.

Thank you very much! Do you have any particular things you'd like to know about how I handled the MIDI that I could simply explain here for the benefit of anyone interested?

 

[Allen Constantine]

I really like this also. It captures a different facet of the library from Alex's demo. More the ability to use the solo strings to great effect as a fine detail brush on a larger canvas. Very nice work.

Thank you so much for your kind comment! I think that, if you spend time with it, you can easily get the most out of it, but like I said, if they tweak the vibrato, making it more controllable and with a subtle curve, it could work quite good!

 

[jononotbono]

A non-contextual, legato-focused demo of Spitfire Solo Strings for the people...

Sounds great man. Literally cannot wait till I can afford to buy this. Fancy doing a demo using it with SSS or SCS? That would be very interesting to hear!

 

[procreative]

Virtuoso, with a standing player, captures the sound of a
sonata, or a featured soloist out in front of the orchestra performing in a ‘concerto’ style.

So the one player that is truly the soloist and leads the melody is the one without Legato?

It just doesn't make sense to me that the one player that is most likely to play more exposed lead parts is the one without ANY Legato.

A very odd production decision in my eyes...