rottoy
Plebeian
Hello all!
I've just finished a piece using CSSS and I must say that I have mixed feelings about the library. The solo in the second half is Embertone's Joshua Bell violin.
So, I was expecting a set of instruments that will replace any other library for all of my needs in solo strings writing, just as CSS replaced everything and became the staple in my orchestral template! I am afraid that CSSS has some weaknesses that limit their capability when used exposed.
Now, please bear in mind that this is the first time I used the instruments, my skill-set isn't the best and that perhaps the library isn't as suited for my slow paced writing.
Here are some of the more noticeable problems I encountered:
1) There is some cross-fading in dynamics, especially in the 1rst transition (from p to mp).
2) There is even more noticeable cross-fading between non-vibrato and vibrato transitioning.
Both of the above can be hided by trying different legato speed transitions and CC2 envelope timings, however there is need for some trial and error.
3) The marcato articulation doesn't sound good like the legato articulation, however, the latter feels like it is struggling in faster passages.
4) Just like in CSS, there are inconsistencies in volume between the different short articulation styles. I feel that this is by design because some techniques are louder than others, however, the same velocity note can have very different volume and alternating between spiccato / staccatissimo / staccato / Sforzando also needs some trial and error.
All that being said, I really like the sound of the library! I haven't tried yet as 1rst chairs with CSS but I trust it will be adding detail and a "higher frequencies flavor" that I tend to compensate with EQ in CSS.
The recordings are consistent, there isn't any phasing issues and the mixing options are there! If enough effort is put, the library can sound fantastic as a quartet (in my piece I used 2 cellos, I wish there was a Contrabass)! The 2nd violin and the lower register on the viola are amazing!
Rebowing sounds very good (better than CSS in my opinion) and the legato, with a bit of work, can sound great!
I do own Samplemodeling's strings and I was using these up until now. Performance wise they are top-notch, nothing can beat their expressive capabilities, however their sound leaves something to be desired. CSSS blends this gap for me. On a side note, Embertone's new violin does deliver something special! It has it's quirks but this is for an other topic!
Sorry for the long post!
Elias
Wonderful composition, Elias!