My quick take on Synchron-ized Special Edition Vol 1. I haven't tried it next to the original SE Vol 1, so it's quite subjective:
- the source sounds don't feel radically different from the original but the impulses make a differnce (see below...)
- the convolution reverb includes three variations: Close, Classic and Distant. They do add to the original edition, giving it a more organic, less sterile sound. They come in instrument specific versions. I couldn't tell if they were actually different impulses or simply edited ones, but they sounded good, especially on the string shorts, and the brass.
- the instruments are also come pre-EQ'd which is a nice touch.
- I liked the new interface (Synchron player). It feels less cluttered than the original VI Player. I also liked the "humanise" feature that lets you select from a large selection of pitch envelopes, e.g "Fall to Tune Fast V1" etc. They add to the organic nature of the very clean original samples. It's also very controllable - you can choose the type and the amount can also be assigned to controllers . In the case of the string ensembles, which I like a lot, you can assign different humanise settings to each section. That works well on the brass too, and the timp (select "Rise to Tune Slow V1" for example).
- You can choose between mono or poly legato, altho' I found it hard to distinguish between them.
- The Orchestral Percussion, Drums, etc. benefit from the Distant impulse.
- I couldn't find a way to layer instruments in the Synchron Player, but I may have missed it.
- The Piano comes with its own player and interface. On the main Play tab, you get six presets: Concert, Intimate, Player, Pop, Ambient and Mighty. I was rather taken with the Intimate, Player and Ambient variants. You can adjust the Reverb amount, patch Volume, Dynamic response. You also get control over the Body (perceived size), Sympathetic resonance, and Timbre shift (from very dark to very bright). You can also adjust the MIDI response, Half-Pedal loudness (50% by default), and the amount of Pedal Noise. Finally, can adjust the tuning (440Hz by default), octave (-4 to +4) and Semitone (-12 to +12).
On the Mix tab you can adjust between two channels (Close and Room-Mix) in terms of volume/balance, mono and stereo. The Edit tab among other things lets you select a Global dynamic range as well as MIDI response, which is really handy depending on your controller keyboard. There is extensive control over EQ, dynamic range, tuning over individual notes or range of notes (I didn't venture too far in this quick review).
Conclusions:
- the "Synchron" impulses are nice and make a real difference to the tone and spatial qualities of the original instruments.
- The Synchron player, felt fresh and modern, and had some really useful features, particularly the humanise feature.
- The Piano sounds very good - and really deep and customisable. I feel as if I have only barely touched on all its possibilities.
- If you you are an existing SE Vol 1 user, the EUR36 upgrade price is a no-brainer... the Piano on its own is worth it.