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  4. Question Concerning String patches in Orchestral Libraries

  • Question Concerning String patches in Orchestral Libraries

    N
    N
    I noticed in the Orchestral libraries, there are String patches. I assume this is all instruments (violins, violas, cellos and double basses) played at the same time. What is the advantage of using these string patches versus the individual layers of violins, violas, etc. in the Orchestral libraries? Also, what happens when high notes are played? Are the double basses silent? And vice versa (when low notes are played violins silent)?

    Thank you!

    -N.
  • C
    C

    I wasn't aware that there were any ensemble patches at all--are you referring to the Kontakt instruments by any chance?
  • D
    D
    [quote=nektarios]I noticed in the Orchestral libraries, there are String patches. I assume this is all instruments (violins, violas, cellos and double basses) played at the same time. What is the advantage of using these string patches versus the individual layers of violins, violas, etc. in the Orchestral libraries? Also, what happens when high notes are played? Are the double basses silent? And vice versa (when low notes are played violins silent)?

    I haven't used these for a long time, but I seem to remember that there is a split point between each section, so that nobody plays in an uncomfortable register. I can't remember whether or not it is user definable though.

    The advantages are for people who want to use them as a sketch pad. Or for Hollywood composers who don't understand that splitting the Strings up is actually part of orchestration.   [;)]

    DG

  • T
    T

    I once saw the keyboardist of a rock band using full string patches in a live concert. I watched from the stage and could see he was using two keyboards playing different articulations, very skillfully.

    The audience enjoyed, but the overall sound didn't impress me. I guess the purpose is to be visually impressive, which it was.
  • C
    C

    Hi nektarios, the Strings patches are mapped with basses at the bottom end and violins at the top end. In between these two extremes you get blended ensembles: basses & cellos play together in the low register, cellos & violas in the middle register, violas and violins in the higher register. All four instrument types thus play in their natural range. VSL have done the mapping and blending very nicely and transitions across the range are very smooth, making these patches very playable.

    IMO the advantage is you can use a single Strings patch as a sketchpad and work out the orchestration later.