Could someone please recommend a Violin VST that, using midi instructions, can
change articulation?
The String VSTs I have tried require manual transition of articulation. For example, if I have 'arco' going to 'pizz', it wont change unless I manually do so. Meanwhile Piano VSTs easily change articulations depending on midi instructions.
Quick edit: I was asked about budget and I am flexible - just want something good! Thanks for
the amazing answers so far!
Thank you!
Last edited by Misterbg3; 06-14-2019 at 02:07 PM.
Reason: additional info
This is a freebie. Read the installation instructions carefully. You must download both the wave files as well as the sfz files (the 'libs' folder goes in the same folder where all your library folders are (see image at installation instructions)) .
The string sounds you want (that can change articulation) have KS-C2/3/5/6 in their names. You can switch between articulations by pressing the slightly darker keys displayed on the keyboard of the sforzando plugin, and will be highlighted red if you select one.
Personally I like the sounds of this library a lot. For free it's hard to beat.
If you like that and have NI Reaktor then you can download a free Reaktor ensemble called Serenade that is similar (physical modelling synth - not samples). Fun for free:
Thank you for these amazing recommendations. I sent an inquiry to AudioModeling about
the automatic changeability. Looking into the rest of them. I believe I either tried or inquired about the Hollywood set, but it did not support automatic transitions to Pizz. I will be looking into the others as well!
Swam sounds amazing.
Edit: The audio modeling videos are also very cool.
Last edited by Misterbg3; 06-14-2019 at 02:20 PM.
Reason: additional response
Thank you for the link!
I tried their free sample but it required manual change from and to Pizz and arco. So although it sounds nice I can't really use it.
This is a freebie. Read the installation instructions carefully. You must download both the wave files as well as the sfz files (the 'libs' folder goes in the same folder where all your library folders are (see image at installation instructions)) .
The string sounds you want (that can change articulation) have KS-C2/3/5/6 in their names. You can switch between articulations by pressing the slightly darker keys displayed on the keyboard of the sforzando plugin, and will be highlighted red if you select one.
Personally I like the sounds of this library a lot. For free it's hard to beat.
Tinus thank you for the recommendation. I am having a problem making it work. I have attached an image to reflect what I am seeing. I made several attempts and can't see what I am doing wrong.
I extracted the zip files (Including the WAVE and SFZ) to my programfilesX86 VSTs folder, where REAPER is instructed to fetch them. I then installed the SFZ Player, making sure all of its files ended up in the ProgramfilesX86 folder, and the VST ending up with the extracted zips. When I attempt to load a SFZ I get the error message in the image.
Any ideas?
What do you mean, manual change? I don't know of any library that will change automatically from pizz to arco.
Thats what would be nice if I could find. I'd like to import a midi created from a notation software, in which there are instructions that require pizz in some places and arco in others. I was hoping there is a string VST out there capable of switching between them, just as the Windows midi player on my computer does.
Could someone please recommend a Violin VST that, using midi instructions, can
change articulation?
The String VSTs I have tried require manual transition of articulation. For example, if I have 'arco' going to 'pizz', it wont change unless I manually do so. Meanwhile Piano VSTs easily change articulations depending on midi instructions.
Quick edit: I was asked about budget and I am flexible - just want something good! Thanks for
the amazing answers so far!
Thank you!
Solo violin or ensemble?
And are you talking about a DAW like Reaper, or notation software like Sibelius?
And are you talking about a DAW like Reaper, or notation software like Sibelius?
And what is your budget? $100? $1,000?
Hi peter,
I require Solo strings (Violin, Viola, and Cello).
I notate my scores on Sibelius and create midis that I import into Reaper.
I need a string VST that can understand the midi instruction to change from arco to pizz and back. One way I have seen this in a midi text file is as such: PrCh ch=1 p=45
(PrCh suggesting Program Change, and P=45, 45 means Pizzicato Strings. Currently, the VSTs I have tested do not accept or understand that value. They simply play whichever setting I select. So if I want spiccatto, I have to select it, if I want arco, I have to select it. I need it to infer from the midi which sound from its' library it needs to use.
My budget - I really need this thing. If it does what I need I would be willing to spend the $1000 on it.
Last edited by Misterbg3; 06-14-2019 at 04:14 PM.
Reason: Spelling
Thats what would be nice if I could find. I'd like to import a midi created from a notation software, in which there are instructions that require pizz in some places and arco in others. I was hoping there is a string VST out there capable of switching between them, just as the Windows midi player on my computer does.
It's a bit of apples and oranges comparison, since in a MIDI file those are two completely different sounds switched via program change messages. Every orchestral library out there has a manual switch between arco and pizz, usually via keyswitch...
Tinus thank you for the recommendation. I am having a problem making it work. I have attached an image to reflect what I am seeing. I made several attempts and can't see what I am doing wrong.
I extracted the zip files (Including the WAVE and SFZ) to my programfilesX86 VSTs folder, where REAPER is instructed to fetch them. I then installed the SFZ Player, making sure all of its files ended up in the ProgramfilesX86 folder, and the VST ending up with the extracted zips. When I attempt to load a SFZ I get the error message in the image.
Any ideas?
Thanks!
Maybe for convenience you should extract the zip file 'Virtual-Playing-Orchestra3-1-3-standard-scripts.zip' in your 'Documents' on your C:\ drive.
When you have done that, extract only the two folders named 'Documentation' and 'libs' from the 'Waves' zip file into the 'Virtual-Playing-Orchestra3' folder in your Documents (Eventually it will look like this: see attachment).
For the 'Performance Orchestra' (Virtual-Playing-Orchestra3-1-2-performance-scripts.zip) you just go into the zip file, go to the 'Strings' folder, select all the sfz files and extract them in
C:\Users\..\Documents\Virtual-Playing-Orchestra3\Strings (accept if it wants to overwrite files).
When you want to use these sounds, they will show up with '-PERF-' in their names.
The Sforzando plugin goes into your regular VST folder. It looks like you managed to do this just fine.
When you open the Sforzando plug, in the light-grey box that says 'instrument: empty', left-click and choose import. Then browse the specific file of the library that you have placed in Documents under the name Virtual-Playing-Orchestra3.
I need a string VST that can understand the midi instruction to change from arco to pizz and back.
AFAIU, there is no predefined "the midi instruction to change from arco to pizz and back", but this ("articulation switching") is usually done by "key switches" (i.e. dedicated notes you insert in the score). AFAIK, all decent software instruments provide this feature.
Here is the $99 Embertone violin played on a Touchkeys enabled keyboard (like Roli Seaboard without the rubber, marketing and dedicated synth software):
One of my favorites is the one called "Fiddle" in the World section of Kontakt. It's not for playing chords or legato stuff, and has some cool velocity switched slide to the note stuff.
__________________
Glennbo
Hear My Music - Click Me!!!
--
I extracted the zip files (Including the WAVE and SFZ) to my programfilesX86 VSTs folder
The problem is, you extracted each zip file into a differently named directory. Try again but unzip each .zip file to "Virtual-Playing-Orchestra3" When asked if you want to overwrite existing files/directories say yes.
You can install both the Performance and the Standard scripts if you like though I'll be surprised if you actually want both libraries. The Standard scripts are useful if you like to either use key switches to change articulations or you like to place different articulations on different tracks.
The Performance scripts are useful if you want the way you play to determine which articulation will be used. Slow and steady playing gives you the sustain patches, short and fast playing gives you staccato and anything in between gives you a smooth blend of sustain and staccato.
p.s. I realize the installation process it a little complicated but if I want to have a cross platform installation, and I want people to be able to download updated scripts without needing to re-download all the .wav files again, I'm stuck with this installation process.
__________________
Paul Battersby Virtual Playing Orchestra - free sample library @ http://virtualplaying.com
Last edited by pbattersby; 06-17-2019 at 12:14 PM.
You gotta try Bohemian Violin, tho. Much much easier to use with much more soulful results.
I assume you are familiar with Reaticulate. I found the Bohemian violin there. If not, please disregard. but I am unable to get any sound from any patch I select. Not sure what I am doing wrong.
Currently when I 'Add bank' I am unable to select any channels. Midi is enabled. Not sure what else to add except that my track (at the bottom left near Master track) Shows as if it is playing sound.
Additionally, When I go to the key switching page of Reaticulate, Some of the articulations 'blink' as if they are being used.
The sound works if I use a VST from my personal library.
The problem is, you extracted each zip file into a differently named directory. Try again but unzip each .zip file to "Virtual-Playing-Orchestra3" When asked if you want to overwrite existing files/directories say yes.
You can install both the Performance and the Standard scripts if you like though I'll be surprised if you actually want both libraries. The Standard scripts are useful if you like to either use key switches to change articulations or you like to place different articulations on different tracks.
The Performance scripts are useful if you want the way you play to determine which articulation will be used. Slow and steady playing gives you the sustain patches, short and fast playing gives you staccato and anything in between gives you a smooth blend of sustain and staccato.
p.s. I realize the installation process it a little complicated but if I want to have a cross platform installation, and I want people to be able to download updated scripts without needing to re-download all the .wav files again, I'm stuck with this installation process.
Thank you very much,
Doing this fixed the problem!
This is definitely a convenient option. I am now looking into some other instrument sounds as well as using a key switching tool.
Maybe for convenience you should extract the zip file 'Virtual-Playing-Orchestra3-1-3-standard-scripts.zip' in your 'Documents' on your C:\ drive.
When you have done that, extract only the two folders named 'Documentation' and 'libs' from the 'Waves' zip file into the 'Virtual-Playing-Orchestra3' folder in your Documents (Eventually it will look like this: see attachment).
For the 'Performance Orchestra' (Virtual-Playing-Orchestra3-1-2-performance-scripts.zip) you just go into the zip file, go to the 'Strings' folder, select all the sfz files and extract them in
C:\Users\..\Documents\Virtual-Playing-Orchestra3\Strings (accept if it wants to overwrite files).
When you want to use these sounds, they will show up with '-PERF-' in their names.
The Sforzando plugin goes into your regular VST folder. It looks like you managed to do this just fine.
When you open the Sforzando plug, in the light-grey box that says 'instrument: empty', left-click and choose import. Then browse the specific file of the library that you have placed in Documents under the name Virtual-Playing-Orchestra3.
I hope this helps
Thanks alot!
Your comment as well as pbattersby's helped me fix the issue. It is definitely an interesting option and opened my eyes further to potentially using a Key Switcher in order to test different sounds.
I assume you are familiar with Reaticulate. I found the Bohemian violin there. If not, please disregard. but I am unable to get any sound from any patch I select. Not sure what I am doing wrong.
Currently when I 'Add bank' I am unable to select any channels. Midi is enabled. Not sure what else to add except that my track (at the bottom left near Master track) Shows as if it is playing sound.
Additionally, When I go to the key switching page of Reaticulate, Some of the articulations 'blink' as if they are being used.
The sound works if I use a VST from my personal library.
Thanks alot.
I don't use Reaticulate, so can't help there, sorry.
Violin VST Recommendation?
Linear Mode
