Almost every string library has this problem.

For example:

If you play simple chord on a violin section with 16 violin players, you get 48 players. Means 16 players per note. This sounds pretty unrealistic. So the sections need to be splitted (Divisi).

I know, I know... creating such libraries is a huge effort and probably pretty difficult to script.

I only know Audiobro's Modern Scoring Strings features such as divisi function. And yes, this library is huge: 130 GB!

Is there a way to bypass such huge libraries with some tricks?

 

You don't necessarily need divisi if you have five string sections to work with, not to mention the rest of the orchestra at your disposal. If you use a library with a smaller section size, like OT Berlin Strings or Spitfire Chamber strings, with the transpose trick you can stack multiple copies of the same section for the divisi feel. You just lose the outer edges of your playable range that way.

Edit: A bit clearer for those that don't care for every explanation in video format, https://spitfireaudio.zendesk.com/h...233-How-to-Use-the-Transposition-Trick-in-SCS

 

MSS and LASS3 is some of the most advanced and best divisi system there is..

But LASS2 gives you almost complete control of Divisi,
even tho it may not be as intelligent.. why?

Well simply because in LASS2 you've got all the parts of the divisi isolated as its own instrument, like..
Violins FC, A, B, C, and Full.

And that's for all Articulations, and all instruments Violins 1/2, Violas, Cellos, Basses

So you can use the internal divisi system of LASS2,
or just write each part Manually..

Then you got two set-up options:
You either load each and every single instrument separatedly, and integrate it into the ARC system..

Or create Container instruments in Kontakt, where all instruments of one type are placed inside, and can be used in Groups,
and ofc be integrated in the ARC system..

I went for the first option.
Lots of Kontakt instances, but full and complete control.

So in Kontakt instance 1 you only put Violins I, and you got:
Violins FC, A, B, C, and Full - Legato
Violins FC, A, B, C, and Full - Stacc
Violins FC, A, B, C, and Full - Spicc
etc etc..

Then you gotta integrate that in the ARC system,
to use the internal Convo Reverbs and Room simulations, which are the absolute KEY of LASS..

That's the easy way.

The second method creating Container instruments is optimal if you want a more Interactive system that works in a smaller number of tracks,
and with that you can use the Keyswitching system of ARC, and other features..

But making it work is a considerable headache.

So I went for the full Spread method, all open, and with direct control.

Then it's all a matter of working with the ARC system, and try to make it sound as realist as possible.
You can also use external reverbs, and fx processing to improve what kontakt gives you.


LASS2 fully configured and processed, can get you Close to what EW Hollywood Strings sounds like out of the box,
just a bit more Narrow, Brown and Dry..

Eventually got tired of it, and settled with Hollywood Strings, which for Videogames is imo a perfect fit.

For Movies I'd go with MSS, Afflatus... there's just too many strings to choose from lol
and it will depend on the style/tone of production, but MSS shall cover most bases

 

Last edited: Dec 5, 2024 at 5:37 PM

Another option could be Vienna VSL Dimension Strings..

The Auto function is probably not as advanced as MSS,
but otoh it let's you tap into each player of each section Individually..

In terms of Tone tho,
I always thought VSL is more of an Orthodox sounding library, for replicating the real Orchestral Concert feel..
rather than the epic/cinematic bombastic kind of thing..

everything can be adapted ofc

 

Thank you very much.

Yes, I actually own LASS3 and I saw the features. But I wanted to know if there are any relative alternatives.
Because LASS and MSS use a high latency. Not a big fan of that.

 

Check out Divisimate, might be the solution for your problem.