Vienna Symphonic Library’s recently released Synchron Duality Strings captures the sound of two ensembles of different sizes, in different rooms, playing simultaneously, allowing users to blend seamlessly between two contrasting sound characters. The company have now announced the release of Synchron Duality Strings (Colors), an additional library which adds flautando and ponticello articulations to the collection.
Flautando is a technique where the players bow close to the fingerboard exclusively in pianississimo (ppp), resulting in a very soft, gentle and ethereal tone. Sul ponticello is then played very close to the bridge, producing a much sharper sound with lots of overtones, and covers a wide dynamic spectrum from pp to ff.
The performances included in the library were captured in the same sampling sessions as the previous releases, ensuring the best possible compatibility with the other offerings in the series. As is usually the case with VSL, Synchron Duality Strings (Colors) is available in Standard and Full versions, with the latter kitted out with a more comprehensive collection of microphone signal options.
The library also includes Tutti Pianissimo Colors, a bonus set of sounds that capture the 52-player ensemble performing spiccatos, long notes and tremolos played with flautando, flautando con sordino and ponticello techniques in the softest dynamic range (ppp). A Colours Controller parameter which is mapped to MIDI CC3 makes it possible to blend seamlessly between the playing techniques in order to create unique and interesting musical textures.
SOS Review
We reviewed Synchron Duality Strings in the January 2024 issue of SOS, click here to check it out (print / web / app / replica / PDF editions).
Compatibility
Synchron Duality Strings (Colors) runs in VSL's Synchron Player, which is supported on PCs running Windows 10 or 11, and Macs running macOS 10.14 and above. VST, VST3, AU and AAX versions are available. The Standard Library requires 31.7GB of disk space, and the full library occupies 62.3GB.
Pricing & Availability
Duality Strings Colors is available now, and is subject to the following introductory prices until 31 December 2023:
- Standard Library: €145 (usually €195)
- Full Library: €235 (usually €320)
For the duration of the introductory pricing period, those who have registered or purchased Synchron Duality Strings (Regular) and Synchron Duality Strings (Sordino) will receive the new library for free.
