Soft String Spurs
A collection of three distinct viola sample instruments including harmonics and swells.
ByDan Keen
The story
Welcome to Soft String Spurs, a sample library of my viola. There are 3 main components to this collection of sounds; the Core, which has 4 dynamic layers (Levels 1 and 2 were recorded using a mute, Levels 3 and 4 were recorded without a mute), Harmonics (4 time-stretched and manipulated natural harmonics) and Swells. I recorded this diatonically, recording 4 bows per sample, using a combination of AKG C451B close and AKG C214 stereo room mics for width. To enhance the sound further, I also recorded multiple layers. Level 1 has just a single recording and Levels 2, 3 and 4 have 3, 4 and 5 layers respectively.
The samples were produced with minimal compression, EQ and reverb to allow you to have flexibility with the sound, but I must say they take very well to delay and reverb, as outlined in my YouTube walkthrough and tutorial below. The dynamics of the Core library can be faded between using the Mod Wheel and the volume for the Harmonics and Swells can be adjusted with CC21 (Spitfire’s vibrato control). The combination of these plus CC11 Volume controller allow for easy use of all three instruments simultaneously.
I hope you enjoy this submission!
Reviews
Wow
That's it, wow. Absolutely beautiful and perfectly unique! Wow
Dan the Man
Dan, I would like to thank you for you work! Your Soft String Spurs library is so inspiring and so wonderfully playable.
Keep up the good work and all the best to you
Kind regards,
Danny
Great String Tone!
I don't know what libraries have the most demos before the demo submission policy changed, but if the number of demos for this one are any indication, this might be one of the most useful libraries on Pianobook. Great string sound. Especially if you blend with the "extras" that Dan has put together. I can see these sounds finding a home in various projects. Download yours now!