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Interactive
String Section
Producer's Notes
When I first started on the Interactive Strings project, I thought
of how nice it would be to create a reasonably priced string library
with tremendous flexibility. Four years later, after the time-consuming
and rather costly work done to bring it to the current version two,
I can honestly say that this is a serious bargain for anyone looking
to do realistic string sample playing! We added a generous amount
of new sample data, more consistent programs for easier use and
new performance features. It is now one of the only libraries in
its price range that offers both solo and various size string ensembles
all in one!
The original version 1 of Interactive Strings was based on the concept
of "building up your string section". This was done by
combining solo and duo strings (along with "second violin sections"
for lush lines) to create the desired ensemble size. Initially,
this was supposed to be the first of several volumes of Interactive
Strings so that you could build your sections even larger with the
every volume release. After listening to users' requests for larger
sections and quicker ease of use, we decided to combine material
from several planned volumes into one killer library, Interactive
Strings version 2!
We took a look at the material we had and decided to make a two
tier product out of one library instead of separating it into two
volumes. The two tiers are the regular version which contains only
the first disc, and a deluxe multi-disc set. By itself, the regular
version has most of the solo and ensemble string variations that
musicians might want, while the deluxe version adds extra samples,
more specialized programming and interactive combinations for those
that want more!
We're introducing another new concept with this library, the "AKAI-UNIVERSAL"
format. As of this writing, the Akai sampler format has become the
most popular format for CD-ROM sample libraries, sort of the de-facto
standard. While we try to support a number of sampler platforms
natively, the sheer number of platforms available today makes that
job difficult. Sampler manufacturers know this, so most of them
have built converters into their samplers allowing users to import
Akai formatted samples and programs. But many times, import-loading
from an Akai CD-ROM can be imperfect, resulting in problems with
tuning, controller routings, velocity layers or filter and envelope
settings. This tends to happen particularly on Akai discs that are
programmed very deeply, with multiple program layers and special
parameter settings that don't translate well into the other platforms.
So, Sonic Reality has decided to release many of their new titles
in a special AKAI-UNIVERSAL format. This version is programmed on
the Akai, but is also specifically designed to be read by other
hardware and software samplers with maximum compatibility in mind.
The regular one disc version of Interactive Strings Akai is done
in this AKAI-UNIVERSAL format. The Akai deluxe multi-disc edition,
although it also includes this regular A-UV disc, is more complex
using combinations of multi-samples within the same volume, esoteric
programming and special modulation settings that are meant especially
for Akai samplers. We recommend that, unless you are the adventurous
type, you use the deluxe edition only if it is native to your sampler.
For example: The Akai deluxe version is intended for Akai S3000-S6000
samplers. Some native format versions may not be available as a
deluxe version, so whether or not certain formats will be supported
this way will depend on demand as well as the capabilities of particular
sampler formats.|
One of the benefits of the regular AKAI UNIVERSAL version is its
uniform programming. This not only makes it easy to find sounds,
it also allows you to easily stack them together and modulate them!
Whether it's volume swells with the mod wheel or velocity cross-switching,
you can get a dynamic performance out of these strings without too
much effort (apart from the playing of course!).
For those of you using the deluxe edition, I think you will find
it convenient to have both the AKAI UNIVERSAL disc for fast "load
and play" use as well as the other disc(s) for more variations
of attack times, crossfading, program combinations (with Multis
for the S5000-S6000) and more depth to explore overall. You may
have to reference our Abbreviation Key for the names which indicate
certain attributes to the program that are too long for the Akai's
short character availability. But, once you get into it, you'll
find that it is a lot of fun and powerfully expressive! Try stacking
or multi-tracking some of these ensembles and see how lush and beautiful
they can be. Or, if you want to "load and play", check
out some of the special combinations and splits we've already programmed
on the Deluxe Edition for you!
It is an incredible thing to be able to play the instruments of
an orchestra from your keyboard. Even though we go to great lengths
to make our samples very realistic, we always appreciate real-live
string players and the amazing sound of a live orchestra. These
samples are just animated snap shots of what real string players
can sound like. There are almost infinite sonic possibilities with
a string recording session and this is what makes each string library
unique. I sometimes feel like you can never have too many instrument
samples when you are creating music. If you don't have a real string
orchestra available to you at any time of day or night, you may
find that Interactive Strings comes in really handy!
Enjoy!
Dave Kerzner
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