Synchron Duality Strings (fx)

A Bow to Innovation

This new Collection is an exciting addition to the Duality series, expanding the articulations of Duality Strings (Regular), (Sordino), (Colors), (Virtuoso), and Essentials. Genuine musical innovation requires venturing into uncharted territories, and this collection takes you on a journey into an entirely new world of experimental string effects. From intriguing noises and strange artifacts to creative clusters and seemingly impossible techniques, it pushes the boundaries of traditional string performance, exploring methods rarely or never seen in standard practice.

$157.00

NEW Synchron Duality Strings (fx)

Two string ensembles performing together – one in the Hollywood-proven Stage A and the other in the intimate, direct setting of Stage B of Vienna Synchron Stage – allow for seamless blending. Merging artistry with cutting-edge creativity, this unique collection delivers breathtaking sonic effects, putting on a whole new set of strings – perfect for creating cinematic tension, abstract sound design, or avant-garde compositions.

Standard vs. Full Library

The Standard Library versions of the VSL Synchron Series products feature an essential set of close mics plus the classic sound of a Decca tree stereo array. The Full Library versions include the same mic assortment plus additional room microphones for a wide variety of stereo and surround possibilities.

The Duality Principle

Staying true to the Duality Strings concept, you can blend the lush, ambient sound of a full ensemble with the direct clarity of a chamber-sized group. Recorded simultaneously at Vienna Synchron Stage, the larger ensemble performed in the iconic Stage A, while the smaller group played in the drier Stage B. Both ensembles performed together, with the conductor on the podium in Stage A also directing the ensemble in Stage B via video monitors. Thanks to this unique setup, all musical aspects are flawlessly aligned. But what happens when this musical perfection meets creative chaos and otherworldly FX sounds? The result is a truly unique collection, where precision meets wild and untamed sounds to unlock new possibilities.

Here’s a quick rundown of what’s included:

  • Experimental playing techniques 
  • Special Effects: "impossible" articulations, glissando, pizzicato, clusters, scratches, creative chaos
  • Two acoustically isolated string ensembles performing simultaneously at Vienna Synchron Stage 
  • Large ensemble recorded in the iconic Stage A, smaller ensemble recorded in the smaller, drier Stage B
  • Seamlessly blend both ensembles
  • Dark and bright mic setups
  • Perfect for scoring, contemporary classical or experimental music

Stage A

Standard Library

Full Library

Solo Mic (Mono)

Mid Mic (L/R)

Ribbon Mic (L/R)

 

Main/Room Mic – Decca Tree Stereo (L/R)

Main/Room Mic – Decca Tree Mono (Center)

Main Surround – Stereo (L/R)

 

High Stereo (3D) – Stereo (L/R)

 

High Surround (3D) – Stereo (L/R)

 

Stage B

Standard Library

Full Library

Dark Mics (L/R)

Bright Mics (L/R)

 

Duality Strings FX instrument positions

Expansive Expressiveness

Exploring the frontiers of sound requires a bold and daring approach, and with this collection, the Vienna team have definitely pushed the boundaries. You know you’re onto something truly groundbreaking when you present skilled virtuoso musicians – like those in the Vienna Synchron Orchestra – with sheet music and tasks that elicit bewildered, baffled, or even terrified reactions. Vienna’s musicians rose to the challenge with excitement and curiosity, leaving convention behind in the process. The outcome is a collection of groundbreaking techniques, ranging from haunting textures and explosive bursts of energy to experimental sounds, that defy the traditional rules of string playing and unlock limitless creative potential.

ARTICULATION GROUP ARTICULATIONS
Cluster Cross slide fast
Glissando to cluster, up/down, sustained and tremolo
Measured vibrato, slow and fast, one direction and crossed
Pulsing cluster, sustained and tremolo
Cluster trill
Short note FX Staccato, pizzicato shuffled front-back/back-front
Glissando short and détaché up/down (to/from cluster)
Glissando pizzicato up
Pizzicato on nails
Hammer on
Cellos, basses: col legno cluster
Vertical bowing Long
Short
Tremolo
Aleatoric chaos Détaché (forte)
Legato (piano)
Vertical bow (pp)
Basses: special FX
Scratches Short
Long
Natural harmonics Short, long, tremolo sul G/D/A/E/chords
Trill sul G/D/A/E
Glissando low/high note
Open string cluster Short
Long
Tremolo
Pizzicato
Arpeggio
Behind bridge Short
Long
Tremolo
Pizzicato
Arpeggio
Arpeggio cross
Pegs tuning Regular up/down
Tremolo down
Chaos combis Cross slide X measured vib, scratches, + pulsing cluster
Cluster trill X aleatoric legato, xslide fast, xslide/measured vib
Aleatoric legato X xslide fast, measured vib cross, pulsing cluster
Bridge layered X xslide, measured vib, cluster trill, aleatoric legato, aleatoric vertical bow
Gliss to cluster down/up
Harmonics combis Vertical bow short, long, trem + harmonics chords
Open string cluster short, long, trem + harmonics chords
XF harmonic gliss x aleatoric legato, aleatoric vertical bow, cross slide fast, measured vib fast, vertical bow tremolo

The Joys of FX

Bowing behind the bridge, using the pegs for creative down-tuning effects, impossible trills, and hammer-ons more familiar to guitarists than classically trained string players – these are just a few of the adventurous sounds included in this collection. Straying far from the beaten path, these techniques are perfect for cinematic storytelling and bold sonic experimentation. If legendary composer Bernard Herrmann had presented these eerie sounds to Alfred Hitchcock, the Master of Suspense would undoubtedly have embraced them. With Duality Strings (fx), these and countless other special effects expand your tonal palette beyond traditional boundaries. Unleash the extraordinary and transform your compositions with sounds that ignite the imagination.

The Standard Library and the upgrade to the Full Library (sometimes referred to as the Extended Library) are separate downloads.

ARTICULATION GROUP ARTICULATIONS
Cluster Cross slide fast
Glissando to cluster, up/down, sustained and tremolo
Measured vibrato, slow and fast, one direction and crossed
Pulsing cluster, sustained and tremolo
Cluster trill
Short note FX Staccato, pizzicato shuffled front-back/back-front
Glissando short and détaché up/down (to/from cluster)
Glissando pizzicato up
Pizzicato on nails
Hammer on
Cellos, basses: col legno cluster
Vertical bowing Long
Short
Tremolo
Aleatoric chaos Détaché (forte)
Legato (piano)
Vertical bow (pp)
Basses: special FX
Scratches Short
Long
Natural harmonics Short, long, tremolo sul G/D/A/E/chords
Trill sul G/D/A/E
Glissando low/high note
Open string cluster Short
Long
Tremolo
Pizzicato
Arpeggio
Behind bridge Short
Long
Tremolo
Pizzicato
Arpeggio
Arpeggio cross
Pegs tuning Regular up/down
Tremolo down
Chaos combis Cross slide X measured vib, scratches, + pulsing cluster
Cluster trill X aleatoric legato, xslide fast, xslide/measured vib
Aleatoric legato X xslide fast, measured vib cross, pulsing cluster
Bridge layered X xslide, measured vib, cluster trill, aleatoric legato, aleatoric vertical bow
Gliss to cluster down/up
Harmonics combis Vertical bow short, long, trem + harmonics chords
Open string cluster short, long, trem + harmonics chords
XF harmonic gliss x aleatoric legato, aleatoric vertical bow, cross slide fast, measured vib fast, vertical bow tremolo

Learn more about Vienna's transition to iLok: HERE

Minimum System Requirements

  • Windows 10 (latest update, 64-bit), Intel Core i5 or AMD Athlon 64 X2
  • macOS 11 Big Sur (latest update), Intel Core i5.
  • SSD (M2, SATA 6 or USB3/3.1, UASP Support - HFS+, APFS or NTFS formatted) for the sample content
  • 16 GB RAM
  • iLok Account and iLok License Manager for license activation on a physical iLok 2/iLok 3 key or in an iLok Cloud Session (the iLok Cloud requires a constant internet connection!)

Recommended

  • Windows 11 (latest update), Intel Core i7/i9/Xeon
  • macOS 13 Ventura (or higher), Intel Core i7/i9/Xeon/M1/M2
  • 32 GB RAM
  • AU/VST/VST3/AAX Native compatible host
  • 88 key master keyboard

Hard Drive Space Requirements

  • Free storage space for the Standard Library: 21 GB
  • Free storage space for the Full Library: 34 GB

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