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.
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) |
|
✔ |
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 |
Hard Drive Space Requirements
- Free storage space for the Standard Library: 21 GB
- Free storage space for the Full Library: 34 GB
