Orchestral Strings One
Key Features
- Full string orchestra recorded in Berliner Hall (14 violins, 10 violas, 8 cellos, 6 double basses) with authentic concert hall ambience
- NEO Hybrid Modeling Engine combines sampling with physical modeling for real-time expressive control over sustained notes and transitions
- MIDI key switch and controller system enables live articulation changes for vibrato, legato, dynamics, and crescendo without stopping playback
- Nearly 20 adjustable parameters for legato, velocity response, dynamic range, and timbre customization
- Under 200 MB disk footprint with low CPU demands, suitable for older machines and laptops
- Progressive vibrato control allows gradual transitions from slow to medium to fast vibrato on a single sustained note
- Available for Windows (32-bit VST) and macOS (VST, AU) with straightforward installation
Description
Orchestral Strings One by Sound Magic is a hybrid-modeled string ensemble recorded in the legendary Berliner Hall, home of the Berliner Philharmoniker. The instrument captures a full section of 14 violins, 10 violas, 8 cellos, and 6 double basses with the natural ambience of the hall baked into every note.
Powered by Sound Magic's NEO Hybrid Modeling Engine, it blends sampling with physical modeling to achieve playability that pure sample libraries struggle to match. Unlike static samples, sustained notes can be shaped in real time with progressive vibrato, expression-controlled dynamics, and smooth crescendo-to-decrescendo transitions.
The key switch and controller system maps articulation changes to MIDI keys and CC data, making it practical for live keyboard performance. Nearly 20 tweakable parameters cover legato, velocity response, dynamic range, and timbre, letting you design the string tone from scratch rather than cycling through presets.
The entire instrument fits within 200 MB of disk space and places minimal load on CPU resources, making it viable on older hardware and laptops. Windows users get 32-bit VST support, while macOS users get both VST and Audio Units compatibility.
Video Preview
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NEO Hybrid Modeling Engine in Orchestral Strings One?
The NEO Hybrid Modeling Engine is Sound Magic's proprietary technology that combines sampled string recordings with physical modeling synthesis. This hybrid approach lets you shape sustained notes in real time with progressive vibrato, expression-controlled dynamics, and smooth transitions that pure sample-based instruments typically cannot achieve.
How does Orchestral Strings One compare to sampled string libraries?
Traditional sampled strings capture static recordings of individual notes and articulations, which can sound stiff during long sustained passages. Orchestral Strings One uses physical modeling on top of its samples, allowing continuous transformation of notes through vibrato stages, crescendo and decrescendo, and real-time timbre adjustments that are difficult to replicate with samples alone.
Can Orchestral Strings One be used for live performance?
Yes. The key switch and MIDI controller system is specifically designed for live keyboard players. Articulation changes, vibrato intensity, and expression dynamics can all be controlled in real time from a MIDI keyboard without needing to stop and switch presets.
What is the file size and CPU impact of Orchestral Strings One?
The entire instrument is under 200 MB on disk. Sound Magic designed it to be lightweight on CPU resources, so it runs comfortably on older hardware and laptops without requiring a high-spec system.
