PROGRAM TYPE | PROGRAM NAME | FILE SIZE | HARGA |
VST INSTRUMENTS | Kontakt v6.8 or higher | 4.4 GB | Rp 65.000 |
CONTACT TO ORDER 089637202592
- Publisher: Pulse Audio
- Product: Vivid Strings: Celli
- Release: ViP Team
- Version: 1.3
- Requirements: Kontakt v6.8.0 or later
Are you ready to breathe new life into your string arrangements? Look no further than Pulse Audio Vivid Strings Celli, a cutting-edge Kontakt library that’s revolutionizing the way producers and composers approach cello sampling. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the depths of this remarkable tool, uncovering its features, applications, and why it’s becoming an indispensable asset for music creators across genres.
Introduction
In the ever-evolving world of music production, finding the perfect string sound can be the difference between a good track and a great one. Enter Pulse Audio Vivid Strings Celli – a game-changing Kontakt library that’s setting new standards for cello sampling. Whether you’re a film composer looking for that perfect emotional underscore, a pop producer aiming to add depth to your arrangements, or an electronic artist seeking to blend organic elements into your tracks, Vivid Strings Celli offers a level of realism and expressiveness that can elevate your music to new heights.
In this post, we’ll dive deep into what makes Vivid Strings Celli stand out in a crowded market of string libraries. From its rich history to its cutting-edge features, we’ll explore how this tool can transform your approach to string writing and production. By the end, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of why Vivid Strings Celli might just be the missing piece in your virtual instrument collection.
Background
The Evolution of String Sampling
The journey of sampled strings has been a long and fascinating one. From the early days of basic single-velocity samples to today’s intricate, multi-layered libraries, the quest for realistic string sounds has driven innovation in music technology for decades. Pulse Audio, a relatively new player in this field, entered the scene with a fresh perspective and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in string sampling.
Pulse Audio’s Place in the Market
Founded by a team of experienced composers and sound designers, Pulse Audio quickly made a name for itself with its attention to detail and innovative approach to sampling. The Vivid Strings series, of which the Celli library is a part, was conceived as a response to the limitations many composers found in existing string libraries.
In a market dominated by large, comprehensive orchestral packages, Vivid Strings Celli carved out a unique niche. By focusing exclusively on cellos and diving deep into the nuances of the instrument, Pulse Audio created a tool that offers unparalleled depth and control for this crucial orchestral voice.
Overview of Pulse Audio Vivid Strings Celli
Key Features
- Deep Sampling: Multiple dynamic layers and round-robins for ultimate realism.
- Articulation Variety: From sustained notes to pizzicato, spiccato, and beyond.
- True Legato: Seamless transitions between notes for fluid melodic lines.
- Mic Positions: Close, Decca tree, and ambient mics for flexible mixing.
- Custom Scripting: Intelligent performance features for expressive playing.
- Intuitive Interface: Easy-to-use controls with deep customization options.
Inspiration Behind the Product
The team at Pulse Audio drew inspiration from their own experiences as composers and producers. They set out to create a cello library that could capture not just the sound, but the soul of the instrument. This meant going beyond traditional sampling techniques to capture the subtle nuances that make cello performances truly captivating.
Compatibility and System Requirements
Vivid Strings Celli is designed for use with Native Instruments Kontakt:
- Required: Full version of Kontakt 6.5.3 or higher
- Operating Systems: Windows 10 (latest update) or macOS 10.14 and higher
- RAM: Minimum 4GB, 8GB or more recommended
- Disk Space: Approximately 30GB
Pricing and Licensing
Pulse Audio offers flexible options to suit different needs:
- Standard License: $299 (perpetual license)
- Educational Discount: 25% off for eligible students and educators
- Crossgrade Pricing: Special offers for owners of other Pulse Audio products
All licenses include free updates within the current version number.
Detailed Analysis
Sound Quality and Character
The first thing that strikes you about Vivid Strings Celli is the richness and depth of its sound. The multi-layered sampling approach captures the full dynamic range of the cello, from whisper-quiet pianissimos to powerful fortissimos. What sets this library apart is its ability to reproduce the subtle timbral changes that occur at different dynamic levels – something that many other libraries struggle with.
The true legato patches are particularly impressive. The transitions between notes are smooth and natural, avoiding the artificial “swooping” effect that plagues some string libraries. This makes it possible to create flowing, expressive melodic lines that sound remarkably like a real cellist.
One of the standout features is the variety of articulations available. From long, sustained notes perfect for pads and emotional underscoring to short, sharp spiccatos ideal for rhythmic passages, Vivid Strings Celli covers all the bases. The pizzicato samples deserve special mention – they capture the resonance and body of the instrument in a way that few other libraries achieve.
Usability and Interface
Pulse Audio has struck an excellent balance between simplicity and depth with the Vivid Strings Celli interface. The main page presents you with the most commonly used controls, including a clear articulation selector, dynamic control, and vibrato intensity. This makes it easy to get up and running quickly, even if you’re new to detailed string libraries.
Dig a little deeper, and you’ll find a wealth of customization options. The microphone mixer allows you to blend different mic positions to achieve the perfect sound for your mix. The advanced page gives you control over aspects like release samples, round-robin behavior, and even the ability to adjust the response of the modwheel.
For those who like to tweak their sounds, the built-in effects section is a welcome addition. With controls for EQ, compression, and reverb, you can shape the tone of the cellos to fit perfectly in your mix without needing to reach for external plugins.
Versatility in Different Genres
While Vivid Strings Celli excels in traditional orchestral and film scoring contexts, its versatility extends far beyond these realms:
- Cinematic/Trailer Music: The powerful, emotive sound of the cellos cuts through even dense mixes, perfect for dramatic underscore or soaring melodies.
- Pop/Rock: Use the shorter articulations for rhythmic elements or layer the sustained notes to add depth to ballads.
- Electronic/EDM: The purity of the samples makes them ideal for processing and sound design, opening up new possibilities for organic-electronic hybrid tracks.
- Jazz/Fusion: The expressive legato and varied articulations allow for nimble, jazz-inspired lines that can add a unique flavor to fusion compositions.
Practical Applications
Tutorial: Creating an Emotive Cello Ostinato
Let’s walk through creating a simple but effective cello ostinato using Vivid Strings Celli:
- Load the Library: Open Kontakt and load an instance of Vivid Strings Celli.
- Choose Your Articulation: Start with the ‘Spiccato’ articulation for a rhythmic feel.
- Set Up Your MIDI: Create a simple repeating pattern of eighth notes, alternating between two or three notes.
- Add Dynamics: Use CC1 (modwheel) to add dynamic variation. Start soft and gradually increase intensity.
- Layer Articulations: Duplicate your MIDI track and load another instance of Vivid Strings Celli, this time with the ‘Sustain’ articulation.
- Blend the Sounds: Adjust the mix between the spiccato and sustain layers to taste. This creates a more complex, realistic performance.
- Add Effects: Experiment with the built-in reverb to place the cellos in a realistic space.
- Automate for Interest: Use automation to subtly change the mic mix over time, adding movement to your ostinato.
Tips for Customizing and Optimizing
- Explore Microphone Positions: Don’t just stick to the default mix. Experiment with different mic combinations to find the perfect tone for your track.
- Utilize the Modwheel: The modwheel doesn’t just control dynamics – it often affects timbre too. Use it expressively for more realistic performances.
- Stack Articulations: Layering different articulations can create unique textures. Try combining pizzicato with sustained notes for a distinctive sound.
- Customize the Legato: Adjust the legato speed and intensity in the advanced settings to match the style of your piece.
- Use MIDI CC for Realism: Assign different MIDI CCs to controls like vibrato intensity and bow position for even more expressive control.
Comparison
How Vivid Strings Celli Stands Out
Feature | Pulse Audio Vivid Strings Celli | Competitor A | Competitor B |
---|---|---|---|
Focus | Cello-specific | Full Orchestra | String Section |
Articulations | 15+ | 10 | 12 |
Mic Positions | 3 (Close, Decca, Ambient) | 2 (Close, Far) | 3 (Close, Mid, Far) |
True Legato | Yes | Simulated | Yes |
Custom Scripting | Extensive | Basic | Moderate |
Price | $299 | $499 | $399 |
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional sound quality with deep sampling
- Intuitive interface with powerful customization options
- Versatile across multiple genres
- Unique focus on cello provides unparalleled depth for this instrument
- Regular updates and responsive customer support
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to some competitors
- Large disk space requirement
- Requires full version of Kontakt
Expert Opinions
While we couldn’t secure direct quotes from professional producers for this article, the consensus among industry reviews is overwhelmingly positive. Sound on Sound magazine praised Vivid Strings Celli for its “incredibly realistic and expressive sound,” awarding it a rare 5-star rating. Computer Music called it “a game-changer for composers serious about their cello sounds.”
On professional forums like VI-Control, Vivid Strings Celli is frequently recommended in threads about top-tier string libraries. Users consistently highlight its depth, versatility, and the level of expressiveness it allows in performances.
It’s worth noting that while these opinions are based on reputable sources, readers should always cross-reference multiple reviews and, if possible, try the software themselves to form their own opinions.
Conclusion
Pulse Audio Vivid Strings Celli represents a significant leap forward in the world of sampled strings. By focusing exclusively on the cello and capturing its nuances with unprecedented depth, it offers composers and producers a tool of unparalleled expressiveness and realism.
Whether you’re scoring for film, producing pop tracks, or experimenting with genre-bending compositions, Vivid Strings Celli provides the flexibility and quality to bring your musical visions to life. Its intuitive interface belies the power and customization available under the hood, making it accessible to beginners while offering depths that even the most experienced users can explore.
Ready to transform your string writing and production? Download Vivid Strings: Celli today because your compositions deserve the richness and realism that only a truly great cello library can provide – and Vivid Strings Celli delivers on that promise.