Expressive E have announced the release of Soliste, a collection of four virtual solo string instruments designed with expressive real-time performance in mind. Boasting full MPE compatibility and drawing on the power of physical modelling, the latest additions to the company’s software line-up promise to deliver a new take on bowed string instruments.
The collection includes four instruments: violin, viola, cello and double bass, each of which include multiple play modes that cater to a range of different playing styles. a Smart Vibrato system offers two ways to play vibrato: manually, using per-note pitch control or any compatible playing interface; and assisted, which automatically fades in vibrato based on Note On data or continuous playing gestures.
There’s also a flexible portamento system that can be tailored to a user’s playing style, and Soliste is fully compatible with the Osmose’s Pressure Glide feature, which allows portamento to be controlled via continuous pressure gestures. In addition to its main playing modes, the collection includes a range of presets that have been designed to recreate articulations such as sul ponticello, pizzicato, tremolo and staccato.
Playing Modes
Here’s Expressive E’s overview of each playing mode:
- Classic: Allows users to trigger bow strokes by tapping a key, while pressing a key shapes the intensity of sustained bowing.
- Virtuoso: a smart back-and-forth bowing system that offers direct, real-time control over the bow.
- Expressive Bow: a combination of the Classic and Virtuoso modes — tapping triggers a single bow stroke, while slow pressing gestures control sustained bowing and faster gestures trigger real-time, Virtuoso mode-style motion control.
Thanks to the use of physical modelling, Soliste provides users with an extensive amount of control over the sound of the instruments. Parameters are provided for adjusting the bow behaviour, as well as changing the character of the instruments by switching between different bodies. There are onboard processing and effects, too, including a three-band EQ and a high-quality convolution reverb.
As you’d imagine, the instrument has been designed to deliver maximum expression when used with the company’s innovative Osmose instrument, as well as included dedicated presets that take advantage of their Touché controller — and of course, there’s still full support for other MPE and MIDI controllers.
Compatibility
Soliste is supported on PCs running Windows 11, and Macs running macOS 12 and above. VST2, VST3 and AU plug-in versions are available.
Pricing & Availability
Soliste is available now, and is being offered at an introductory price of €179.40 until 18 July 2025, when it will increase to its full cost of €299.
