VSL have announced that the latest addition to their innovative dual-ensemble string library series is now available. As with the previous offerings in the range, Duality Strings (FX) captures large and small ensembles performing simultaneously in the Stage A and Stage B rooms of the company’s Synchron Stage Vienna facility, and this time, the focus is on unconventional effects techniques.
In addition to Duality Strings, which contains all of the core articulations you’d expect of a string library, the series also includes additional releases that extend the range of playing techniques provided. Sordino adds a selection of ‘con sordino’ articulations (played with mutes), while Colors contains flautando and sul ponticello patches alongside, and Virtuoso includes a collection of crescendos and diminuendos, martelé short notes, bouncing‑bow ricochets and a range of chromatic runs and chordal arpeggios.
What’s Included?
Duality Strings (FX) comes loaded with the following articulations:
- Cross Slides
- Glissando Clusters
- Measured Vibrato
- Pulsing Clusters
- Cluster Trills
- Shuffled Shorts
- Glissando Short To/From Cluster
- Glissando Détaché To/From Cluster
- Pizzicato Glissando
- Pizzicato On Finger Nails
- Hammer-On
- Vertical Bowing
- Aleatoric Chaos
- Scratches
- Natural Harmonics
- Open Strings Clusters
- Behind The Bridge
- Pegs Down-Tuning
As is usually the case with VSL products, the library is available in Standard and Full variants. Both are identical in terms of articulations, but the Full Library version offers enhanced tonal control thanks to a greater choice of microphone positions.
SOS Reviews
With the exception of the recently introduced Essentials library, we’ve reviewed all of the previous Duality Strings offerings. If you’re not already familiar with the library, it’s worth taking a look at the links below to check out the articles.
- Synchron Duality String
- Synchron Duality Strings Sordino, Colors and Virtuoso (print / web / app / replica / PDF editions)
Compatibility
Synchron Duality Strings (FX runs in VSL’s Synchron Player, which is supported on PCs running Windows 10 or 11, and Macs running macOS 10.14 and above. VST, VST3, AU and AAX versions are available.
Pricing & Availability
Duality Strings (FX) is available now, and is currently (31 December 2024) being offered at the following introductory prices:
- Standard Library: $209€199 (reduced from $261€249)
- Full Library: $313€298 (reduced from $407€388)
