4 Alternative Tips for Making Realistic Virtual Strings

Sample libraries that contain pre-recorded orchestral samples are getting better and better, but in most cases, they still lack that special human touch. Discover four alternative tips for making realistic virtual strings.  

1. Instruments Octave Range and Midi Keyboard

If you possess a MIDI keyboard with 5+ octaves, you don't need to play your orchestral instruments over every octave. If you aim for realism, you should first consider that every instrument (violin, viola, cello, etc.) plays at its range. In other words, limit their performance to a specific octave range. If you search the internet, you can easily find charts visually representing octave ranges most fitting for different orchestral instruments.  

2. Place the Instruments Correctly

Another critical thing to mention when discussing orchestral instruments is their position in space. Most of the scoring professionals are focusing considerable attention on this task. Therefore, correct instrument panning will get you closer to the real thing. There are also charts that you can search on the internet that represent placements of orchestral instruments in concert halls.  

3. Synthesizing Human Touch

Sample library's first attempts at dealing with orchestral instruments didn't offer too many possibilities regarding expression. Nowadays, we have very advanced sample libraries which incorporate numerous options. It would be best to use those and, with careful automation of the parameters such as volume, velocity, expression, and key switches, try to get closer to the real thing.  

4. There Is a Kind of Beauty in Imperfection

It's easy to create an orchestral sequence with the sample libraries that will sound the same each time you re-cycle the loop. Nevertheless, this will most probably sound lifeless and unrealistic. The beauty of the actual orchestra is that it's never perfect. Each player holding a paper with the same notes in front of him will always play it slightly differently. To make it easier to comprehend this, try to listen to a string quartet since you won't be able to notice this by listening to a full orchestra.