Creating Realistic MIDI Strings
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1:19 Overview
Learn about the basics of string libraries vs a real orchestra and what to expect in this video series.
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5:39 Articulations & Arrangement Pt. 1
Explore many of the different articulations of string instruments.
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9:28 Articulations & Arrangement Pt. 2
Let’s now take those articulations we discussed in Pt. 1 and use them in an actual piece.
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4:03 Advanced Bowings
Discover a few additional articulations and how to use them to give your song extra character.
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7:14 Expression & Volume Swells
See how to use expression and volume automation to make your songs sound more authentic and dynamic.
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4:17 Stacking Articulations
Learn how to stack several articulations to create a string “super patch” that can sound fuller than a single articulation.
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9:17 Animators & Arpeggiators
Explore how to use an animator as a starting point and an arpeggiator as a finishing touch.
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3:44 Divisi
Learn how divisi can automatically help balance the volumes between sections when multiple notes are played.
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6:58 Panning & Effects
Watch how using panning and effects can make your orchestral pieces have a really nice sense of actual space.
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4:52 Solo Strings
Learn how solo string parts can make a piece sound more intimate and relaxed.
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5:05 Legato
Discover how legato phrasing with its natural transitions between notes can make your string parts sound more authentic.
Product Overview
In this video tutorial series, studio master William Sprawls focuses on ways to craft real sounding string parts and arrangements using the various virtual string instruments available today!
Will starts out with the basics of string libraries vs a real orchestra so you know what to expect. He then covers using articulations, advanced bowing techniques, incorporating expression & volume swells into parts, using arpeggiators to create cool phrases, panning and effects, solo string parts, using Legato and much more!
See the individual tutorial descriptions below for more info. If you’re looking to create authentic sounding string parts using MIDI virtual instruments, get ready to string ’em up… Watch “Creating Realistic MIDI Strings” today!
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Reviews
Submitted 4 days ago
At the end, I thought it was a piano course !
The structure of the course is not really bad but we want to hear the Strings not the Piano !
Response from Customer Service:
Videos on bowing instruments, solo strings (like violins), and blending with the brass section are covered to give your string section the most realistic feel possible.
Be sure to check out all the videos for the most professional use of your string library!
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 1 week ago
Helping me getting better
Great easy to follow, it helps to gain a better understanding on how to use the midi strings
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 1 month ago
It's all in the details
I've been using a virtual orchestra since the early days of DAW's. With the birth of my latest project, Seventh Legend, I wanted to learn how to make the orchestra sound more genuine. Within the first pass through of these videos I have learned a tremendous amount of editing strings to get more of a lifelike/human feel and sound. I'm looking forward to learning even more from the rest of the orchestral lessons!
I am a: Semi-Pro, Musician, Cakewalk Sonar
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 1 month ago
Excellent tool
I am enjoying the lessons and applying them to real time editing and arranging in my DAW
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 1 month ago
Very helpful and to the point!
Very clear explanation, videos are short but full of knowledge!
I am a: Semi-Pro, Producer, Audio Engineer, Sound Designer, Game Designer, Mastering Facility, FL Studio
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 4 months ago
Gives me new ideas writing for strings
Very helpful with all the articulations and techniques concerning writing for strings.
I am a: Ableton Live, Pro Tools
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 1 year ago
Good and useful
Short but rich - great little tutorial full of excellent tips
I am a: Semi-Pro, Musician, Producer, Audio Engineer, Sound Designer, Mastering Facility, Sound for Film/TV, Pro Tools
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 2 years ago
great course
as i have many string libraries ,this course has given me more insight in haw to stack and program string samples
I am a: Hobbyist, Musician, Sound Designer, FL Studio
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 2 years ago
Helpful, especially if using Kontact String Ensemble.
I benefitted from the guidance to resist playing string ensemble patches, but rather to record separate instruments to separate tracks, even using additional tracks for different articulations. The Expressions part was particularly helpful. Also, the introduction to "Native Instruments' Action Strings." Wow. Explanations of Divisi and why to use 3rd party reverb (vs. built-in) were good. Many particular features related directly to specific software he was using (especially the remarkable "String Ensemble" by NI for Kontact). However, other string libraries don't necessarily have those features. (It doubled as a good ad for this and other software products).
I am a: Semi-Pro, Musician, Audio Engineer, Sound for Film/TV, Studio One, Samplitude
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Submitted 2 years ago
very nice
AAA
I am a: Hobbyist, Musician, Ableton Live, Cakewalk Sonar, Reason
Ease of Use Quality of Videos Value of Training Access to Videos
Reviews
Submitted 4 days ago
At the end, I thought it was a piano course !
The structure of the course is not really bad but we want to hear the Strings not the Piano !
Response from Customer Service:
Videos on bowing instruments, solo strings (like violins), and blending with the brass section are covered to give your string section the most realistic feel possible.
Be sure to check out all the videos for the most professional use of your string library!
Submitted 1 week ago
Helping me getting better
Great easy to follow, it helps to gain a better understanding on how to use the midi strings
Submitted 1 month ago
It's all in the details
I've been using a virtual orchestra since the early days of DAW's. With the birth of my latest project, Seventh Legend, I wanted to learn how to make the orchestra sound more genuine. Within the first pass through of these videos I have learned a tremendous amount of editing strings to get more of a lifelike/human feel and sound. I'm looking forward to learning even more from the rest of the orchestral lessons!
I am a: Semi-Pro, Musician, Cakewalk Sonar
Submitted 1 month ago
Excellent tool
I am enjoying the lessons and applying them to real time editing and arranging in my DAW
Submitted 1 month ago
Very helpful and to the point!
Very clear explanation, videos are short but full of knowledge!
I am a: Semi-Pro, Producer, Audio Engineer, Sound Designer, Game Designer, Mastering Facility, FL Studio
Submitted 4 months ago
Gives me new ideas writing for strings
Very helpful with all the articulations and techniques concerning writing for strings.
I am a: Ableton Live, Pro Tools
Submitted 1 year ago
Good and useful
Short but rich - great little tutorial full of excellent tips
I am a: Semi-Pro, Musician, Producer, Audio Engineer, Sound Designer, Mastering Facility, Sound for Film/TV, Pro Tools
Submitted 2 years ago
great course
as i have many string libraries ,this course has given me more insight in haw to stack and program string samples
I am a: Hobbyist, Musician, Sound Designer, FL Studio
Submitted 2 years ago
Helpful, especially if using Kontact String Ensemble.
I benefitted from the guidance to resist playing string ensemble patches, but rather to record separate instruments to separate tracks, even using additional tracks for different articulations. The Expressions part was particularly helpful. Also, the introduction to "Native Instruments' Action Strings." Wow. Explanations of Divisi and why to use 3rd party reverb (vs. built-in) were good. Many particular features related directly to specific software he was using (especially the remarkable "String Ensemble" by NI for Kontact). However, other string libraries don't necessarily have those features. (It doubled as a good ad for this and other software products).
I am a: Semi-Pro, Musician, Audio Engineer, Sound for Film/TV, Studio One, Samplitude
Submitted 2 years ago
very nice
AAA
I am a: Hobbyist, Musician, Ableton Live, Cakewalk Sonar, Reason
1. When did you start dabbling in music?
I have been playing music for 35 years since I was 6 years old. I play Piano, Synth, Guitar, and program Drums.
2. What training have you had?
I have attended training workshops for the last 15 years at the music stores I worked for, as well as several offsite training centers in LA for major recording companies such as JBL, Focusrite, Apogee, and Roland.
3. When did you get into recording?
I got my first 4 track recorder at the age of 14 and have been very interested since then! (25 years ago)
4. People you have worked with/for?
I have worked with several artists including The Hawthorne Effect, The Morning Stares, Giovanni James, and worked on musical projects for Microjams, WGN and the Chicago Blackhawks, Nike, Harpo Productions and Warner Chappell Productions.
5. Why are you so good at training people?
Since I was a young kid, I always liked to take things apart and figure out what made them tick so to speak. I like to do the same with software and really learn how to get the most out of it. I also really enjoy being able to use my musical abilities to help inspire those who are just starting their musical journey, as I have really enjoyed mine so far.
Products by William
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tutorial videoAcou6tics Explained
Vir2 Instruments has a winner with their highly reviewed and popular Acou6tics virtual acoustic guitar instrument. Synth and sampler guru Will Sprawls shows you how to get the most out of this amazing software!
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tutorial videoCreating Realistic MIDI Horns
William Sprawls shows you how to create realistic sounding horn performances and parts from today’s software instruments. See how by adding small tweaks to the different MIDI continuous controller options, you can produce convincing sounding horn solos and section arrangements that will impress!
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tutorial videoCreating Realistic MIDI Strings
In this video tutorial series, studio master William Sprawls focuses on ways to craft real sounding string parts and arrangements using the various virtual string instruments available today!
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tutorial videoIris 2 Explained
iZotope's Iris 2 sample-based synthesizer offers a dizzying level of flexibility and potential, and virtual instrument expert William Sprawls shows you how to tame this beast!
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tutorial videoRapture Pro Explained
Cakewalk’s hybrid oscillator and sample based software instrument Rapture Pro is taking the computer music world by storm, and Will Sprawls shows you how to sail through it with ten video tutorials cover every aspect of this exceptionally flexible virtual instrument.
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