Little dissapointed with Dan Dean Solo Strings

[Ben Chase]

There is no velocity splitting and the biggest let down was that there is no long/sustained notes without that over-the-top vibrato. This happens with ALL the instruments.
If you are looking for a nice un-vibrated note FORGET IT, look elsewhere.
These things are never updated are they?

[rbtweaker]

Ben-I second that emotion, you can\'t play a simple country fiddle part with the violin,
although I have had good results with more
classical pieces.Still, for the money, it
would have seemed natural to include non-
vibrato versions.

[Damon]

For the money, I think Dan could have charged a lot more for his library. I think it\'s a pretty damn good deal.

[This message has been edited by Damon (edited 04-10-2001).]

[Damon]

I think Dans solo string library is the \"best sounding\" solo string library available. I never need to add any EQ or anything to his samples. They were recorded and mastered very well.
I understand not wanting vibrato especially if you\'re looking for a fiddle sound, but for classical music I personally like having natural vibrato. I don\'t think Dans vibratos are that over-the-top.
If you\'re looking for non-vibrato solo string samples, check out the new xsample vol. 10 and 11. They have non-vibrato samples of violins, violas, cello, and double bass.
PS: Dan if you read this, have you thought of putting an orchestral string library together in the future?

[This message has been edited by Damon (edited 04-10-2001).]

[ramo dan]

Ben. I think people will find sounds useful depending on the type of work they are doing. When I got the DD Solo Strings, I was very excited about the sounds and quicky made use of the Violin in a couple things I was working on. Mostly stuff with a classical bent. But in general, I found the samples to be amazingly expressive and beautiful, for what I\'m doing anyway.
I also have and use the Miroslav String Ensamble. After getting the DD strings, I replaced some of the Miroslav samples in a couple compositions with the DD strings and got much closer to what I was looking for in those cases. So it really depends on what kind of samples or sounds works for what you\'re trying to do.

P.S. I really liked the DD price and would have paid more. It\'s a good value in a world of expensive samples.

thanks
Dan Fisher

[Jamieh]

The solo cello on the disk is worth the $100 by itself. The attack on the violin and viola are too slow for my taste, but I still find them useful.

[This message has been edited by Jamieh (edited 04-10-2001).]

[MM]

The DD strings are very useful, IMHO. They sound great layered with the new X Samples strings. Also, Dan released an articulation file that loops each instrument.

I also find the attacks a little slow, but I plan to tweak them in the editor eventually.

A good value in my opinion.

MM

[Haydn]

I found the attacks too slow for faster patches also. Where can I get the articulation file to loop the samples? I find the length of the samples way too short for slow pieces.

[nigel]

Ditto

[MM]

I couldn\'t find the files on Dan\'s site, so I put them on my server:
http://www.mm-pro.com/GigaFiles/ (\"http://www.mm-pro.com/GigaFiles/\")

Everybody-Please read this!

No samples are in this directory, so if you don\'t own the library, there is nothing there you can use.

Thanks!

MM

[Haydn]

Thanks for posting this!!

Robert, there is a file called Dan Dean Solo Strings.doc on MM\'s site that has the directions to use the files. Just double click on the file and it should open up automatically.

These files also fix a couple other problems which are documented in the Dan Dean Solo Strings.doc file.

[This message has been edited by Haydn (edited 04-11-2001).]

[Bill]

I have a vague memory of Dan saying that he is planning to release an expanded string set, with one instrument per disk (a la DD Winds). Does anyone else remember that, or is it just wishful thinking on my part.

Speaking of DD Winds, does anyone have it yet?

[esperlad]

I have the complete woodwind set. They are excellent. I have posted a demo, if you want to hear how it sounds. It\'s called \"sonata\".

[Haydn]

Where is this demo for DD Winds? I can\'t find it on this site.

[esperlad]

Good question! Where IS the demo? They did not post it. My address is dhrott@sunflower.com, write me, and I\'ll send you a mp3 version.

[Robert Kral]

MM: How do you use these files?

[Ben Chase]

Granted I think the samples you get are great quality and really for the money it\'s a great deal, but as a product I feel it is in-complete without the un-vibrated notes. And the lack of attack could be fixed by velocity switching or another dimension. ie a version with attack aswell.
I hope Dan considers an upgrade that would include an unvibrated note and extra dimension/split for more attack. If he is releasing an orchestral set this should be viable.

[jsaras]

I\'ve searched the entire site and I cannot find the file described below. Any help would be appreciated.


Robert, there is a file called Dan Dean Solo Strings.doc on MM\'s site that has the directions to use the files.

[Blob]

Found it..Violin Arco Looped, Viola Arco Looped and Cello Arco Looped Option
Articulation File Patch
10-19-2000

When to use this patch:
If you are working with material that dictates longer sustained notes than what is available on the disk, here is a patch that will provide looped versions of the Arco/Vibrato banks. I prefer the original unlooped version, but these provide an option for users needing the extra length.

Problems fixed:
Placed correct samples in Violin Arco/Vibrato Keyswitch bank (C2). There is now a G3, G#3 and A3 at the proper pitch.
Placed correct samples in Violin Arco/Vibrato bank. There is now a G3, G#3 and A3 at the proper pitch.
Placed correct A7 in Arco/Vibrato Keyswitch bank (C2). There is now the correct C7.
Placed correct A7 in Arco/Vibrato bank (C2). There is now the correct C7.
Enhancements:
Looped Violin Arco/Vibrato Bank
Looped Viola Arco/Vibrato Bank.
Looped Cello Arco/Vibrato Bank.

Note:
If you would like to save the original unlooped banks and continue to have access to them on your hard drive, make a copy of the existing “Dan Dean Solo Strings” folder and call it something different like “Dan Dean Solo Strings-Looped”.

How to apply the articulation file (.ART).
Load GS Edit.
Load Violin Keyswitch bank.
Under “File” menu, select “load articulation file”
Locate the file “Violin-Looped Arco.art” & highlight it
Select “Open”
Under the “File” menu, select “Save” – the patch will be applied.
Repeat steps 1-6 for each of the other patches: “Viola-Looped Arco.art” and “Cello-Looped Arco.art”

Thanks,
Dan Dean

Hope im not breaking any rules by posting this.


------------------
The Blob

[Robert Kral]

The, um...Blob:

I don\'t know if you\'re breaking any rules, but THANKS!!!

[Jamieh]

Cool, I need to switch out his cello for the looped version in my current project.

[This message has been edited by Jamieh (edited 04-23-2001).]