Selena – The Charm of String Synthesizers in VST Format
Immerse yourself in the world of warm analog sound with Selena – a virtual instrument from the talented developer B Serrano. This plugin is a real gift for connoisseurs of classic string machines – a special type of synthesizer whose unique, rich, and slightly melancholic timbre has left an indelible mark on music of various genres, from 70s rock and pop to ambient and new age.
Selena is focused on recreating this unique character, offering modern musicians and producers access to vintage sound textures in a convenient and flexible VST format. It’s not just an emulation, but an instrument created with a love for classic sound, capable of breathing new life into your compositions.
What is a “String Machine”?
String machines are a subclass of analog synthesizers that gained popularity in the 1970s. Unlike the full-fledged polyphonic synthesizers of the time, they were designed primarily to emulate the sound of string instruments of a symphony orchestra (violins, violas, cellos) or a choir, but with their own special, recognizable electronic touch. Their sound is often characterized by warmth, a slight pitch drift (chorus), phase effects (phaser), and the ability to create dense, “floating” sound “carpets”. Selena inherits this philosophy, offering a modern interpretation of the classic concept.
Key Features of Selena
Despite being a simplified version of another instrument from B Serrano (Horus), its functionality is perfectly adapted for creating authentic and expressive string timbres.
High Polyphony
- 32 voices: One of the key advantages of Selena is its 32-voice polyphony. This means that you can simultaneously press and hold up to 32 keys on your MIDI controller, and each note will sound continuously. Such wide polyphony is critically important for creating rich, saturated chords, complex voice leading, and smooth transitions between them, allowing you to build dense sound textures that are the hallmark of string machines. You can easily create lush harmonic “pads” or use the plugin to perform solo parts with the ability to layer notes.
Classic 8′ and 4′ Oscillators
- Two registers: Selena is equipped with two oscillators tuned to 8′ and 4′ registers. This is a standard approach for many classic string machines. The 8′ oscillator plays the note at its fundamental pitch, while the 4′ oscillator adds a signal an octave higher. Combining these two registers allows you to achieve the same rich, full, and vibrant timbre that we hear on classic recordings. You can mix the levels of these oscillators to adjust the brightness and density of the sound according to your needs.
Integrated Effects Block
For the final touch and to add a characteristic “vintage” atmosphere, Selena has a built-in effects block, which includes the most necessary processing for string timbres:
- Phaser: This effect creates a characteristic “phase” movement in the sound, which can vary from a light “rotation” to a more pronounced “whistle”. The phaser adds dynamics, space, and the same psychedelic or ambient atmosphere that is often associated with string machines of the 70s.
- Delay: The delay effect allows you to add repetitions of the sound, creating echoes or rhythmic reverberations. It can be used to expand the sound space, add a sense of depth, or create interesting rhythmic patterns based on repeating notes.
- Chorus: Chorus is perhaps one of the most important effects for simulating string ensembles on a synthesizer. It duplicates the input signal several times, slightly modulating the pitch and time of each duplicate, and then mixes them with the original. This creates the effect of “expansion” and “floating” of the sound, simulating the playing of several instruments or choristers simultaneously. In Selena, the chorus adds warmth, density, and a characteristic “vintage” shimmer to the string timbres.
Spatial Note Placement
- Stereo field by keyboard: An interesting feature of Selena is the automatic placement of notes in the stereo field depending on their position on the MIDI keyboard. Typically, low notes are sent more to the left channel, and high notes to the right, or vice versa. This approach helps to create a natural and wide stereo image for your chords and passages, making the mix more voluminous and dynamic without the need for manual panning of each part.
Perfect For
Selena is an excellent instrument for creating music in a wide range of genres where atmospheric, warm, and vintage synthesizer sounds are needed. It will be indispensable in styles such as:
- Electronic music (especially classic and modern ambient, downtempo)
- Synthwave and Retrowave
- New Age
- Progressive rock and psychedelic rock
- Music for movies and games where the atmosphere of the 70s or 80s is needed.
Due to its simplicity and focus, Selena allows you to quickly get the desired sound without getting lost in complex settings.
Conclusion
Selena by B Serrano is a compact but extremely musical VST instrument that successfully embodies the spirit of classic string machines. With its rich polyphony, two oscillators, and a quality set of built-in effects (phaser, delay, chorus), as well as the unique stereo note placement feature, Selena offers everything you need to create charming, warm, and atmospheric string timbres. If you’re looking for that same vintage “floating” sound for your compositions, Selena is an instrument worth trying.
