Orch Strings: Discover the Magic of String Synthesizers
In the world of music production, there’s a special category of instruments that takes us back to the classic analog sounds of the 70s and 80s – string synthesizers, or “string machines.” The Orch Strings plugin from Uncut is precisely such an instrument, bringing the vintage charm of these legendary devices right into your digital studio.
Orch Strings doesn’t claim to be a universal synthesizer. Its strength lies in its focus on reproducing the unique sound palette associated with string machines: warm, rich, often chorused and atmospheric pads, ideal for creating background textures, arpeggios, or lyrical melodies.
The Heart of the Sound: Oscillators and Settings
At the core of the Orch Strings sound engine are six sawtooth oscillators. It is their combination and interaction that create the characteristic timbre inherent to classic string synthesizers. Unlike many modern instruments that offer a multitude of waveforms, Orch Strings concentrates on the basic but extremely effective “sawtooth” sound, which is the foundation for building rich string timbres.
For precise intonation and the creation of sound variations, the plugin provides convenient control tools: Octave, Semi tone, and Fine Tune. This allows you to easily integrate the Orch Strings sound into any key of a composition and create slight detuning of the oscillators to achieve a denser and more “lively” sound, simulating analog instability.
Timbre Shaping: Envelope and Filters
Every sound requires dynamics and the ability to change over time. For this in Orch Strings, there is a classic ADSR (Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release) envelope generator applied to the amplitude (VCA EG). This is a standard but necessary tool for controlling the attack, decay, sustain, and release of a note, allowing you to shape both fast, ringing timbres and slow, swelling pads.
A key element for sculpting the timbre is the filter section. Orch Strings is equipped with two State Variable Filters (SVF) with a slope of 12 and 24 dB/octave. These filters offer four classic modes of operation:
- Low Pass: Allows only low frequencies to pass through, making the sound softer and more subdued.
- Hi Pass: Cuts off low frequencies, making the sound thinner and brighter.
- Band Pass: Passes only a certain range of frequencies.
- Band Reject (Notch): Cuts off a certain range of frequencies, creating a “notching” effect.
An additional function is Keyboard Tracking for the Cutoff and Resonance parameters. This means that the filter can change its characteristics depending on which note you play, which adds interactivity and expressiveness to the sound.
Ease of Use and Built-in Effects
Orch Strings is implemented as a single-panel synthesizer, making it extremely simple and intuitive to use. All the main parameters are immediately available in the main window, without the need to delve into complex menus or multi-page interfaces. This allows you to quickly find the desired sound and experiment.
Despite its simplicity, the plugin has built-in effects that significantly expand the sound possibilities and are typical for string machines:
- Chorus: Adds volume, width, and a characteristic “vibration” to the sound, which is a hallmark of many classic string synthesizers.
- Reverb: Creates space and atmosphere, allowing you to place the sound in a virtual acoustic environment.
- Stereo Width: Allows you to widen or narrow the stereo image of the sound, making it more voluminous or focused.
The plugin also includes 16 ready-made presets (Patches), which serve as an excellent starting point for getting to know its capabilities or quickly selecting the desired timbre.
Who Is Orch Strings For?
Orch Strings will be a great addition for musicians and producers who are looking for the warm, vintage sound of string synthesizers. It’s perfect for creating music in the genres:
- Ambient and Chillout
- Synthwave and Retrowave
- Pop and Electronic Music of the 80s
- Background music for movies and games
- Compositions where atmospheric pads and textures are needed
Its simplicity and focus on one type of sound make it easy to master, but at the same time, flexible enough to shape your own unique timbres.
Conclusion
Orch Strings from Uncut is an affordable and effective VST plugin for Windows (32-bit) that successfully emulates the sound of classic string synthesizers. With its six oscillators, flexible filters, ADSR envelope, and built-in effects, you can easily create warm, atmospheric string pads and textures that will add a touch of vintage charm to your music. If you are looking for a simple but powerful tool for string parts in the spirit of the 70s and 80s, Orch Strings is definitely worth a look.
