Re: GForce Virtual String Machine VSTi PC MAC
Mazie Wingeier
VSM is a very special rompler. It only features sounds from vintage string machines, more precisely from 21 iconic instruments. The selection can be expanded to a total of 47 sampled instruments with the VSM expansion pack. Both installed, you have so many string machine sounds that you even dream of it. VSM is a classic rompler, own samples cannot be loaded here and is not a Kontakt replacement.
A rompler that can only playback string machines sounds at first glance like a very limited virtual instrument. On the one hand yes, the main focus of VSM is on high-quality string machine sounds, but some bass or pads are also included. You have to be aware of this when you purchase this plugin. If you know that, the dual engine is very versatile and flexible to use. With this, you can easily combine sounds from two different string machines.
If you are looking for more sounds from vintage string machines that are not included here, you should take a look at the almost 5 GB VSM Expansion pack that includes sounds from 26 classic instruments, 87 individual sample sets, and over 550 patches. Included are:
The sample sets can be processed separately (A/B) or together (link) with various parameters: tune, detune, pan, level, multimode filter (LP/HP/BP) as well as several effects (phaser, ensemble, stereo width). Filter and amp can also be modulated to get movements in the sound, also separately or together with a filter & amp envelope. Further, there is a syncable LFO on each layer that can modulate the filter and pitch. Nice is here that you have here dynamic control that offers per example aftertouch on the filter.
Since the plugin has been on the market for 13 years, many reviews are based on the older version 1 or 2. In the last update (V3) from 2019, the sample sets and the engine were expanded again. In addition to numerous extra sounds, VSM now offers true stereo playback for some sample sets which is a very nice extra and another LFO destination. The GUI has also been revised and now includes two interface sizes (small & medium). Better would be a vector-based GUI but it is good to have two sizes at least.
On the whole, Gforce Software Virtual String Machine is completely convincing. In my opinion, the VSM is still one of the best string machine plugins out there, even after 13 years on the market. If not the best! It sounds fantastic and is super flexible thanks to its dual engine. The update 3.0, which was released last year, introduced some new features that made the plugin even better: stereo playback, two interface sizes, and an additional LFO destination.
It is the one-trick pony for amazing vintage string machine sounds and anyone who loves such sounds will enjoy this plugin. I have been using the plugin for over 4 years and am still enthusiastic about its quality. As a disclaimer, GS did not provide an NFR version for this test.
GForce Software has unveiled its latest offering, the Virtual String Machine IV (VSM IV), a virtual instrument/synth plugin compatible with both Windows and Mac systems. The product, which is currently available at a discounted price, is designed to emulate the sounds of 46 classic and rare string machines.
The VSM IV is a comprehensive tool for music creators, boasting over 1900 presets, including more than 200 new patches and over 11.5 GB of data. This plugin allows users to craft unique synthetic strings by layering different sounds, providing a wide range of creative possibilities.
The latest version of the VSM IV introduces several new features. These include a fully-scalable user interface (UI), a new patch browser, and new controls for aging and instability. Additionally, it comes with an extra filter and new EQ, a new chorus, new reverb, and additional ensemble effects. For enhanced playability, the VSM IV also offers expanded poly aftertouch and velocity controls.
The VSM IV is compatible as a standalone application and supports Intel & Apple Silicon Native, AudioUnit, AAX, VST2, and VST3 formats. The minimum system requirements for Mac users are an Intel or Apple Silicon Mac with macOS 10.13 or above. Windows users require a 2GHz CPU with 2GB RAM and Windows 7 or above.
For those interested in trying out the VSM IV, a demo version is available for download. This demo allows users to test the instrument on their system before making a purchase. It includes a limited set of instruments and presets and is available for use for 7 days.
The VSM IV is currently on sale with a 30% discount, reducing the price from 99.99 to 69.99. This promotional offer is valid until April 9th. For owners of previous versions of the VSM, an upgrade to the VSM IV is available for 39.99.
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