Free String Ensemble Virtual Instrument, LABS Synth Strings

Spitfire Audio has introduced LABS Synth Strings, a free virtual instrument for Mac & Windows that recreates the sound of classic ’70s string synths.

Here’s what they have to say about it:

These classic synth textures have been created from the infamous Solina String Ensemble — a 70s string synthesiser, used on countless iconic disco and rock records. From fuzzy, warm vibrations to bright stabs that cut through the mix, LABS Synth Strings has been recorded at Spitfire HQ by Harry Wilson & Hannah Roberts-Owen, and comes complete with sampled modulation and processed pads — equally at home on a Herbie-style record as it is on a Blade Runner-style blockbuster template.

It’s available now as a free download.

6 thoughts on “Free String Ensemble Virtual Instrument, LABS Synth Strings

  1. Is there a catch? Many times these “free” items require downloading this, that, or the other thing in order to get the “free” item.

  2. “creativity shouldn’t be complicated” … um I guess I understand what they mean, but sometimes creativity is complicated. And sometimes more knobs is a good thing. But that lack of control appeals to some users.

  3. Spitfire’s LABS series is a quirky thing, but several of the instruments are like playable Combis or great accenting patches on a synth. Its a decent way to encourage you as a future orchestra buyer when what you do get is so pristine overall. I agree that a few more knobs or sliders would be welcome, but a Solina doesn’t need many. Its one of the historical Top 10 synth sounds as-is.

  4. Sincerely disappointed: I just wanted to see if it could get me a good simple Violin(+Viola) modulated sound, and I couldn’t find it.
    – The core sound generator is completely off: if you mess a bit with those alternating non-named sliders you can disable reverb and modulation, and you distinctly hear two classic sawtooth waves, that really don’t sound like a Solina with no modulation.
    – The envelope is off as well: you can shorten the attack but even at zero you still have some slow rising in volume that is way different from what they say they’ve sampled.
    – No need to talk about that UI: see previous comments and see for yourself.

    This sounds like those old VAs that promised you all the good things in the world but couldn’t make a good sound but two or three interesting (absurdly wet) pads.

    I miss eSLine, that sounded way better. Is Arturia the only good player in this field now?

    1. GForce’s VSM(Virtual String Machine) has all your seventies classics nailed…. yes, it’s sampled based, but doesn’t take a shite load of space.

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