Expressive E launched Soliste, a software package with four virtual string instruments that players can control with special hand movements. The company built these digital instruments using advanced computer modeling that copies how real violins, violas, cellos and double basses actually work. Musicians can play the violin, viola, cello and double bass models through touch-sensitive keyboards and controllers.
The software gives players three different ways to control their virtual instruments. Classic Mode lets musicians tap keys to make bow sounds and press keys to change how loud the notes play. Virtuoso Mode copies real back-and-forth bowing motions that string players use on actual instruments. Expressive Bow Mode mixes both methods together, switching between them based on how fast the player moves their hands.
The program adds realistic vibrato effects in two ways. Players can create their hand vibrato by moving their fingers on the controller, or they can let the computer add natural-sounding vibrato automatically. The software also handles smooth note connections and sliding between pitches just like real string instruments do.
Soliste works best with Expressive E's Osmose keyboard, which senses pressure and movement from players' fingers. The software also connects to other special controllers and regular keyboards that don't have advanced touch features. Musicians can buy the complete four-instrument set for about $179 or purchase single instruments for $59 each until mid-July.
The software gives players three different ways to control their virtual instruments. Classic Mode lets musicians tap keys to make bow sounds and press keys to change how loud the notes play. Virtuoso Mode copies real back-and-forth bowing motions that string players use on actual instruments. Expressive Bow Mode mixes both methods together, switching between them based on how fast the player moves their hands.
The program adds realistic vibrato effects in two ways. Players can create their hand vibrato by moving their fingers on the controller, or they can let the computer add natural-sounding vibrato automatically. The software also handles smooth note connections and sliding between pitches just like real string instruments do.
Soliste works best with Expressive E's Osmose keyboard, which senses pressure and movement from players' fingers. The software also connects to other special controllers and regular keyboards that don't have advanced touch features. Musicians can buy the complete four-instrument set for about $179 or purchase single instruments for $59 each until mid-July.
