String Machines 2 by UVI virtual instrument interface

String Machines 2: Vintage String Synth Plugin by UVI

Rated 4.9/5 on Plugin Boutique (21 ratings)

String Machines 2 is a virtual instrument from UVI that recreates 62 vintage string synthesizers from the 1970s onward, with 842 machine sounds and 355 presets for analog-style keys, pads and brass.

WindowsmacOS64-bit

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01Overview

String Machines 2 collects vintage string synthesizers from around the world, many of them rare and some no longer working in their original form. UVI restored and recorded each machine, then built a dual-layer instrument so you can use one machine on its own or stack several together. The collection includes the Solina, Freeman String Symphonizer and Elka Rhapsody alongside models such as the Yamaha SK-50D and Logan Vocalist. It runs as a plugin on Windows and macOS.

Best for

Vintage string pads
Analog-style keys
Warm synth brass
Layered hybrid sounds
Retro bass and voices
Ensemble string textures

Developer: UVI
Category: Virtual Instruments
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

62 vintage string synthesizers in one instrument
842 included synthesizer sounds across the collection
355 hand-crafted presets as starting points
Built on a foundation of 46,000 samples
Two discrete layers for stacking machines into hybrids
Per-machine amp ADSR, filter, LFO and arpeggiator
Shared effect bus with EQ, Delay and Sparkverb
Ensemble effect modeled after the Roland RS-505

03In depth

Sound Character and Sampling of Vintage String Synths

The original string synthesizers were built in the 1970s to imitate orchestral strings through analog circuits, and they rarely matched that goal. Their quirks are what makes them useful today. UVI says each machine was inspected, tested and calibrated toward factory behavior before recording, then captured with premium DI boxes, hardware processors and converters.

Each sample was hand-trimmed and processed. The library draws on 46,000 samples, which gives the instrument a warm, aged character across keys, pads, brass, bass, voices and piano-style sounds.

Dual-Layer Workflow and Controls

String Machines 2 uses two discrete layers, so you can choose any two machines and stack them into a hybrid sound. Each machine has its own amp ADSR, multi-mode filter, voicing, stereo controls, LFO and step modulators, and arpeggiator.

A shared effect bus includes EQ, Drive, Thorus, Phasor, Delay, Sparkverb and an ensemble effect modeled after the Roland RS-505. The 355 included presets give you a starting point before you edit or build sounds from scratch.

04Specs

Will it run?

Formats, systems and requirements as listed by Plugin Boutique. Missing details are left out, not guessed.

Developer	UVI
Type	Plugin
Category	Virtual Instruments
Operating systems	Windows, macOS
Architecture	64-bit

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What is String Machines 2?

String Machines 2 is a virtual instrument from UVI that gathers 62 vintage string synthesizers into one plugin. It contains 842 synthesizer sounds and 355 presets.

Which operating systems does String Machines 2 support?

String Machines 2 supports macOS 10.14 Mojave through macOS 15 Sequoia, and Windows 10 through Windows 11 in 64-bit. It is a 64-bit plugin.

What do I need to use String Machines 2?

The system requirements list UVI Workstation and a free Falcon iLok account, with no dongle required. An internet connection is needed to activate the license.

Which machines are included?

The collection includes models such as the Solina, Freeman String Symphonizer, Elka Rhapsody, Yamaha SK-50D, Logan Vocalist and Jen SM2007, among 62 in total.