String Studio VS-3 Upgrade from VS-1 or VS-2 synth plugin interface by Applied Acoustics Systems

String Studio VS-3 Upgrade from VS-1 or VS-2: String Oscillator Synth by Applied Acoustics Systems Free Download

Rated 5.0/5 on Plugin Boutique (77 ratings)

String Studio VS-3 Upgrade from VS-1 or VS-2 is an upgrade version of the String Studio VS-3 string-oscillator synthesizer, made for existing owners of String Studio VS-1 or VS-2. It is a multitimbral plugin from Applied Acoustics Systems.

VST2AUAAXRTASStandaloneWindowsmacOS64-bit
AVAILABLE ATPlugin Boutique
Free trial available from the developer
01Overview

This upgrade is aimed at owners of an earlier String Studio release who want the newer version without buying the full product. The synth uses string oscillators built from picks, bows, hammers, fingers, frets and dampers in place of conventional VCOs or operators. Applied Acoustics Systems positions it as a route to new tones, with classic filters, envelopes, an LFO, a soundboard and built-in effects alongside the oscillator design.

Best for

  • Textured pads
  • Evolving leads
  • Plucked and mallet parts
  • Cinematic sound design
  • Microtonal composition
  • Sequenced rhythmic parts
Category
Synths
Store
Plugin Boutique
02Key features

What you get

  • Multitimbral synth with two independent timbres, stacked or split
  • String oscillators built from picks, bows, hammers and dampers
  • Two performance modulators per layer driven by MIDI controls
  • 800+ presets across 22 synthesizer sound categories
  • Four signature sound packs from named sound designers
  • Sound browser sorted by category and tone quality
  • Multi-effects with reverb, delay, distortion, chorus and more
  • Scala scale file and reference-tuning support for microtonal work
  • Converts String Studio VS-2 banks by copying them into the packs folder
03In depth

What the String Studio VS-3 Sound Engine Does

Each sound is built from string oscillators that model physical string interactions. The developer describes this as a blend of modern and creative synthesis. Classic architecture supports the oscillators: filters, an envelope generator, an LFO and a soundboard stage shape the final tone.

The synth is two-voice multitimbral, so two independent timbres can be stacked or split. Each layer has two performance modulators that respond to user-defined MIDI controls, which lets you change effects and morphing assignments in real time.

Library, Browser and Effects

The factory library includes 800+ presets across 22 sound categories, including basses, pads, leads, plucks, mallets, guitars and sequences. Four signature sound packs from Richard Devine, Christian Laffitte, Thiago Pinheiro and Daniel Stawczyk are included, along with the wider contributor list.

The browser sorts sounds by category and offers shortcuts to categories and tone qualities. The multi-effects module holds reverb, delay, distortion, phaser, chorus, flanger, filters, equalizer, compressor, guitar amplifier and tremolo across three racks. Sounds from String Studio VS-2 banks can be copied into the VS-3 packs folder to convert them.

04Specs

Will it run?

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

DeveloperApplied Acoustics Systems
TypePlugin
CategorySynth
FormatsVST2, AU, AAX, RTAS, Standalone
Operating systemsWindows, macOS
Architecture64-bit
Free trialYes
05FAQ

Questions, answered

Who is this upgrade for?

It is an upgrade for owners of String Studio VS-1 or VS-2. The developer also offers a full version of String Studio VS-3.

What formats and operating systems does it support?

It is available in VST2, AU, AAX, RTAS and Standalone formats, on Windows and macOS, in 64-bit.

What do I need to run it?

For standalone use, the listed minimums are Windows 10 64-bit or macOS 10.11 or later, with an Intel Core i5 (circa 2015) or Apple M1 processor or later and a 64-bit DAW. For plugin use, check your DAW's requirements.

Can I use my String Studio VS-2 sounds?

Yes. Copy VS-2 banks into the String Studio VS-3 packs folder to convert them.

07Developer

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