Following the likes of M-Tron Pro, Oddity and Minimonsta, GForce Software’s Virtual String Machine puts on its glad rags and is brought up to date with a new UI and other features.
Some might argue that string machines were the first commercially successful types of polyphonic synth. For a while, it seemed that every manufacturer made some kind of string synth. And GForce Software’s VSM is a testament to those unique, if somewhat limited, devices.
May The Forth Be With You
Now in its fourth iteration, VSM has been given the full wardrobe and make-up redo that GForce has been consistently bringing to its portfolio. As I’ve mentioned elsewhere, this is most welcome in a world of large computer monitors.
Everything is now much clearer and easy to identify. The new browser format is here too, with all the goodness that it brings. Full UI scalability means you can easily make the instrument whatever size you want.
All Strung Out
VSM IV gathers together 46 classic and rare string machines and related synths. There are over 1,900 presets with version 4 bringing in over 200 new patches across 11.5GB+ of sample data. Navigation is through the ‘new’ patch browser and therefore a breeze! You can filter by machine, style, author and more.
New wow and flutter features bring in that vintage authenticity. A new state-variable filter has also been added, along with that essential string machine effect, the ensemble. And an update wouldn’t be complete without expanded polyphonic aftertouch and velocity controls.
Other new features include Poly Pitchbend, Matrix Reverb effect, 3 Band EQ and more LFO shaping options. There is now full support for undo, redo, copy and paste. All VSM3 patches are fully compatible with VSM IV.
More Information
GForce Software’s VSM IV is available now at an introductory price of £69.99 + Sales Tax. The full price will be £99.99 + Sales Tax. Upgrades from any previous version of VSM will have an intro price of £39 + Sales Tax.
VSM IV is compatible with both Mac & PC and is available as a standalone version as well as AU/AAX/VST/VST3 plugins.
Image Sources:
- GForce VSM IV Preset Browser: GForce Software
- GForce VSM IV Link Mode: GForce Software