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Are you looking for a unique acoustic guitar emulation? This could provide it!

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• Review
• Manufacturer's Description

The first thing to point out about AAS String Studio is that it doesn't synthesize 'strings' in the orchestral sense of the word.

Although it is polyphonic, it's designed for modelling individual strings; those of a guitar, for example, or perhaps a classical harp or a double bass.

If your goal is to create lush string sections, you should look elsewhere. String Studio uses Applied Acoustic System's physical modelling technique to create its sounds.

The Exciter module models the way a plectrum, hammer or bow interacts with a string, and this drives the self-oscillating String module, the characteristics of which are further modified by both Damper and Termination modules.

The output is then fed through the traditional, synth-style Filter module, which has its own envelope controls. The sound that results from this process is – in itself – not particularly inspiring, but it's totally transformed by the remarkable Body module.

You can think of this as being a bit like an ultrashort reverb, or (perhaps more accurately) like the cabinet simulator in a high quality guitar amp modeller. The Body module does a stunningly realistic job of recreating the boxy resonance of the wooden bodies of guitars, pianos and violins of various sizes, and really does have to be heard to be believed.

Finally, the sound is passed through the Effects module. Although this contains just the standard fare of chorus, delay and reverb, the effects are all of excellent quality and well worth experimenting with.

Good interface

The screen layout of String Studio is a triumph of user interface design. You simply don't need to refer to the documentation, as after just a few minutes of experimentation every control's function becomes obvious.

However, the manual does contain detailed explanations of each, and features clear diagrams and musician-friendly language. It doesn't take too long to discover that String Studio is at its best when reproducing classical guitar sounds and simple keyboard instruments such as the clavinet and harpsichord.

The pianos (both electric and acoustic) are rather poor, and the bowed sounds are unconvincing and somewhat unstable. Additionally, the Distortion module (presumably included to work with the electric guitar presets), provides a very unpleasant and unmusical tone and is best avoided. The good news is that there's plenty to experiment with.

The Damper module – which is responsible for the extremely accurate release phase of the guitar sounds – is so flexible that it can be made to physically 'bounce' on the strings (a bit like throwing a rubber ball into a piano).

This is not particularly useful, admittedly, but it's certainly good fun to play with. Furthermore, String Studio contains the excellent semi-programmable arpeggiator that featured in AAS' Ultra Analog synth.

Drawbacks