APPLIED ACOUSTICS SYSTEMS STRINGSTUDIO User manual

USER MANUAL

2
Information in this manual is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on
the part of Applied Acoustics Systems DVM Inc. The software described in this manual is furnished under a
license agreement. The software may be used only in accordance of the terms of this license agreement. It is
against the law to copy this software on any medium except as specifically allowed in the license agreement.
No part of this manual may be copied, photocopied, reproduced, translated, distributed or converted to any
electronic or machine-readable form in whole or in part without prior written approval of Applied Acoustics
Systems DVM Inc.
Copyright c 2005 Applied Acoustics Systems DVM Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in Canada.
Program Copyright c 2005 Applied Acoustics Systems, Inc. All right reserved.
String Studio VS is a Trademark of Applied Acoustics Systems DVM Inc. Windows 98, 2000, NT,
ME, XP and DirectX are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Macintosh,
Mac OS, QuickTime and Audio Units are registered trademarks of Apple Corporation. VST Instruments
and ASIO are trademarks of Steinberg Soft Und Hardware GmbH. RTAS is a registered trademarks of
Digidesign. Adobe and Acrobat are trademarks of Adobe Systems incorporated. Unauthorized copying,
renting or lending of the software is strictly prohibited.
Visit Applied Acoustics Systems DVM Inc. on the World Wide Web at
www.applied-acoustics.com

Contents
1 Introduction 7
1.1 Systemrequirements ................................. 7
1.2 Installation ...................................... 8
1.3 Authorization and Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
1.3.1 Unlocking String Studio onWindowsXP .................. 9
1.3.2 Unlocking String Studio onMacOS..................... 12
1.3.3 Obtaining your response key and registering by fax or over the phone: . . . 17
1.4 Gettingstarted..................................... 17
1.4.1 UsingMIDILinks .............................. 18
1.4.2 Using MIDI program changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
1.4.3 Using String Studio as a Plug-in . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
1.5 Gettinghelp...................................... 19
1.6 ForumandUserLibrary ............................... 19
1.7 Aboutthismanual................................... 19
2 Browser and Presets 21
2.1 PlayingPresets .................................... 21
2.2 Editing and Saving Presets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
2.3 DeletingPresets.................................... 22
2.4 DocumentingPresets................................. 22
2.5 DefiningaDefaultPreset............................... 23
2.6 Locating a Preset in the Browser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
2.7 MIDImaps ...................................... 23
2.8 Exporting and Importing Presets and MIDI maps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
2.9 Customizingthebrowser............................... 24
3 Architecture of String Studio 25
3.1 GeneralSignalFlow ................................. 26
3.2 ModulationSources.................................. 27
3.3 OutputEffect ..................................... 28

4 CONTENTS
4 Parameters 29
4.1 General Functioning of the Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
4.1.1 TweakingKnobs ............................... 29
4.1.2 Buttons.................................... 29
4.1.3 Drop-down menus and Displays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
4.1.4 InvertingaSignal............................... 30
4.1.5 BypassingaModule ............................. 30
4.1.6 Resetting a Module and Copying Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
4.1.7 ModulationSignals.............................. 30
4.2 TheStringModule .................................. 31
4.3 TheExcitatorModule................................. 32
4.3.1 Plectrum ................................... 32
4.3.2 Hammer.................................... 33
4.3.3 Bow...................................... 33
4.4 TheBodyModule................................... 34
4.5 TheDamperModule ................................. 35
4.6 TheTerminationModule............................... 36
4.7 TheGeometryModule ................................ 37
4.8 ThePickupmodule.................................. 37
4.9 TheDistortionmodule ................................ 38
4.10TheEQmodule.................................... 38
4.11TheFilterModule................................... 39
4.11.1 Resonant Low-Pass Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
4.11.2 Resonant High-Pass Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
4.11.3 Band-PassFilter ............................... 41
4.11.4 NotchFilter.................................. 42
4.11.5 FormantFilter ................................ 42
4.12TheFilterEnvModule ................................ 43
4.13TheLFOModule................................... 44
4.13.1 WaveShape.................................. 44
4.13.2 Rate...................................... 45
4.13.3 Fade-In.................................... 45

CONTENTS 5
4.14TheKeyboardModule ................................ 46
4.14.1 Tuning .................................... 46
4.14.2 ModeandPriority .............................. 46
4.14.3 Unison .................................... 47
4.15ThePortamentoModule ............................... 47
4.16TheVibratoModule.................................. 47
4.17TheArpeggiatorModule ............................... 48
4.17.1 ArpeggioPatterns............................... 48
4.17.2 RhythmicPatterns .............................. 49
4.17.3 Rate and Synchronization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
4.17.4 Latchmode.................................. 49
4.18 The Output Effect Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
4.18.1 TheClockModule .............................. 50
4.18.2 TheChorusModule ............................. 50
4.18.3 TheDelayModule .............................. 50
4.18.4 TheReverbmodule.............................. 51
4.18.5 Topology ................................... 51
4.18.6 TheOutputModule.............................. 52
4.18.7 TheRecorderModule ............................ 52
5 Toolbar 53
5.1 PresetDisplay..................................... 53
5.2 MIDImap....................................... 53
5.3 PolyphonyComboBox................................ 53
5.4 MIDIChannelcombobox .............................. 53
5.5 ValueDisplay..................................... 53
5.6 CPUmeter ...................................... 53
5.7 MIDILED ...................................... 54

6 CONTENTS
6 Audio and MIDI Settings 55
6.1 AudioDeviceSettings ................................ 55
6.2 MIDISettings..................................... 55
6.2.1 Selecting a MIDI Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
6.2.2 CreatingMIDILinks............................. 55
6.2.3 EditingMIDILinks ............................. 56
6.2.4 DeletingMIDILinks............................. 57
6.2.5 CreatingaMIDIMap............................. 57
6.2.6 Creating the MIDI Program Change Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
6.3 AudioControlPanel ................................. 58
6.4 LatencySettings.................................... 58
7 Using the String Studio as a Plug-In 60
7.1 WindowSize ..................................... 60
7.2 Synchronization to the Host Sequencer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
7.3 Audio and MIDI parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
7.4 Automation ...................................... 60
7.5 MultipleInstances................................... 60
7.6 SavingProjects .................................... 61
7.7 MIDIchannel..................................... 61
7.8 MIDIprogramchange ................................ 61
7.9 Performance...................................... 61
8 Quick reference to commands and shortcuts 62
9 License Agreement 65

Introduction 7
1 Introduction
The String Studio is a synthesizer dedicated to the emulation of string instruments. The synthesizer
is entirely based on the A|A|S physical modeling technology and uses no sampling nor wave tables.
Instead it produces sound by solving, on the fly, mathematical equations modeling the different
components involved in string instruments and how they interact. This elaborate synthesis engine
responds dynamically to the control signals it receives while you play thereby reproducing the
richness and responsiveness of real string instruments.
String Studio features three types of excitators (hammer, pick, and bow) an accurate model
of a string, a model of the fret/finger interaction, a damper model and different types of sound-
boards. The combination of these different elements allows for the reproduction of a wide range
of string instruments. String Studio is also equipped with a distortion module, filters and a com-
prehensive output effect stage to add the finishing touch to the sound. Finally, String Studio offers
a wide range of performance features, including keyboard modes, portamento, vibrato and legato
functions, a programmable pattern arpeggiator, and a complete set of MIDI features for optimal
controller integration.
Before discussing the synthesizer in more detail, we would like to take this opportunity to thank
you for choosing an A|A|S product. We sincerely hope that this product will bring you inspiration,
pleasure and fulfill your creative needs.
1.1 System requirements
The following computer configuration is necessary to run the String Studio:
Mac OS :
•Mac OSX 10.2 (Jaguar) or later.
•G4 733 MHz Processor
•256 MB RAM
•1024 x 768 or higher screen resolution
•MIDI Keyboard (recommended)
•Ethernet Port
•Quicktime 4.0 or later
Windows :
•Windows 98SE/2000/XP
•PIII 800 MHz
•128 MB RAM
•1024 x 768 or higher screen resolution
•DirectX or ASIO supported sound card

8 Introduction
•MIDI Keyboard (recommended)
Keep in mind that the computational power required by the String Studio depends on the num-
ber of voices of polyphony and the sampling rate used. These computer configurations will enable
you to play the factory presets with a reasonable number of voices.
1.2 Installation
Mac OS
Insert the String Studio program disc into your CD-ROM drive. Open the CD icon once it
appears on your desktop. Click on the String Studio Install icon and follow the instructions of the
installer.
If you purchased this software online, simply double-click on the installer file that you have
downloaded and follow the instructions of the installer.
Windows
Insert the String Studio program disc into your CD-ROM drive. Launch Explorer to view the
content of the CD-ROM and double-click on the installer file to launch the installer.
If you purchased this software online, simply double-click on the installer file that you have
downloaded and follow the instructions of the installer.
1.3 Authorization and Registration
During the installation procedure, the authorization page will appear. The String Studio uses a
proprietary challenge/response copy protection system which requires you to provide some infor-
mation before using the program. You will need:
•A valid email address
•Your product serial number (on the back of the sleeve of your CD or in your confirmation
email for downloads)
Achallenge key is a long string of capital letters and numbers that is generated uniquely for
each machine during the registration process. In other words, for each machine you install this
program on you will receive a different challenge key. The response key is another unique string of
capital letters and numbers generated from the data encrypted in the challenge key.

1.3 Authorization and Registration 9
1.3.1 Unlocking String Studio on Windows XP
Step 1: Generating the challenge key
After launching the installer for the first time, a pop-up window will appear asking you to enter
your serial number. Type your serial number as it appears on the back of the sleeve of the String
Studio CD-ROM. If you purchased String Studio online, an email with your serial number will
have been sent to you at the address which you provided during the purchase process.
Figure 1: Enter your serial number in the pop-up window.
After entering your serial number, click on the Next button and your challenge key will appear
automatically in the window.
Figure 2: Challenge key appears automatically after entering the serial number.

10 Introduction
Step 2: Generating the Response key and Registering your Product
If your computer is connected to the internet, the installer will automatically launch your web
browser and connect you to the unlock page of the A|A|S web server. Your serial number and
challenge key will automatically be printed in the form. Enter your email address and click on the
Submit button.
Figure 3: Enter your registration information on the A|A|S webserver.
The next form asks you to provide additional information about yourself including your mailing
address and phone number. This information will be used to register your product. Note that
only a valid email address is required to register your product. We nevertheless recommend this
information be provided to ensure our support team is able to contact you to resolve any future
support issues, and notify you of product updates promptly. This information is kept completely
confidential. Registration of your product will entitle you to receive support and download updates
when available, as well as take advantage of special upgrade prices offered from time to time
to registered A|A|S users. Note that this if you already purchased or registered another A|A|S
product, the information that you have already supplied under the same email address will appear
in the form. Feel free to update this information if it is outdated. Click on the Submit button and
your response key will appear on-screen.
If your computer is not connected to the internet, take note of your serial number and challenge
key and proceed to an internet connected computer. Launch your browser and go to the unlock
page of the A|A|S website at:
http://www.applied-acoustics.com/unlock.htm
Enter your email address, serial number, and challenge key, and click next. You will then
receive your response code on-screen as described above.