User Manual

SWAM Solo Strings v2.1.0 - User Manual – rev. 1
6
Using an appropriate range of
expression
This is an extremely important aspect for getting the optimal expressiveness and realism with virtual
instruments.
All real instruments require a much greater degree of effort to achieve the highest possible dynamics
for that instrument. This is not the case for most physical MIDI controllers; it is indeed very easy to
push an expression pedal, or a slider, to the maximum and leave it there forever. Oddly enough,
even breath and wind controllers tend to jump very easily to the highest dynamics (unless carefully
set), so that the most expressive range (mp to mf) is seldom exploited. This results all too often in
the virtual instrument being played in an excessive range of dynamics, inevitably leading to a poor,
unrealistic performance.
Please keep in mind that the key to expressiveness and realism is a proper use of dynamics. Always
monitor the input expression value on the main display and adjust the dynamics accordingly. A
useful trick is to set the overall monitoring volume fairly high. This automatically prevents any
inclination toward overusing dynamics.
It is also important to optimize the general volume of your loudspeakers/headphones at an average
value of Expression. Too low an output level would easily induce the user to use high Expression
levels, usually yielding excessively “biting” sounds.