Q:

So I see you're doing all new strings.
How do they compare to the existing ones?

A:

All of the new string sections in Concert Strings II are a bit more "clean", made to mix and blend with our older Concert Strings, and all have a very warm, intimate and overall musical feel to them. All were recorded every note rather than every other note such as was the case in the old Symphonic Strings included in Emerald. Playability is also key as it has always been! For the Kontakt version, TVEC II will be programmed for each and every section as well. For the EXS 24 version, TVEC will be programmed for each and every section.

Here is a list of the new strings sections we have done for Concert Strings II:

• Whole Section (Symphonic Strings II)
  All of the players in unison.
• Half Section (Studio Strings II)
  Half of the players of the "Whole" section, used for divisi.
  
• Quarter Section (Chamber Strings II)
  Usually 4 players per note. A nice added effect when layering over "Whole" or "Half" sections.
  
• Solo Section (Solo Strings II)
  Especially nice when layering over "Whole" or "Half" sections.

Q:

Do Concert Strings II replace the ones you currently offer?

A:

No. The only thing that will be discontinued is Emerald the way it is currently packaged. The older version of Symphonic Strings and Chamber Strings will still be available via download. Some of the sections contained in Emerald such as Symphonic Brass will continue to be downloadable as well. If a section is not contained in a package such as Ruby or Diamond, then it will be called a "Legacy" section.

Q:

How will this change Diamond since Diamond contains all of the content in Ruby AND Emerald?

A:

We will be changing the content of Diamond and calling it something like "Diamond 2". Stay tuned for that. Legacy sections, such as the old version of Symphonic and Chamber Strings, will not be included in Diamond 2.

Q:

I see you distribute by either download or hard drive. Can you give more information?

A:

Hard Drives:
The new hard drives are fully plug-and-play usb 2.0. Also, they are at least 160GB in capacity. Therefore, once you get your new library, you don't need to do anything except plug it in and start playing it. No long installation process. We do recommend that you backup your library to another drive for safety.
In the past, we never charged for shipping. This was because we always sent very small lower quality hard drives with no bulky packaging. However, due to the fact that these new drives are bigger, heavier, and in boxes, we now must add this shipping cost. Non-US packages are sent with a customs claim ticket stating only replacement value. Therefore, there should be no worries about customs duties to pay.

Download:
Downloads are nice because you don't have to wait to get your library in the mail. Additionally, you save shipping costs and even save on the initial cost of the library itself.

Q:

How do the Kontakt and EXS 24 versions of Concert Strings II differ?

A:

The samples and divisions will be exactly the same. However, such TVEC II features as DivisiLive®, VibratoLive® and DeskPerspective® will not be available. This is due to the limitations of the EXS 24 sampler's programming. IntervaLive® will behave the same as it did in TVEC. (TVEC II lets you control the actual speed of the portamento of the string ensembles.) Click here for more information on TVEC for EXS 24.

Q:

Is the original version of TVEC programming complete for your libraries?

A:

Yes for the Kontakt versions. (Concert Strings, Studios Strings, Chamber Strings, Concert Brass, Studio Brass and Studio Brass.) The EXS versions only include TVEC programming for Concert Strings, and Concert Brass.

Q:

Are new libraries sold with TVEC 1 as standard?

A:

As of February, 2010, Kontakt versions of new libraries will have TVEC II programming available. EXS24 versions of new libraries will have TVEC I programming available.

Q:

Are new libraries sold with Polyphonic Round Robin as standard?

A:

Yes, just as described above since "PolyRR" IS part of TVEC 1 and TVEC II.

Q:

Is there an easy way for existing owners to update everything?

A:

If you go to the "upgrade" page, you'll see that for now, We're asking that people email us so that someone here will personally describe what you are entitled to for your particular upgrade/update. So for now, it may take a little longer, but as you may know, we ALWAYS make sure things like this are handled faster than any other similar business.

Q:

I purchased the full set of VSPro and I also already have Emerald Full Set in Kontakt 2. Am I missing anything?

A:

Bascially, you have it all with the exception of new TVEC 1 programming. See the Upgrade page for more information on how to upgrade or update.

Q:

Am I entitled to an upgrade path to Ruby if I already purchased Emerald?

A:

You certainly are. Again, see the upgrade page (or contact us until we automate our upgrades) for more information.

Q:

Is there a European distributor? I normally have to pay huge taxes or duties on packages from the US.

A:

While there is no European distributor at this time, you should not have to pay large duties since we attach a customs claim form with a value of only the physical cost of the product.

Q:

How do the EXS versions compare to the Kontakt versions

A:

While it is true that Kontakt has a deeper level of programming features, we have made sure that the EXS versions match in sound and over all playability. You'll still get the fluid crossfades between sample layers, the touch-sensitivity, the intervaLive® features, the keyswitching, and the "round robin". Here is a comparison of what's benefits/liabilities of each format: