VSM IV
by GForce Software · Keys · Vintage string machine instrument
Not rated yet
A virtual string machine with sounds from 46 classic and rare instruments, including the Solina, Elka Rhapsody, Korg PE-2000 and Yamaha CS-80.
It layers two machines with ensemble, phaser, chorus and reverb, and has 1,900+ presets in an 11.5 GB library, for $119.
Best for: Keys & Synths, Sound Design. Genres: Electronic & EDM, Ambient & Cinematic, Pop, Lo-Fi.
Keywords: vintage, strings, ensemble, classic, resizable UI, analog, hardware emulation, sample-based, undo/redo, 70s, crisp, hybrid, lo-fi, pads, preset-driven, sound design, subtractive, textures.
What it does
VSM IV is GForce's Virtual String Machine: samples of 46 string machines and string-section synths, from the Solina, Elka Rhapsody and Logan String Melody to the Juno-106 and CS-80, in a dual-layer synth. GForce pitches it as the tool for "creating the sound bed of your next track".
- Machines: 46 classic and rare instruments, including the Eminent 310, Freeman String Symphonizer and Korg PE-2000, each note individually sampled and looped over a 49-note range.
- Two layers: combine two machines in one patch for hybrid sound beds, with split-keyboard operation.
- Filters and EQ: the original vintage-style filter plus a new state-variable filter, and a new three-band EQ.
- LFO: a shapeable LFO with pitch, filter, pan and level as destinations.
- Ageing: new wow and flutter controls and an Instability control for tape-like drift.
- Effects: vintage ensemble and phaser, plus a new analog-style chorus, a second ensemble and Matrix Reverb, with individual FX locks.
- Workflow: a fully scalable UI, patch and instrument browsers, undo/redo, copy/paste, poly pitchbend and expanded velocity and poly aftertouch control.
- Presets: over 1,900, including 200+ new ones; older VSM patches load in version IV.
The current version is 1.1. A 7-day trial is available and includes a limited set of instruments.
Source: GForce Software product page
When to use it
VSM IV is the pick for variety: it puts dozens of string machines in one plugin and lets you layer two of them, rather than modelling a single unit in depth. Compared with Arturia's Solina V, which recreates one machine with full synthesis, it trades depth of modulation for breadth of source sounds. Its sampled engine is much narrower than Omnisphere 3, but it is far cheaper and focused on this one vintage sound. Unlike GForce's M-Tron Pro IV, it is about synthetic string ensembles rather than tape-replay recordings.
- Best for: vintage string pads, synthwave beds and layered ensemble textures.
- Genres: synthwave, electronic, film, pop and lo-fi.
- Look elsewhere if: you want realistic orchestral strings (a dedicated library like Spitfire's or Synchron Strings), or deeper modulation of a single machine (Solina V).
- Tip: try the state-variable filter for richer, Oberheim-like tones, and set the ageing and effects differently on each layer to thicken a patch.
What producers say
Reviewers rate VSM IV highly for its authentic vintage tone and the welcome modernisation over version III.
- MusicRadar gave it 4.5 out of 5, saying it "sounds every bit like a vintage string machine, and far more besides".
- Synth Anatomy called it an excellent continuation, praising the crisp scalable UI, the ageing section and the new effects.
- Criticisms: MusicRadar disliked the dark brown interface and found some machines similar; Synth Anatomy found the single LFO limiting and noted the core engine is unchanged.
Where to buy
- Best Service: $119
- GForce Software: $119
- Plugin Boutique: $119.99
- PluginFox: $119.99
- AudioDeluxe: $119.99
Tutorials and reviews
- Introducing GForce VSM IV
- GFORCE VSM IV: Live Demo of The Last String Machine Plugin You'll Ever Need
- VSM IV by GForce Software (No Talking)
- NEW!! GForce Software VSM IV VST ( A WONDERFUL STRING MACHINE )
- GForce VSM IV (Virtual String Machine 4) - Presets Preview (Chord Played)
Similar plugins
- Solina V by Arturia · String ensemble synth · $99
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