SWAM Viola Section

What it does

The viola section in Audio Modeling’s SWAM string line, modelled rather than sampled, with up to six violas and divisi variations set apart from each other. Controls match the other three sections: expression, velocity, vibrato, bow position, bow pressure, bow lift, tremolo, pizzicato, harmonics, alternative fingering, sordino and polyphony modes, all assignable by MIDI learn. The Ambiente room simulator is built in and the sections share one room over local network OSC.

In the demo

Jade opens with a four part string piece she built in Helium, where the violas sit on track three under two violin parts and a cello. The detailed walkthrough of the controls is done on the violin section, and she says the four apps are identical in that respect. Later she loads the whole project into the Ambiente view and plays it back so each section, violas included, is audible in its own position in the room.

Worth knowing

Sold on its own, with a String Sections bundle covering all four. Each app needs local network permission granted once, in standalone, before the room sharing works, and playing a modelled section wants a pedal or breath controller.