Can I Play SWAM String Sections in Chords? / Are They Polyphonic Instruments? / Can I Play a Full Orchestra Pad?

SWAM String Sections is a versatile collection of virtual instrument plugins designed to replicate the individual sections of a traditional orchestral string ensemble. However, it's essential to understand that these instruments are not intended for chordal or polyphonic “pad” playing in the conventional sense.

Each section in SWAM String Sections (violin, viola, cello, and double bass) is designed to accurately reproduce the nuances and expressions of a single melodic line, similar to how an individual sections or divisi in an orchestra would play. This means that each plugin can produce monophonic or, at most, biophonic sounds, adhering to the realistic limitations of real-world string instruments.

For those looking to create full orchestral arrangements with SWAM String Sections, it's necessary to use multiple instances of the plugins. You can combine different sections to achieve a rich and complex orchestration, as you would in a live orchestral performance. Each section is available as a separate plugin, allowing you to have fine control over the individual elements of your virtual orchestra.

In summary, SWAM String Sections excels at providing the detailed and expressive sound of individual orchestral sections, and by combining them intelligently within your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), you can create intricate, lifelike orchestral arrangements. While you won't play full chords or polyphonic passages with a single instance of a section, this approach ensures a highly realistic and customizable orchestral experience.