Applied Acoustics Systems (AAS) has announced the availability of String Studio VS-2 for Mac OS X (10.6 or later) and Windows (XP, Vista, 7, or 8).

String Studio VS-2 is a 64-bit (AAX-, AU-, and VST-compatible) string modeling synthesizer plug-in. It dispenses with the traditional synthesizer audio pathway of oscillator, filter, and envelope elements in favor of modeling real-life string instrument components.

Here’s a video demo of String Studio VS-2 in action, featuring Brazilian keyboard virtuoso Thiago Pinheiro:

“String Studio uses physical modeling to recreate the interaction of strings, and adds to that with filter, LFO, arpeggiator, full set of effects, and more,” notes Pinheiro. “It is very expressive to the touch and feels more like an acoustic instrument.”

Here’s what AAS has to say about the updated String Studio VS-2:

Redesigned from the ground up, the new interface now divides String Studio VS-2 into three panels:

Play presents shortcuts to the performance and effects parameters, including bypass switches for quick edits, as well as a genuinely apt Arpeggiator—offering various synchronisation resolutions, playing algorithms, and rhythmic patterns that will spruce up any chord progressions into percolating melodies or pulsing sequences; Edit lets users tweak and create sounds by cleverly combining innovative acoustic modelling parameters and classic synth features in a unique way—be inspired by the new sonic possibilities while feeling at ease with the familiar approach to sound design; while FX adds all-new Equalizer and Compressor modules—perfect for adding punch and definition to any sound so it cuts through any dense mix or stage setup, as well as an overhauled, reinvigorated and polished multi-effects processor featuring AAS’ best-sounding chorus, delay, phaser, flanger, distortion, notch filter, wah-wah, and reverb to date—perfect for adding a final polished, professional-sounding sheen to whatever physically modelled string sounds you can come up with!

But beyond those three attractive and user-friendly front panels awaits an array of other new features. For starters, structured organisation, backup, and sharing of sounds has never been easier, thanks to String Studio VS-2’s Bank and Program management system! Speaking of sounds, the totally refreshed factory library has well over 600 production-ready sounds already classified across 11 categories—everything needed to create all the parts of any electronic production, including a collection of 50 inspiring signature presets by producer Sean Divine—for fast and intuitive investigation prior to digging deeper when moving on to solo sonic excursions. Seasoned String Studio VS-1 users, of course, can simply drop exported presets into String Studio VS-2’s Bank folder to convert them for continued usage—no need to leave anything behind, while the more adventurous sound designers out there will welcome Scala scale file format support for microtonal music-making—why stick to the chromatic scale if you don’t have to? And speaking of experimenting with the synth’s supremely powerful parameters, a new output limiter prudently protects ears and monitors and also ensures distortion-free dynamics at all times—thoughtful touch, surely?

Here are the official audio demos:

String Studio VS-2 is available to buy now for US $99 (rising to $199 USD on July 1, 2014). String Studio VS-1 users can upgrade to String Studio VS-2 for $39. A demo version is also available.