2025 Summer Expressive E Soliste String Virtual Instrument Series Launch Sale (~July 18, 40% Off)

Hey there! I’m Jooyoung Kim, a mixing engineer and music producer.

Today, I’m excited to introduce you to a brand-new release from Expressive E called the Soliste series, featuring four virtual string instruments: violin, viola, cello, and double bass.

As with my previous plugin and virtual instrument posts, if you purchase through the links in this post via Plugin Boutique, I get a small commission, which really helps me keep going! So, let’s dive in!

Unlike traditional sample-based instruments, Soliste uses Physical Modeling technology, so it’s super lightweight. Even if you buy all four instruments—violin, viola, cello, and double bass—it only takes up about 1.3GB of space.

I’m not sure if I mentioned this when I talked about synthesizer types before, but physical modeling involves mathematically simulating the principles of how sound is produced. I believe it all started with Yamaha’s waveguide modeling.

Back in the day, these modeled instruments were tough to use due to high CPU demands, but with today’s powerful CPUs, they’re super efficient, compact, and easy to tweak while sounding great.

What’s cool about Soliste is how it’s laid out: effects related to the left hand (like vibrato and portamento) are on the left side of the interface, while bowing-related effects are on the right. Pretty intuitive!

Here are the standout features of Soliste:

1. Vibrato and Portamento Control: You can adjust the intensity of vibrato and portamento, and control their amount using the Expression (labeled as EXP, tied to modulation).
2. Aftertouch for Extra Expression: Beyond the modulation wheel, you can use aftertouch to dial in more EXP, which is mapped by default for convenience (though other instruments could do this too if set up).
3. Six Tonal Flavors: Choose from Spark, Hollow, Sleek, Antique, Lyric, or Mellow to shape the sound.
4. Bowing Parameters: Adjust Attack, Position, Tension, and more, with the ability to change their intensity in real-time based on Expression, just like vibrato or portamento.

That’s the gist of it!

You also get presets for different playing techniques, simple effects, and MIDI settings for flexible use. I used to think SWAM was the king of modeled solo instruments, but after listening to Soliste’s samples [Link] and trying it out myself, I think it’s a solid alternative. The only downside? It doesn’t seem to support double or triple stops (yet), and if you’re not careful with articulation or play it solo, the modeled nature can feel a bit obvious.

Still, for the price, it’s a fantastic deal, haha. It’s great as a solo instrument, but since there aren’t many virtual instruments with this tonal vibe, it’d also shine when mixed into a chamber string ensemble for a richer sound.

1. Soliste VLN 356 – Violin
2. Soliste VLA 419 – Viola
3. Soliste CLO 756 – Cello
4. Soliste DBS 1130 – Double Bass

You can buy the bundle or pick individual instruments based on your needs.

Oh, and if you purchase from Plugin Boutique this month, you’ll get Excite Audio Motion: Dimension Lite for free!

I’ve previously introduced the full version of Dimension (not the Lite one), and it’s a really solid delay/reverb plugin, so don’t miss out on this freebie!

That’s all for now—see you in the next post!