Pricing and availability

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Plugin Boutique
4.8 (69)
$199.00
Sweetwater
5.0 (1)
$199.00
Thomann
$176.00 $175.00 $1.00 · All time low

Average Price: $189

Standard/Professional

$79

$200+

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Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Applied Acoustics Systems String Studio VS-3". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Dive into a new realm of sonic creativity with the Applied Acoustics Systems String Studio VS-3. This innovative synth plugin redefines the boundaries of sound design by employing a collection of unique string oscillators as its primary sound source. Unlike conventional synthesizers, the VS-3 utilizes picks, bows, and hammers interacting with modeled strings, creating a truly distinctive sonic signature.

The VS-3 isn't just about innovation; it's about versatility. With its two-voice multitimbral setup, you can combine two independent timbres either stacked or split, offering a lush palette of performance-friendly, spacious sounds. This flexibility is supported by a rich arsenal of classic filters, an envelope generator, an LFO, and a robust multi-effects module featuring reverb, delay, distortion, and more.

What sets the VS-3 apart is its attention to detail and craftsmanship. The plugin comes loaded with over 800 expertly crafted presets, covering a wide range of synthesizer sound categories. Whether you're delving into basses, leads, or atmospheric pads, each sound is meticulously tuned for unity-gain effects and dynamic expression. Plus, with new signature sound packs from top sound designers like Richard Devine and Christian Laffitte, your creative possibilities are virtually endless.

For those who demand precision and flexibility, the VS-3 is compatible with nearly all major DAWs and supports microtonal tunings via Scala scale files, making it a formidable tool for composers and producers alike.

Key Features:

  • Unique string oscillators with picks, bows, and hammers
  • Two-voice multitimbral capability for diverse soundscapes
  • Over 800 professionally crafted presets
  • Four signature sound packs from renowned designers
  • Comprehensive multi-effects module
  • Compatible with most DAWs and supports microtonal tunings

Product specs

Software Type String oscillator synthesizer
Platform Mac, PC
Upgrade/Full Full
Download/Boxed Download
Bit Depth 64-bit
Format Standalone, AAX Native, VST2, VST3, AU, NKS
Hardware Requirements - Mac Intel Core i5 5th Gen or later (M1 processor compatible), 4GB RAM or more recommended
Hardware Requirements - PC Intel Core i5 5th Gen or later, 4GB RAM or more recommended
OS Requirements - Mac OS X 10.11 or later
OS Requirements - PC Windows 10 or later

FAQs

What makes the Applied Acoustics Systems String Studio VS-3 unique compared to other synthesizers?

The String Studio VS-3 utilizes a string oscillator synthesis approach, replacing traditional oscillators with string modeling, allowing for highly expressive and organic sounds that mimic real string instruments.

Is the String Studio VS-3 compatible with my DAW?

The String Studio VS-3 supports AAX Native, VST2, VST3, AU, and NKS formats, making it compatible with most major DAWs, including Ableton Live, Pro Tools, and Logic Pro.

Can I use the String Studio VS-3 on a Mac with an M1 processor?

Yes, the String Studio VS-3 is compatible with Mac systems using an M1 processor, ensuring smooth performance on the latest Apple hardware.

What are the system requirements for running String Studio VS-3 on a PC?

To run String Studio VS-3 on a PC, you'll need Windows 10 or later, an Intel Core i5 5th Gen processor or newer, and at least 4GB of RAM.

Does the String Studio VS-3 offer standalone operation?

Yes, the String Studio VS-3 can be used as a standalone application, allowing you to experiment with its sounds without needing a DAW.

Plugin Boutique

Plugin Boutique

Introducing String Studio VS-3 by Applied Acoustics Systems (A|A|S)

Video thumbnail for Introducing String Studio VS-3 by Applied Acoustics Systems (A|A|S) by Plugin Boutique

Introducing String Studio VS-3 by Applied Acoustics Systems (A|A|S)

Plugin Boutique

Plugin Boutique

Video thumbnail for Applied Acoustics String Studio VS-3 - NAMM 2019 by Sound On Sound magazine

Applied Acoustics String Studio VS-3 - NAMM 2019

Sound On Sound magazine

Sound On Sound magazine

Video thumbnail for NAMM 2019: Applied Acoustics Systems String Studio VS-3 Synthesizer | SYNTH ANATOMY by SYNTH ANATOMY

NAMM 2019: Applied Acoustics Systems String Studio VS-3 Synthesizer | SYNTH ANATOMY

SYNTH ANATOMY

SYNTH ANATOMY

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Applied Acoustics Systems String Studio VS-3.

Features and functionality

  • The refreshed presets for String Studio VS-3 now include multitimbral and layered capabilities, adding depth to the existing sound palette.

    Source
  • The synthesis relies on physical string modeling like Karplus-Strong, producing more experimental than realistic string sounds, suitable for hybrid scores with unique tonalities.

    Source
  • The plugin is designed to deliver sounds with an "uncanny valley" vibe, making it ideal for creating hybrid scores with unidentifiable, unique sounds.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • To access the new multitimbral presets, users need to upgrade to String Studio VS-3 or use the Player if they haven't updated their synth.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Owners favor String Studio VS-3 for open-ended sound design, contrasting with other AAS instruments like Lounge Lizard and Strum GS-2, which have more fixed modeling scopes.

    Source
  • Most expansions focus on experimental string sounds rather than traditional acoustic timbres; Masala expansions offer the closest to realistic strings available.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The "Harmonic Geometry" sound bank, originally priced at $19, is available on a flash sale for $9, offering cost-effective access to refreshed presets.

    Source

Comparisons

  • For genuine acoustic string realism, SWAM Solo Strings is preferred over String Studio VS-3, which is more suited for quasi-real, keyboardist performances.

    Source

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