Strings EQ

Logic's channel EQ,Logic's Lineae Phase EQ.

I never use "presets"...

Use the EQ "to taste" until it sounds right to you.

The sample library is flat,because that way you can EQ it "to taste."

Cheers

There's no such thing as a "strings EQ". The sound you're after as well as the sound of the samples themselves will determine what kind of EQ is ultimately required.

Personally I don't like the Linear Phase EQ. I don't think it sounds very musical. I find the basic channel EQ to get me what I need. Also, the Linear Phase EQ will introduce a certain amount of latency that you won't otherwise get with the channel EQ.

hi, strgs samples can sound flat (expressionless) very easily, i generally test with logics expander plug.
this can emphasise the subtle differences between the samples used.
an extension on this is to use dynamic eq, like sonalksis' DQ1 plug.
or TTD's Colortone.
or airwindows has a neat channel plug which removes DC offset as well.
PSP's mixsaturator is also good for mellowing out strgs.
static eq will boost/cut content that you don't want it to, as well as that which you do.
eliosounds aireq is great at getting some resonance into the cbs and vcl range.
it can also add the nice wood lower mids.
be careful tho, as too much will make matters worse.

I sometimes pull down around 6k on the VSL violins a tad. Violas I pull down in the middle of their sounding freq range to give them more brilliance. (I click Analyze in the channel EQ and pull down a little from the middle.)
It all depends on the music and if you need synthy sounding strings, or dark sounding strings. It's typically better to pull down to EQ rather than to boost/raise on EQ. Especially with VSL strings.

As has been said, it all depends on the role the strings will be playing in the track.

I wouldn't say that the VSL strings sound "flat", I'd say they sound "honest". If you need a "hyped" sound, you'll need to create it. Better that, than trying to tame a sound that's already "hyped".

If you want something more aggressive, try a fairly narrow boost around 7k. Give or take a few Hz. This will generally bring out the bow or "rosin" sound. Think George Martin's Beatles strings.

And like linuxuser mentioned, pulling down the mids will smooth the strings out, so there's perhaps less "character" to them.

And if you're using them in a pop or rock track, you'll probably need to pull some low end out, to make room for the bass guitar and kick drum. A gentle boost a 10k to 12k can help add some "air".

Beyond that, each song and the desired effect calls for a different approach. I know you know that, but it can't be said enough...

wait!!! there's more.
go to Sanctus Angelus site.
Steve von Kampen has posted some logic channel eq graphics for the VSL strng lib.
these should be adaptable to most libs.

Check this out:

http://www.vi-control.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=5961