Alex Wallbank has announced the release of Cinematic Strings 2.0, a string instruments sound library for Native Instruments Kontakt.
Cinematic Strings 2.0 is a completely redesigned and updated version of the original library. Whilst retaining the warm luscious tones produced in the world class Verbrugghen Hall of the Sydney Conservatorium, the new version features a sleek new interface and even smoother legato.
Because Cinematic Strings was created to meet the needs of working composers in today’s film, television and video game industries, our focus has been to maximise both efficiency and authenticity. With this in mind it provides a realistic mockup tool, and an inspiring instrument – which will save you from all the hassle and wasted time spent tweaking parameters, modifying CC data, or applying drastic EQ and reverb effects to emulate the sound you’re after.
Cinematic Strings 2.0 features
- Brand New Interface – Thanks to the cutting edge GUI, Cinematic Strings is incredibly easy to use. Loading and unloading articulations, assigning keyswitches, adjusting the microphone balance using the new mixer, and controlling a built-in reverb are all just a click or two away.
- New Legato Engine – Real legato transitions were sampled for Cinematic Strings. The new legato engine is designed to be more authentic and efficient, allowing the transitions to be integrated seamlessly into your melodies. This is made possible by the advanced scripting system that adjusts the dynamics and timbre automatically while you play. The new engine compensates for your playing speed automatically, so that when you play fast, shorter more natural legato transitions are triggered.
- New “Mix” Microphone Position – Cinematic Strings utilises three microphone positions – close, stage, and room. Mixing these three together will allow you to take advantage of the deep concert hall warmth captured in the recordings. Additionally, you can achieve a full sound while saving on computer resources by using the new “mix” microphone position.
- Compatible with the free Kontakt 5 Player – Cinematic Strings 2.0 is now Kontakt Player 5 compatible, meaning it will work as a standalone product without the need to purchase any additional 3rd party software.
- Other features and enhancements:
- Controllable vibrato using a MIDI CC (user selectable).
- 4 dynamic layers for all articulations.
- All common articulations sampled: Sustains (with and without vibrato), Tremolo, Trills (half and whole tone), Staccato, Pizzicato (with Bartok Snap).
- Specialised ‘Runs’ mode for creating realistic fast string runs.
- 4 x Round Robin samples for all short notes – essential for realistic repeated notes.
- Repacked using Native Instruments lossless compression algorithm to reduce per-sample footprint.
- New staccatissimo samples – for when you need that extra bit of nimbleness!.
- User-adjustable short note lengths.
- Built-in algorithmic reverb, adjustable from main GUI page.
- Intelligent controllable vibrato. The system doesn’t enable vibrato samples unless you move the controller – this saves resources if you’re not using this feature.
- Selectable high and low playing positions – controlled via GUI control or velocity sensitive keyswitch.
Cinematic Strings 2.0 is available to purchase for $499 USD.
More information: Cinematic Strings
