Sonokinetic’s Sultan Strings for Kontakt delivers rich, authentic Middle Eastern string textures, and this extra-quality patch elevates that sound with careful mixing and advanced scripting. Designed for Kontakt (full version), the patch offers:
Use cases:
Tips:
This extra-quality Sultan Strings Kontakt patch offers expressive, playable results that sit well in mixes while retaining the instrument’s regional character.
Sonokinetic Sultan Strings library is a highly specialized string ensemble focused on authentic Middle Eastern (Arabic/Turkish) performances
. Originally released in 2011, it remains a go-to for composers needing realistic, tempo-synced ethnic string phrases that are difficult to program with standard western orchestral libraries. Key Features & Contents Ensemble Composition : Features a dedicated 5-piece section consisting of 3 violins, 1 viola, and 1 cello Massive Phrase Library : Includes 50 tempo-synced 2-bar phrases
with octave overdubs, designed to be used in various musical keys. Playable Articulations : Includes dynamic crossfading to vibrato. Specialty Techniques
: Tremolos, trills, glissandi, and tempo-synced runs (up, down, and up-down). Authenticity
: Focuses on live performances by professional Middle Eastern string ensembles rather than just multisampled individual notes. Technical Specifications : Runs on Native Instruments Kontakt 4.2.4 or higher
(full version or free player depending on specific license version). Sample Count 5,500 core samples
totaling approximately 5.33 GB (uncompressed total including Apple Loops reaches up to 10.25 GB). Audio Quality : Recorded at 44.1 kHz / 24-bit resolution. Engine Features Customizable keyswitching for rapid articulation changes. Intelligent Tempo Mapping (ITM) for seamless synchronization with your DAW's tempo. extra quality sonokinetic sultan strings kontakt patched
Integrated convolution reverb and 3-band EQ for sound shaping. Usage Notes
The "extra quality" or "patched" terms often refer to the library's ability to maintain high fidelity during time-stretching, a common feature in Sonokinetic's
advanced Kontakt scripting that allows phrases to remain musical even when the project tempo deviates significantly from the original recording. layering capabilities with other libraries or details on specific keyswitching Sultan Strings by Sonokinetic BV - Ethnic Strings
Imagine a caravan scene in a Dune-like desert. The patched legato allows you to weave long, melancholic lines without jarring edits. Extra quality ensures the rasp of the horsehair on gut strings is audible, not masked by digital artifacts.
As of 2025, Native Instruments has moved to Kontakt 7 and 8. However, Sonokinetic Sultan Strings remains a legacy masterpiece. The "patched" and "extra quality" versions circulating on private trackers are simply doing what Sonokinetic should have done in a paid 2.0 update: optimizing the sample start points, fixing the legato script, and increasing the voice pool.
Our recommendation: Buy the library from Sonokinetic (they have 50% off sales twice a year). Then, use the legal "patching" techniques described in Section 4 above. You will achieve 99% of the performance of the mythical "extra quality" crack without the malware risk or ethical guilt.
When Sultan Strings is properly patched and set to extra quality, it doesn’t just sound like a sample library—it sounds like a lost recording from the Topkapı Palace. And that is a sound worth paying for.
Have you successfully optimized your Sultan Strings library? Do you have a custom "extra quality" Kontakt script? Let us know in the comments below. For more deep dives into world instrument libraries, check out our guide on "ERA II Medieval Legends Optimization."
library is a well-known tool for composers looking for authentic Middle Eastern string performances. What is Sonokinetic Sultan Strings?
Released originally in 2011, this library focuses on live performances by a professional Middle Eastern string ensemble. Unlike standard orchestral libraries that focus on individual notes (multisamples), Sultan Strings specializes in: Use cases:
Authentic Phrases: A massive collection of royalty-free, custom-composed Arabian-styled phrases.
Tempo Syncing: Designed to be flexible, allowing the phrases to sync with your DAW's tempo.
Layering: Includes octaved overdubs (recorded separately) to help "fatten" the sound and build tension. The "Patched" or "Extra Quality" Context
In the world of Kontakt libraries, terms like "patched" or "extra quality" often appear in unofficial community forums or third-party modification sites. These usually refer to:
Unofficial Updates: User-made patches to fix script bugs or update the interface for newer versions of Native Instruments Kontakt.
Third-Party Rescripting: Some users create custom scripts to add features like legato or better envelope control that weren't in the original 2011 release.
A Note on Safety: Always ensure you are downloading library updates or "patches" from reputable sources. Files found on unofficial "extra quality" blogs can sometimes contain malware or be pirated versions of the software. For the most stable and secure version, check the official Sonokinetic website. Sonokinetic Sultan Strings, multi format sample library
Discovering Authentic Middle Eastern Textures: A Look at Sonokinetic Sultan Strings
If you’re looking to infuse your compositions with the raw, evocative sound of a genuine Middle Eastern string ensemble, Sonokinetic Sultan Strings is a standout choice in the world of ethnic sample libraries. Why Sultan Strings?
Unlike standard orchestral libraries, Sultan Strings focuses on the unique performance styles and melodic nuances of the Middle East. Recorded on location with top-tier musicians, it captures the "extra quality" of live performance that MIDI programming often lacks. and 1 cello for a strong
Authentic Ensemble: Features a focused group of 3 violins, 1 viola, and 1 cello for a strong, convincing sound.
Massive Library: Includes over 4 GB of unique samples and custom-composed Arabian-styled phrases.
Tempo Syncing: Phrases automatically match your DAW's tempo, making it easy to integrate into modern productions.
Playable Articulations: Beyond phrases, it offers sustains (with crossfading vibrato), tremolos, trills, glissandi, and tempo-synced runs. Powerful Patch Features
The library is expertly programmed for Native Instruments Kontakt (version 4.2 or higher), providing a highly usable interface for composers.
Layering Options: Includes octaved overdub recordings for every phrase, allowing you to instantly fatten your sound by layering them an octave higher.
Smart Interface: Features four dedicated panels for Main controls, Impulse Response (IR), EQ, and credits, giving you quick access to professional mixing tools.
Dynamic Loading: Efficient memory usage through smart sample purging, which is essential for large-scale projects.
Convolution Reverb: Built-in IR space design allows you to place the ensemble in authentic acoustic environments. Final Verdict
For composers needing "that creative edge," Sultan Strings delivers authenticity that is nearly impossible to recreate with standard tools. Whether you're scoring a desert epic or adding a unique flair to a pop track, this library provides the "extra feel" only a dedicated performance ensemble can bring.
sonokinetic.net/products/">Sonokinetic ethnic libraries or see a list of compatible Kontakt versions?
Sultan Drums - Sonokinetic - Sample libraries and Virtual Instruments