Sonokinetic has fully embraced NKS (Native Kontrol Standard). If you use Komplete Kontrol or Maschine, the light guide shows you exactly which keys trigger which phrases. This is better for live performance. You can improvise a Longa or Sama'i on a keyboard controller without ever looking at your computer screen.
Improve realism, playability, and user control of Sonokinetic Sultan Strings within Kontakt for modern composers and producers.
Most "string sections" for world music are either solo violins (too thin) or full symphonic sections (too muddy). Sultan Strings uses a 6-piece chamber ensemble (violins, violas, cellos, bass) trained in Ottoman technique.
For most composers, Sultan Strings is an excellent specialty tool—not a replacement for a workhorse library, but better than any standard library when you need authentic Eastern string phrasing and intonation.
Unlocking the Majesty of Middle Eastern Music: A Review of Sonokinetic Sultan Strings Kontakt Library
Sonokinetic, a renowned developer of sample libraries, has once again pushed the boundaries of sonic excellence with the Sultan Strings Kontakt library. This comprehensive collection of instruments is specifically designed to cater to the needs of composers, producers, and musicians seeking to incorporate the richness and authenticity of Middle Eastern music into their projects.
What is Sultan Strings?
Sultan Strings is a Kontakt library that features a vast array of stringed instruments, carefully recorded and crafted to evoke the distinctive sonic characteristics of Middle Eastern music. The library includes a variety of instruments, such as the Oud, Saz, Bouzouki, and Tar, among others. These instruments are expertly played by skilled musicians, ensuring that the samples are infused with the nuance and emotion of traditional Middle Eastern music. sonokinetic sultan strings kontakt library better
Key Features
Comparing to Other Libraries: What Makes Sultan Strings Better?
While there are other sample libraries available that focus on Middle Eastern music, Sultan Strings stands out in several key areas:
Who is Sultan Strings for?
This library is ideal for:
Conclusion
Sonokinetic's Sultan Strings Kontakt library is a game-changer for anyone seeking to incorporate the rich, exotic sounds of Middle Eastern music into their projects. With its extensive range of instruments, high-quality recordings, and seamless integration with the Kontakt sampler, this library is poised to become an essential tool for composers, producers, and musicians. Whether you're looking to add a touch of authenticity to your music or simply explore new sonic landscapes, Sultan Strings is an unparalleled resource that is sure to inspire. Sonokinetic has fully embraced NKS (Native Kontrol Standard)
Rating: 5/5
Recommendation: If you're interested in exploring the world of Middle Eastern music or simply seeking to expand your sonic palette, Sonokinetic's Sultan Strings Kontakt library is an absolute must-have.
Sonokinetic Sultan Strings is an authentic, performance-based Kontakt library designed for composers needing genuine Middle Eastern string ensemble sounds. It stands out for its high-quality, live-recorded musical phrases that are difficult to replicate with traditional multi-sampled libraries. Core Features
Authentic Ensemble: Features a professional ensemble of three violins, one viola, and one cello, recorded specifically for an original Middle Eastern style.
Performance Phrases: Includes over 50 tempo-synced, two-bar musical phrases across all keys for high flexibility.
Articulations: Offers diverse performance styles, including: Sustains with dynamic crossfading to vibrato. Tremolos, Trills, and Glissandi. Tempo-synced Runs: Smooth up, down, and up-down runs.
Custom Interface: A specialized Sonokinetic Sultan Strings interface for Kontakt 4.2+ featuring IR space design, EQ, and customizable keyswitching. Pros and Cons Pros: Comparing to Other Libraries: What Makes Sultan Strings
Originality: Provides a "live" feel and unique Arabian-styled performances that standard orchestral libraries often lack.
Efficiency: Includes a "light" version for phrases to reduce RAM strain and ensure quicker loading.
Authenticity: Recorded on location with highly skilled musicians, capturing the human "feel" impossible to recreate with MIDI. Cons:
Phrase-Heavy: Like many Sonokinetic products, it focuses heavily on pre-recorded loops/phrases, which may limit users wanting to perform their own complex arrangements note-by-note.
Discontinued Status: Some reports suggest the library has been discontinued or moved to legacy status, potentially making it harder to acquire new. Comparisons to Other Libraries
Versus standard libraries: While libraries like EastWest RA or NI Middle East offer basic Arabian string patches, reviewers note they often lack the convincing performance style found in Sultan Strings.
For more playability: Users looking for more "playable" instruments might prefer options like Aviram Arabic Strings or Tarilonte's Ancient Era Persia, which some find better for custom melodies, though they may lack Sultan Strings' specific ensemble texture.
Sultan Drums - Sonokinetic - Sample libraries and Virtual Instruments