Equinox Sounds has released MIDI Keys: Sexy Strings, a downloadable collection from its content partner Smash Up The Studio featuring Classic Disco string loops in MIDI format. It also contains original MIDI string compositions professionally arranged for multi-sampled string plug-ins.
This library focuses in the main on the Classic Disco era of the mid to late 70s and early 80s where strings were an essential part of most productions.
As well as complex marcato leads, there are soaring melodies, lush legato chord progressions, synth string loops and pads and intricate Disco phrases.
Also included in the pack are a selection of original string compositions. These pieces are suitable for dramatic intros or endings and MIDI has been provided for both a full string ensemble, and also for each of the separate elements, Violins, Violas, Cellos, and Bass so you can build up all the parts separately for a far more convincing richer sound.
Musical scores for each section are also included should producers wish to record these compositions using a real string orchestra.
There are a number of multi-sampled string products on the market these days and for the production of these demo tracks, Smash Up The Studio decided to use Native Instruments' "Session Strings Pro".
Included is an "optimise performance" PDF in the pack which provides tips on how to get the best results from MIDI string loops and plug-ins.
For the demo they also asked the producer to lay down some electric piano and bass loops to help show how easy the strings can slot into a mix situation. These bonus loops have also been included in the pack.
All loops are key and tempo-labelled and are divided into three folders. Legato Strings for your smoother styles, Marcato Strings for your classic accented Disco phrasings and Synth Strings where loops are played in the style of the early string machines such as the classic "Solina String Ensemble" by ARP.
Product Contains:
- 112 MIDI String Loops: These are all your classic Disco string loops and phrases, chord progressions and pads.
- 10 MIDI String Compositions: Each composition contains separate MIDI files for each section, with Violins, Violas, Cellos and Basses, as well as a MIDI file for a complete String Ensemble. Also comes with musical scores for each section as a PDF.
- Bonus Loops: These are the Electric Piano Loops and Bass Guitar Loops used in the demo, in MIDI format.
Produced and performed by Steve Burton exclusively for Smash Up The Studio. Steve Burton's keyboard work can be heard on many RnB mixes by artists such as Whitney Houston, Janet Jackson, Babyface, Jodeci, Sounds Of Blackness, B.M.U, Destiny's Child, and Lemar.
Price and Availability
MIDI Keys: Sexy Strings is currently available for $29.95 as a download.
More information and audio demo available from the Equinox Sounds website: www.equinoxsounds.com
