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After 4 years of continuous and dedicated development, we are very proud to present our new generation of virtual instruments. Simulation Strings is a deeply innovative ensemble string library for Kontakt 5, that breathes a more scientific approach into the art of sampling.
This project's challenge was to create a highly expressive, flexible and customizable sample library that can deal with every possible scenario, without sacrificing sound quality for playability and versatility. We wanted the best of both worlds.
Simulation Strings is powered by our brand new engine that offers unparalleled control over every performance aspect and detail of each individual string section.
The inspirational user interface is packed with a really long set of features, with the sound design capabilities being comparable to those of a powerful synth.
Features
Articulations
Choose between Monophonic or Polyphonic playing and explore our Articulations palette, consisting of 29 Articulations, which can be mixed and matched between players, allowing you to freely shape a unique sound, only limited by your imagination.
Short Articulations:
Long Articulations:
The Monophonic mode features an Auto Articulation system which smartly decides the best Articulation choice, based on a number of parameters, like your current playing Speed, Velocity and Dynamics.
The Attack, Sustain and Transition portions of both the first notes of every phrase and the legato notes can be tweaked separately.
In Polyphonic mode it's possible to have more than one Articulation enabled, allowing you to build massive Section sizes.
Legato
The main shortcoming of most String Sample Libraries is the unrealistic behavior on fast Legato parts, which is often worked around by providing Runs as a separate articulation, resulting in an unconnected "patchwork" performance, missing the Phrasing and the Flow of an actual Ensemble.
Another common glitch is the varied time inconsistencies in the Legato transitions that make the instrument completely unplayable in a live situation, even at average tempos.
Both of these problems are completely absent in Simulation Strings. Everything is extremely smooth, consistent and 100% playable in real time, from rapid blurred runs to slow lyrical lines, and all these with the same setup, without the need of Key-switching or extensive MIDI programming.
Our innovative True Legato Engine offers up to 4 legato speeds and continuously analyzes your performance and seamlessly morphs between adaptive Portamento, Slur, Accented Legato or Re-bow while offering a ton of customization over each Element of every Note.
Humanization
Moving forward to the performance features, we have developed an intelligent Humanization algorithm, deriving from our long research on actual String Ensemble performances of world-class Orchestras to amateur student Ensembles. Timing, Pitch and Note inconsistencies, everything is decided on the fly for each played Note, creating a sense of Motion and Liveliness while you are still having total control over each Humanization parameter.
On top of that, you have the option to add synthetic Vibrato to non Vibrato Articulations, or intensify the Vibrato on Vibrato Articulations, while the Speed and Intensity can be freely controlled and automated in real time.
3D Space
True Stereo convolution allows for realistic placement of each Section anywhere inside the Stereo Panorama, from really close and intimate to distant and ambient.
Our big selection of Spaces, ranging from small Studio Rooms to huge Concert Halls or even ultra dry environment, plus the ability to combine different Reverbs for each Section creates an endless list of Spatial possibilities, offering you the versatility to adapt to your project's needs.
Tone Profiles
We feature 5 Tone Profiles (plus a Sordino emulation) for coloring each Section, which allow for an vast number of Sound combinations. These profiles don't act as a simple EQ, but they are detailed Harmonic Prisms that radically modify the body characteristics of the instruments.
Microtuning
In the Microtonal section of Simulation Strings you have many Byzantine and Middle Eastern Scales & Maqams right at your fingertips, plus the ability to build your own custom Tunings. Additionally, you can select the Pitch-Bend range of each instrument.
Mixer
Manage Tone and Bow Noise levels separately and for each Section and manipulate different Articulation categories individually through our dedicated Mixer console.
Development
Simulation Strings is a work in progress and it will be updated on a regular basis (for free!) with new presets, features and improvements.
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