LUX Orchestral Strings

A Symphonic Strings Virtual Instrument by Sonuscore

LUX Orchestral Strings represents a new generation of symphonic string sampling, providing composers with the powerful, cinematic sound of a massive 70-piece string ensemble paired with ground-breaking features designed for modern, expressive scoring. Sonuscore's vision for LUX was to capture the sheer size and sonic weight of the strings that defined the golden age of Hollywood film scores, while delivering the flexibility and detailed control necessary for contemporary composition workflows. The library strikes an optimal balance, being grander and richer than typical 30-40 player sections, yet retaining more clarity, versatility, and expressive nuance than even larger, overly massive ensembles. It is engineered to deliver immediate cinematic impact, capable of moving from delicate, intimate passages to towering, emotional climaxes with seamless transition.

The instrument is anchored by two core technological innovations: Seamless Articulation Transitioning (S.A.T.) and Morphing Articulations. S.A.T. provides a revolutionary level of fluid motion, allowing composers to move smoothly between different articulations while sustaining a note. This is controlled via key switches or MIDI CC, facilitating a gradual, natural evolution of a phrase that mirrors a real-life performance. Complementing this is the Morphing Articulations feature, which enables real-time blending between two or more different articulations using the mod wheel. This capability transforms static patches into living, evolving performances—a sustain can melt into a tremolo, or a sul ponticello texture can swell into a shimmering atmosphere, providing an organic sense of breath and evolution to the music. Additionally, the Natural String Change technology, developed specifically for LUX, enhances the realism of legato by allowing the previous note to breathe naturally into the next one when a string change is detected, resulting in an effortless and alive legato performance across all sections.

LUX Orchestral Strings offers a comprehensive suite of sampled articulations, encompassing a complete range of classical techniques alongside modern, extended textures essential for contemporary film scoring. The recording process utilized a traditional symphonic seating arrangement within a concert hall setting, which naturally captured the resonance and acoustic interplay of a real orchestra. A key highlight of the microphone options is the unique "Bleed" position, allowing composers to dial in the natural spill from other orchestral sections. This is not an added effect but the authentic sonic resonance of the scoring stage, giving the final mix an organic depth and character that feels truly integrated. By combining a world-class sound with an innovative, highly playable interface, LUX Orchestral Strings aims to become a definitive workhorse for composers seeking an expressive, full-bodied symphonic sound for any project.

Key Features:

• 70-Piece Symphonic String Ensemble: A large section size providing cinematic weight, power, and detailed versatility (18 1st Violins, 16 2nd Violins, 14 Violas, 12 Cellos, 10 Double Basses).
• Seamless Articulation Transitioning (S.A.T.): Proprietary technology for fluid movement between different articulations on a sustained note, controlled via velocity-sensitive key switches.
• Morphing Articulations: Real-time blending of two or more articulations using the mod wheel (e.g., Sustain to Tremolo), for evolving and dynamic phrasing.
• Natural String Change Legato: A system that detects string changes to allow the previous note to breathe into the next, creating highly realistic and effortless legato.
• Composer-Crafted Ensembles: Patches with intelligent voicing and endless divisi combinations for quick sketching and complex orchestral control.
• Comprehensive Bleed Microphones: A unique mic position that captures the natural spill and resonance from the whole orchestra on the scoring stage, adding organic depth to the mix.
• Four Microphone Positions: Close, Decca Tree, Far, and the exclusive Bleed option, offering extensive control over the acoustic space.
• Complete Articulation Set: Includes Legato (Adaptive, Whisper, Harmonics), Sustains, Staccato, Spiccato, Marcato, Tremolo, Pizzicato, Portamento, and con sordino emulation.
• Extended Techniques: Features such as whisper sustains, soft interval trills, pendulum glissandi, and swarm textures for sound design and modern scoring.
• Live-Recorded Elements: Included trill figures, measured arpeggios, and performance gestures to add realism and complexity.
• Polyphonic Aftertouch and +8VA: Enables expression and the addition of an octave layer for increased power.
• NKS Ready: Full integration with Native Instruments' hardware and software.
• Made for Free Kontakt Player: No need to own the full version of Kontakt.