Native Instruments Session Strings Pro 2 1.0 Kontakt (iOS)
Unleashing the Power of Orchestral Sampling: A Review of Native Instruments Session Strings Pro 2
Native Instruments, a renowned developer of music production software and hardware, has been a stalwart in the industry for decades. One of their most celebrated products is the Session Strings Pro 2, a KONTAKT instrument that brings the sonic grandeur of a string orchestra to the fingertips of producers, composers, and musicians. In this article, we'll dive into the features and capabilities of Session Strings Pro 2 1.0 KONTAKT and explore how it can elevate your music productions.
What is Session Strings Pro 2?
Session Strings Pro 2 is a comprehensive orchestral sampling instrument that allows users to create rich, cinematic string textures. This KONTAKT instrument is designed to provide high-quality, easily accessible string sounds for music production, post-production, and live performance. It features a vast library of samples recorded from a professional string orchestra, offering a wide range of articulations, dynamics, and playing styles.
Key Features of Session Strings Pro 2
- Extensive Sample Library: Session Strings Pro 2 boasts an enormous sample library, featuring over 58,000 samples of a professional string orchestra recorded in a top-tier studio.
- 4-Section String Ensemble: The instrument emulates a traditional string ensemble, comprising violins, violas, cellos, and double basses, allowing for a wide range of tonal colors and textures.
- Articulation Variety: Session Strings Pro 2 includes a vast range of articulations, from legato and staccato to pizzicato, flautando, and more.
- Dynamic Range: The instrument responds to dynamics, allowing for expressive control over the performance, from delicate pianissimos to powerful fortissimos.
- Easy-to-Use Interface: The intuitive interface makes it easy to navigate and find the perfect sound, with features like a smart arpeggiator and chord recognition.
What's New in Version 1.0?
The initial release of Session Strings Pro 2 1.0 KONTAKT marked a significant milestone in the evolution of the instrument. This version introduced:
- Enhanced Sample Quality: Improved sample resolution and a new mastering process for even more polished sound.
- Increased Performance: Optimized code for faster loading times and more efficient performance.
- New Presets and Content: A range of new presets, including custom mixes and a set of performance-ready articulations.
The Benefits of Session Strings Pro 2 for Music Production
Session Strings Pro 2 is an indispensable tool for:
- Film and Game Scoring: Create rich, cinematic soundscapes with ease, using the instrument's extensive library of orchestral samples.
- Pop and Electronic Music Production: Add a touch of class and sophistication to your productions with Session Strings Pro 2's versatile string sounds.
- Classical Music Composition: The instrument's accurate and expressive samples make it an ideal choice for composers looking to create traditional string ensemble music.
Conclusion
Native Instruments' Session Strings Pro 2 1.0 KONTAKT is a world-class orchestral sampling instrument that brings the sonic richness of a string orchestra to the world of music production. With its vast sample library, intuitive interface, and powerful feature set, Session Strings Pro 2 is an essential tool for composers, producers, and musicians seeking to create stunning string textures. Whether you're scoring a film, composing classical music, or producing electronic tracks, Session Strings Pro 2 is an unparalleled resource that will elevate your music to new heights.
Native Instruments Session Strings Pro 2 is a contemporary string ensemble library for KONTAKT designed for pop, R&B, and modern scoring. It features a 22-piece ensemble with an intimate, detailed sound, offering significant upgrades over the original version and the standard Session Strings 2. Key Specifications Library Size: 36.6 GB compressed (~69 GB uncompressed).
Ensemble: 22 players total, including 8 violins, 6 violas, 4 celli, and 4 double basses.
Articulations: 26 sampled articulations for realistic expression. Native Instruments Session Strings Pro 2 1.0 KONTAKT
Presets: Includes 10 .nki instruments and 480 snapshots/presets. Core Features
Smart Play Assistance: Includes Smart Chord for generating full orchestrations from single keys and Smart Voice Split, which automatically allocates notes to the correct instrument group for natural voicing.
True Legato: Features true legato, portamento, and glissando with correct transitions for every note.
Rhythm & Phrase Animator: An improved step-sequencer and arpeggiator (16 or 32 steps) to create complex rhythmic arrangements.
Flexible Seating: Users can choose between Traditional (orchestral stereo positioning) or Modern (centered/symmetrical) seating arrangements.
Mixer & Effects: A comprehensive mixer allows individual control over sections (volume, panning, EQ) and master effects like compression, delay, and convolution reverb. Articulations Overview The library offers a wide palette of expressions, such as: Basics: Sustain, Legato, Staccato, Spiccato, and Pizzicato.
Dynamic: Multiple crescendi (fast/slow), Dimuendo, and Forte Piano.
Specialty: Portamento, Glissando, Trills (major/minor), Scoops, Falls, and Slides. System Compatibility
Session Strings Pro 2 is compatible with both the full KONTAKT version and the free KONTAKT PLAYER. It functions as a standalone application or as a plug-in within a DAW. Sessions Strings Pro 2 - Native Instruments
2. The Rhythm Engine (The Secret Weapon)
While most string libraries focus on sustained notes, Session Strings Pro 2 1.0 includes a powerful Rhythm Engine. This isn't just a step sequencer; it is a phrase-based pattern player.
- Arpeggios & Rhythmic Patterns: Instantly play "dance string" stabs, Viennese waltz patterns, or driving ostinatos.
- Sync to Host: The engine automatically syncs to your DAW’s BPM.
- Keyswitching velocity: Hit the keys harder to change the intensity of the rhythmic phrase.
6. System Requirements (v1.0)
- KONTAKT version: 5.8.1 or higher (Full version)
- CPU: Intel Core i5 or equivalent
- RAM: 6 GB minimum (8+ GB recommended)
- Disk Space: 44 GB
- OS: Windows 7/8/10 (64-bit) or macOS 10.12–10.14 (Mojave)
Sound and character
- Warm, modern orchestral timbre aimed at pop, film, and TV production.
- Smooth sustain and legato with a slightly produced edge that sits well in mixes.
- Tight, polished ensemble blends ideal for contemporary scoring and pop arrangements rather than hyper-detailed orchestral realism.
8. Verdict & Use Cases
Best for:
- Pop, R&B, hip-hop, and electronic music where string sections need to be tight and present.
- TV/film underscore requiring small-ensemble realism.
- Producers who prefer to add their own reverb and processing (dry recordings).
- Songwriters needing quick, playable string parts with auto-divisi.
Not ideal for:
- Epic, cinematic orchestral scores (use Symphony Series or other large libraries).
- Solo string passages (no soloists).
- Extremely slow, exposed legato lines (bow noise and transitions are functional, not lyrical).
Overall Rating (v1.0): 8/10
A major upgrade over the original, bringing modern workflow and excellent sound for contemporary production, despite requiring the full KONTAKT license. Unleashing the Power of Orchestral Sampling: A Review
Native Instruments Session Strings Pro 2 1.0 KONTAKT is a comprehensive string instrument library designed for music production and composition. This virtual instrument offers an extensive range of string sounds, from intimate, subtle textures to dramatic, cinematic swells.
Session Strings Pro 2 features a meticulously recorded and produced sound, with a focus on capturing the nuances of live string performances. The library includes a wide variety of articulations, dynamics, and playing styles, allowing users to create highly expressive and realistic string parts.
Some of the key features of Session Strings Pro 2 1.0 KONTAKT include:
- High-quality, multi-mic'ed recordings of a string ensemble
- Extensive range of articulations, including legato, staccato, and marcato
- Detailed control over dynamics, phrasing, and expression
- Intuitive user interface for easy navigation and sound shaping
- Compatibility with Native Instruments' KONTAKT player
Session Strings Pro 2 1.0 KONTAKT is suitable for a wide range of musical applications, from film scoring and classical composition to pop and rock production. With its versatile sound and user-friendly interface, this virtual instrument is an ideal choice for composers, producers, and musicians looking to add high-quality string textures to their music.
Native Instruments Session Strings Pro 2 is a highly versatile, mid-sized contemporary string ensemble library designed for pop, R&B, and modern scoring. Created in collaboration with e-instruments, it offers a detailed, intimate sound that serves as a modern alternative to traditional symphonic libraries. Core Specifications
Ensemble Size: A 22-piece ensemble consisting of 8 violins, 6 violas, 4 celli, and 4 double basses.
Library Size: Approximately 36.6 GB compressed (equivalent to ~69 GB uncompressed).
Format: Includes 10 NKIs and 480 snapshots, compatible with the free Kontakt Player or Kontakt.
Seating Positions: Two distinct configurations—Traditional (standard orchestral placement) and Modern (a wider, more symmetrical contemporary spread). Key Performance Features
Session Strings Pro 2 is distinguished by its "Smart" engine, which simplifies complex orchestration for producers who may not have deep classical training.
Smart Voice Split: Automatically allocates notes in a chord to the correct instrument group (e.g., lower notes to basses, higher to violins) for natural voicing.
Smart Chord: Generates fully orchestrated ensemble chords from single keys. Rhythm & Phrase Animators:
Rhythm Animator: A customizable arpeggiator with 264 patterns to create driving ostinatos and grooves. Extensive Sample Library : Session Strings Pro 2
Phrase Animator: Includes 180 flexible, pre-arranged string phrases for quick song construction.
True Legato & Transitions: High-quality True Legato, portamento, and glissando transitions ensure fluid melodic lines. Articulations & Sound Shaping
The library features 26 sampled articulations, providing a wide palette for expressive arrangements: Shorts: Staccato, spiccato, pizzicato.
Longs/Dynamic: Sustain, accents, various crescendos (fast/slow), diminuendos, and forte-piano.
Specialized: Trills (half/whole step), scoops, falls, and glissandi. Mixing and Effects
The interface includes a dedicated Mixer Page that allows for per-section control over volume, panning, and EQ.
Color Control: A master multi-effect knob with 51 convolution-based presets to instantly shift the ensemble's character (e.g., vintage, modern, airy).
Humanize: Adjustable timing and pitch knobs to add subtle imperfections for a more realistic, "un-quantized" feel.
Insert Effects: Built-in compressor and EQ, plus send effects for Convolution Reverb and delay. Sessions Strings Pro 2 - Native Instruments
b) Articulations & Performance Controls
- Standard: Sustain, Pizzicato, Spiccato, Staccato, Tremolo, Trills (half/whole step).
- Legato: Two modes – Standard (smooth) and Agile (faster, shorter transition for pop/riffs).
- True Polyphonic Legato: Allows finger-style string playing (common in pop).
- Auto-Divisi Legato: Maintains correct voice-leading across split sections.
Report: Native Instruments Session Strings Pro 2
Subject: Analysis of Library Functionality, Architecture, and Distribution Context Library Version: 1.0 Format: KONTAKT (NKI, NKC, NKR)
Workflow: How to Use It in Your DAW
Loading Native Instruments Session Strings Pro 2 1.0 KONTAKT is straightforward. After installation via Native Access, follow these pro tips:
Step 1: Purging RAM Because it is a KONTAKT library, you should use the "Purge" function. This library loads a lot of sample heads. Purge all groups, then play your MIDI. KONTAKT will load only the notes you actually use.
Step 2: Double Tracking for Width The library defaults to a centered stereo image (violins left, cellos right as the player sees them). To get a massive sound:
- Duplicate the track.
- Pan the original 100% Right.
- Pan the duplicate 100% Left.
- Offset one track by 10-20 milliseconds.
- Result: A massive 22-piece fake stereo section.
Step 3: Automation is King Map your MIDI controller to the "Vibrato Intensity" knob. Real string players don't play with static vibrato; they swell into it. Automating this knob from 0% to 80% over two bars is the difference between a "MIDI file" and a "performance."
