Spitfire Audio BML Sable Strings is the legacy chamber-sized string library that served as the foundation for what is now known as Spitfire Chamber Strings. Recorded in the Hall at AIR Studios, London, it features a 16-piece section designed for high detail and vivid mock-ups. Core Content & Specifications
Ensemble Size: A small, focused group consisting of 4 First Violins, 3 Second Violins, 3 Violas, 3 Cellos, and 4 Basses.
Articulations: Volume 1 covers essential techniques for Violin 1 and Cellos, including true legato, long notes, spiccato, and staccato.
Microphone Positions: Multiple mixable perspectives recorded "in situ" (in their actual orchestral seating positions), including: Close (C): Detailed, intimate sound. Tree (T): The classic Decca Tree for a balanced room sound. Ambient (A): Captured further back for more hall reverb. Outriggers (O): Used to widen the stereo image.
Technical Requirements: Requires a Full Version of Kontakt 5 or higher (it is not a "Player" library unless crossgraded to the modern Chamber Strings version). Key Controls & GUI
Dynamics (Mod Wheel - CC#1): Controls the crossfading between dynamic layers for expressive swells.
Expression (CC#11): Controls the overall volume of the patch.
Vibrato (CC#21): Allows for smooth transitions between non-vibrato, vibrato, and "molto" vibrato.
Speed/Tightness: Adjusts how quickly the attack of short notes triggers or the speed of legato transitions. Legacy vs. Modern Versions
The BML (British Modular Library) branding was retired when Spitfire consolidated these modules. Spitfire Walkthrough - BML Sable Strings Vol 1: Violin 1
Spitfire Audio LLP BML Sable Strings is a critically acclaimed sample library originally released as part of the British Modular Library (BML) series. It is designed to provide an intimate, detailed, and highly defined "chamber" string sound, contrasting with larger, more "epic" orchestral libraries. Core Concept and Player Count
The "Sable" mission was to capture the nuance of a small group of world-class London session players: Violin 1: 4 players. Cellos: 3 players.
Violin 2, Violas, and Basses: These were traditionally added in subsequent volumes (like Vol 2) to complete the chamber section. Technical Features of V1.1 Spitfire Audio LLP BML Sable Strings FULL V1.1 KONTAKT
The V1.1 update for the BML series introduced several refinements and expanded content:
Recording Quality: Samples were recorded at AIR Studios (The Hall) using an unparalleled signal path, including Neve Montserrat pre-amps and a Neve 88R desk, captured at 96k via 2" Studer tape.
Microphone Positions: It featured a wide array of mic options beyond the standard Close, Decca Tree, and Ambient: Main Mics: CTAO (Close, Tree, Ambient, Outrigger). Alt Mics: Gallery, Close Ribbon, and Stage positions.
Stereo Mixes: Pre-mixed options labeled as "Broad," "Medium," and "Fine" for faster workflow.
Legato and Articulations: V1.1 often focused on improving the performance-based legatos and adding more specialized techniques, such as flautando and sul ponticello. The Transition to Spitfire Chamber Strings Spitfire Walkthrough - BML Sable Strings Vol 1: Violin 1
BML (British Modular Library) Sable Strings represents a pivotal release from Spitfire Audio, created in collaboration with the London Symphony Orchestra at the legendary AIR Studios (Lyndhurst Hall). This library focuses on a smaller, intimate string section (the “Sable” force: 4,3,2,2,1 – i.e., 4 First Violins, 3 Second Violins, 2 Violas, 2 Celli, 1 Bass), recorded in the Gallery position of AIR’s Hall. The result is a dry-but-breathtakingly-detailed sound, closer to chamber-sized ensembles than large Hollywood scores.
Version 1.1 (FULL KONTAKT, not the free Kontakt Player) brought significant stability and scripting improvements over the initial release, solidifying it as a go-to for detailed melodic work, exposed writing, and layering within Spitfire’s larger BML range (e.g., Mural Strings).
Spitfire Audio LLP BML Sable Strings FULL V1.1 KONTAKT is not just a sample library; it is a piece of sampling history. It represents a time when Spitfire was a scrappy group of composers recording in the dead of night at AIR, pushing Kontakt to its absolute limit.
Is it easy? No. Does it require work? Yes. Will it make your string writing sound like a Hans Zimmer / Jóhann Jóhannsson hybrid? Absolutely.
For the modern composer who values tone over convenience, who understands the difference between a spiccato and a sautillé, and who wants the sound of London’s finest session players six inches from their face, V1.1 remains the definitive version of a definitive library.
Rating: 9/10 (Deducted one point for the archaic UI and loading times; plus 10 points for soul, making it a 19/10 in practice).
Have you used the original BML Sable strings? Do you prefer V1.1 or the later SCS rebrand? Share your memories of this legendary library in the comments below. Spitfire Audio BML Sable Strings is the legacy
Introduction
Spitfire Audio, a renowned name in the music production industry, has collaborated with British composer and producer, Ben Salisbury, and the legendary BBC Concert Orchestra to bring you BML Sable Strings FULL V1.1 KONTAKT. This sample library is a comprehensive collection of string sounds, carefully crafted to meet the demands of modern music production.
Overview
BML Sable Strings FULL V1.1 KONTAKT is a high-end string sample library, designed to provide composers, producers, and musicians with an unparalleled level of sonic quality and musicality. The library features a wide range of string textures, from legato passages to staccato rhythms, and is suitable for a variety of musical genres, including film scores, classical music, and electronic productions.
Key Features
Instrument Range
The BML Sable Strings library includes a wide range of string instruments, including:
Articulations and Performance Styles
The library features a wide range of articulations and performance styles, including:
Kontakt Interface
The BML Sable Strings library features Spitfire Audio's intuitive Kontakt interface, allowing for easy navigation and control over the instrument. The interface includes:
System Requirements
To use the BML Sable Strings library, you'll need:
Conclusion
BML Sable Strings FULL V1.1 KONTAKT is a comprehensive string sample library, designed to meet the demands of modern music production. With its unparalleled sonic quality, intuitive interface, and versatile performance styles, this library is an essential tool for composers, producers, and musicians looking to add authentic string sounds to their music. Whether you're working on a film score, classical composition, or electronic production, BML Sable Strings is an indispensable resource.
Spitfire Audio BML Sable Strings FULL V1.1 is a legacy orchestral library originally released as part of the British Modular Library (BML)
series. It is a highly detailed chamber strings collection recorded at the Lyndhurst Hall, AIR Studios Product Overview
Sable Strings was designed to provide a "finer brush" for orchestral mockups compared to larger symphonic libraries. The full version 1.1 consolidation typically includes content across multiple volumes, though "Sable Vol 1" specifically focused on essential articulations for the 1st Violins and Celli. Key Specifications (V1.1 Full) Library Size : Approximately
of lossless NCW compressed data (from over 100 GB of uncompressed WAV files). Sample Count 72,000 samples recorded at 96k. Ensemble Size : A small, intimate 16-piece section: First Violins Second Violins Recording Chain
: Captured through Neve Montserrat Pre-amps into a Neve 88R desk using valve and ribbon microphones. Spitfire Audio Core Features & Articulations
Spitfire Chamber Strings – Intimate Orchestral Virtual Library
Here’s a useful, factual write-up about Spitfire Audio LLP BML Sable Strings FULL V1.1 KONTAKT — aimed at composers, producers, and sample library enthusiasts.
To understand Sable, one must first understand the BML philosophy. Unlike "out-of-the-box" libraries that offer pre-mixed sections, BML was designed as a modular toolkit. You bought the "Sable" modules to build your own bespoke string section.
Sable specifically refers to a Chamber Strings ensemble: 4 Violins, 3 Violas, 3 Cellos, and 3 Double Basses (with some patches offering divisi options). This is significantly smaller than a symphonic section (16/12/10/8) but larger than a quartet. Spitfire Audio BML Sable Strings V1