Fracture Sounds – STRING FORMATIONS (KONTAKT)

String Formations is a set of long string textures and gestural effects that can expand on traditional string libraries and bring a sense of nuance and humanity to your compositions.

Comprised of a small chamber ensemble of three violins, violas and cellos, this dynamic group is perfect for voicing on a smaller scale or doubling up and pairing with a larger ensemble instrument to add movement to more traditionally static string libraries.

Recorded in the large hall of Nave Studio 1, String Formations features three mic angles to help blend with the other instruments. The close mic provides a great dry sound, while the near and far mics give a better sense of the hall.

The library expands on the innovative programming we introduced with Smart Trills in Petrichor with our Chordal Textures patch. When Smart Mode is enabled on these articulations, chord plays automatically trigger specific interval relationships, creating a textural tapestry in your composition.

We’ve also provided 16 atmospheric layers created by processing the original raw samples. These can be used in conjunction with the main set of articulations or in our Layer Blends engine to expand the library’s sonic capabilities.

CHORD TEXTURES

This set of seven articulations uses a sophisticated performance engine that analyzes the notes currently being held and intelligently plays samples that move between the different held notes, adding a unique way to play chords to the String Textures library.

When Smart Mode is enabled, you can play freely without worrying about selecting specific scales or modes. However, there are options for isolating individual intervals, which can sometimes lead to inspiring chordal solutions when improvising with the library.

Each articulation’s settings panel also can increase the density of multiple possible intervals played simultaneously. Not only does this provide greater control over the library’s timbre, but it also adds another dimension to the instrument’s dynamics on the fly.

ENSEMBLE

Three players in each of the violin, viola, and cello sections make up the ensemble for this library. This dynamic ensemble can be easily scaled to suit any piece. Playing chords with both hands creates a more symphonic texture, while single notes and chord textures at a lower density create a more intimate ensemble sound.

Unlike other string libraries where each instrument section was recorded separately, the players in the string formations were recorded together in a room, creating a more cohesive ensemble sound.

UNISON TEXTURES

The string formations are based on 16 unison articulations that support the chord textures. They range from evolving long ones to more unusual pitch bends (drifts), repeating pizzicatos (drops) and splashes. As shown in the step-by-step tutorial, they can be used individually as part of compositions or creatively combined to expand the sonic possibilities of the library.