Augmented STRINGS: Hybrid String Instrument by Arturia Free Download

Each layer can mix string samples with synthesis, so a single preset can blend a recorded ensemble with a granular or wavetable texture. The sample library includes close and far mic positions across the four string instruments, which gives you control over how dry or spacious the acoustic part sounds.

The synthesis side covers four engines. The virtual analog engine uses TAE technology, the granular engine produces warped, glitchy and stretched sounds, the harmonic engine is based on additive synthesis, and the wavetable engine uses a lookup table for harsher digital tones. Together they cover everything from sub-heavy destructive sounds to pads with dense harmonic detail.

The Morph control moves between Layers A and B and can affect up to eight custom destinations from a single knob, making it a fast way to create evolving sounds within one preset. Seven additional macros cover Time, Color, Motion, FX A, FX B, Reverb and Delay, so you can change several parameters at once during performance.

For deeper editing, the modulation section includes two LFOs, two function generators, two random generators, four keyboard modulation sources, and dedicated vibrato and tremolo. Each layer also has two FX slots with 14 effects, including ParamEQ, a bitcrusher and a BL-20 flanger, plus dedicated delay and reverb sends with five spatial and time-based algorithms.