Balalaika v2 Kontakt instrument interface by Cinematique Instruments

Cinematique Instruments·Kontakt Instruments

Balalaika v2: Kontakt Instrument for Folk-Style Plucks and Strums by Cinematique Instruments

Rated 5.0/5 on Plugin Boutique (5 ratings)

Balalaika v2 is a Kontakt instrument from Cinematique Instruments that recreates the three-stringed prima balalaika. It offers plucked and strummed articulations, a Mod Wheel-controlled tremolo, and a pattern engine.

REQUIRESKontaktHost player sold separately

Kontakt

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01Overview

Balalaika v2 is built around a three-stringed prima balalaika tuned E-E-A, the instrument associated with Eastern European and Russian music. Cinematique Instruments recorded it with a focus on a soft, warm tone with an organic, realistic feel. The instrument includes plucked and strummed articulations, with the tremolo option controlled by the Mod Wheel. The developer also describes the instrument as easy to use while offering many ways to shape the sound.

Best for

Folk melodies
Eastern European styles
Strummed backing parts
Dramatic tremolo lines
Cinematic textures

Developer: Cinematique Instruments
Category: Kontakt Instruments
Requires: Kontakt
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Approximately 320 samples totaling 200 MB compressed
Plucked balalaika articulation with eight round robin variations
Strummed articulation and strummed dead notes
Organic Tremolo controlled by the Mod Wheel
Pattern engine for sequencing notes
Three reverb types and built-in effects
Arpeggiator and presets added in version 2.0
Soft, warm, realistic and shiny sound

03In depth

Sound, Articulations and Tremolo

The core articulation is a regular plucking style, recorded with eight round robin variations. Cinematique Instruments says this suits melodies but also has many other uses.

A second articulation captures strumming, which the developer positions for accompaniment and backing parts. Strummed dead notes are included as well.

The Organic Tremolo is controlled by the Mod Wheel. The developer describes it as a dramatic, natural-sounding tremolo that can fit many styles and genres.

Pattern Engine and Sound Options

Notes can be played manually or sequenced with a pattern engine that the developer describes as compact and easy to understand. It lets you build rhythmic patterns without complicated setup.

The instrument also includes three reverb types, a set of effects and editing options for shaping the overall sound. Version 2.0 adds presets, an arpeggiator and a refreshed interface.

04Specs