The String Collection II: Synth String Kontakt Instrument by Loot Audio

The sounds were captured from a wide range of instruments, including the DK Synergy, Mulogix Slave-32, Chroma, Elka Synthex, Oberheim OB-X, Matrix 1000 and Korg PS-3100. Tube synths such as the Hammond Novachord, a Jennings Univox J6 and a modified Cordovox CG-1 add further texture.

The developer describes the aim as presenting the original material as textures and elements rather than a strict recreation. Some timbres, including a raw string sound from a 1938 Novachord, are intentionally antique and are meant to be layered with other sounds.

Many of the instruments were processed through unusual chains. Loot Audio ran material through a speaker and recorded it with a carbon granule telephone microphone, and recorded on worn quarter-inch tape and through a tube reel-to-reel. Other stages include a Dolby A-301 noise reduction unit, a DBX II compander and a Binson tube pre-mixer.

Triple ensemble effects, including the Korg SSD-3300 delay and a BBD chorus ensemble, were used to turn single string timbres into fuller, more Solina-like ensembles. The result is a set of layerable elements that add color, character and movement to a mix.

The String Collection II suits producers who want evocative synth strings for cinematic and pseudo-realistic ensemble parts. Because the sounds are designed to be layered, it is also useful for building custom pads and string beds from several sources.

The instrument requires the full version of Kontakt 4.2.4 or later. It does not run in the free Kontakt Player.