CineStrings CORE: The Ultimate Orchestral Strings Library for Kontakt
Cinesamples - CineStrings CORE [KONTAKT]: A Review
If you are looking for a versatile and evocative string section library that can do everything from dramatic phrases to pensive, melancholic pieces, you might want to check out Cinesamples - CineStrings CORE [KONTAKT]. This library is part of the CineSymphony series and blends well with other Cinesamples libraries from the same legendary Hollywood scoring stage. In this article, we will review the features, sound quality, and usability of this library, and see how it can enhance your music production.
Cinesamples - CineStrings CORE [KONTAKT]
What is Cinesamples - CineStrings CORE [KONTAKT]?
Cinesamples - CineStrings CORE [KONTAKT] is a flagship orchestral strings library recorded at the MGM Scoring Stage at Sony Pictures Studios by master engineer Dennis Sands. It covers the essentials of the orchestral string section, including violins, violas, cellos, and basses, with a variety of articulations and microphone positions. It also provides a flexible and granular control over dynamics, vibrato, and different instruments within a section. The library has 50GB of content spanning a huge range of moods, atmospheres, and styles.
What are the main features of Cinesamples - CineStrings CORE [KONTAKT]?
Some of the main features of Cinesamples - CineStrings CORE [KONTAKT] are:
Intuitive Graphical Interface
The library has a very intuitive and easy to use graphical interface with quickly selectable presets that can help you write, program and mix tailored to your specific practices. The mapping page can quickly set you up for velocity, key-switching or even midi continuous controller (CC) articulation switching. The mixer page allows you to quickly access the full mix or the four other microphone positions: close, room, surround, and vintage. The settings page allows for advanced control over each of these patches for sound design, programming and other useful features.
Rich String Instrumentation
The library offers a rich string instrumentation that can suit any musical genre or mood. You can choose from different sections: Violins 1 (16 players), Violins 2 (14 players), Violas (12 players), Cellos (10 players), and Basses (8 players). You can also use the Ensemble patch that combines all sections into one patch for quick sketching or layering. Each section has a basic set of articulations needed to do most of the traditional writing and programming for the string section, such as:
Non-vibrato, vibrato and espressivo sustains with smooth dynamic morphing across five dynamics and across each vibrato position
Natural legatos with smooth dynamic morphing across four dynamics
Spiccato @ 7-8xRR @ pp to f
Staccato @ 5-6xRR @ pp to fff
Marcato @ 3xRR @ p to ff
Sforzando Overlay @ p to ff
Tremolos @ p to f
Sul-Pont Tremolos @ p to f
Trills (Whole-Step and Half-Step) @ p to f
Pizzicato @ 5xRR @ p to f
Bartok Pizz @ 3xRR
Col Legno @ 3-5xRR
Harmonic Sustains @ p to f
Unique Features
The library also offers some unique features that distinguish it from other libraries. One of them is the Hairpin Creator. This amazing setting allows for you to automatically get very natural swells without having to program a series of controller changes. You can adjust the length, shape, and intensity of the hairpin with simple sliders. Another unique feature is the Run Builder. This feature allows you to create realistic runs based on your chord progression or scale. You can choose from different run modes: up, down, up-down, down-up, or custom. You can also adjust the speed, length, range, and sync of the runs.
<h2 How does Cinesamples - CineStrings CORE [KONTAKT] sound?
One of the most important aspects of any library is the sound quality. Cinesamples - CineStrings CORE [KONTAKT] delivers a stunning and realistic sound that captures the warmth, depth, and richness of the string section. The library was recorded with multiple microphones at different positions, giving you the option to mix and match them to create your own sound. The full mix is a balanced and ready-to-use sound that works well in most situations. The close mic gives you a more intimate and detailed sound that can bring out the nuances and expressions of each instrument. The room mic gives you a spacious and airy sound that can create a sense of depth and realism. The surround mic gives you a wide and immersive sound that can fill up the stereo field. The vintage mic gives you a nostalgic and cinematic sound that can add some character and color to your music.
The library also has a very smooth and natural dynamic range, thanks to the advanced scripting and sampling techniques used by Cinesamples. You can easily control the dynamics with the mod wheel or any other CC of your choice, and get a seamless transition from soft to loud, or vice versa. The library also has a very expressive and realistic legato, which can create beautiful and fluid lines with minimal effort. The library also has a very responsive and flexible vibrato, which can be controlled with the mod wheel or any other CC of your choice, and can be switched on or off at any time. You can also adjust the speed, depth, and delay of the vibrato to suit your preference.
How easy is it to use Cinesamples - CineStrings CORE [KONTAKT]?
Another important aspect of any library is the usability. Cinesamples - CineStrings CORE [KONTAKT] is very easy to use, thanks to its intuitive and user-friendly interface. You can quickly load up any patch and start playing right away, without having to tweak too many settings or parameters. The library also has a very low CPU and RAM usage, which means you can load up multiple instances without worrying about performance issues. The library also has a very fast loading time, which means you don't have to wait too long to start making music.
The library also has some helpful features that can make your workflow easier and faster. For example, the library has a Stack mode, which allows you to stack multiple sections together in one patch, and control them with one set of key-switches or CCs. This can save you time and resources when you need to create big and epic sounds. Another example is the Auto Divisi mode, which automatically splits the sections into smaller groups based on your playing style and velocity. This can create a more realistic and natural sound when you play chords or polyphonic lines.
What are the pros and cons of Cinesamples - CineStrings CORE [KONTAKT]?
As with any library, there are some pros and cons of Cinesamples - CineStrings CORE [KONTAKT] that you should consider before buying it. Here are some of them:
Pros
Cons
- High-quality and realistic sound
- Limited articulations compared to other libraries
- Versatile and flexible string instrumentation
- No solo instruments included
- Intuitive and easy to use interface
- No effects or EQ included
- Unique features like Hairpin Creator and Run Builder
- Requires full version of Kontakt 5.3 or higher
- Low CPU and RAM usage
- Expensive price tag
Conclusion
Cinesamples - CineStrings CORE [KONTAKT] is a great library for anyone who needs a versatile and evocative string section for their music production. It offers a high-quality and realistic sound that can suit any musical genre or mood, a rich string instrumentation that covers the essentials of the orchestral string section, an intuitive and easy to use interface that gives you full control over your sound, and some unique features that can help you create stunning musical phrases with minimal effort. It also has a low CPU and RAM usage, which means you can use it without worrying about performance issues.
However, it also has some drawbacks that you should be aware of before buying it. It has limited articulations compared to other libraries, which means you might not find some specific expressions or techniques that you need for your music. It also does not have any solo instruments included, which means you might not be able to create more intimate or detailed sounds with individual players. It also does not have any effects or EQ included, which means you might need to use external plugins or software to shape your sound further. It also requires the full version of Kontakt 5.3 or higher, which means you cannot use it with the free Kontakt Player. It also has an expensive price tag, which means you might need to consider your budget and needs before investing in it.
Overall, Cinesamples - CineStrings CORE [KONTAKT] is a library that can deliver a stunning and realistic string section sound that can enhance your music production. It has some limitations and drawbacks, but it also has some strengths and advantages that make it worth considering. If you are looking for a versatile and evocative string section library that can do everything from dramatic phrases to pensive, melancholic pieces, you might want to check out Cinesamples - CineStrings CORE [KONTAKT].
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Cinesamples - CineStrings CORE [KONTAKT]:
How do I install Cinesamples - CineStrings CORE [KONTAKT]?
To install Cinesamples - CineStrings CORE [KONTAKT], you need to download the library from the official website or use the Continuata Connect application. You also need to have the full version of Kontakt 5.3 or higher installed on your computer. Once you have downloaded the library, you need to unzip the files and place them in a folder of your choice. Then, you need to open Kontakt and add the library to your library tab using the Add Library button. You will then need to activate the library using the serial number provided by Cinesamples.
How do I update Cinesamples - CineStrings CORE [KONTAKT]?
To update Cinesamples - CineStrings CORE [KONTAKT], you need to download the latest version of the library from the official website or use the Continuata Connect application. You also need to have the full version of Kontakt 5.3 or higher installed on your computer. Once you have downloaded the latest version of the library, you need to unzip the files and replace the old files with the new ones in your folder. You do not need to activate the library again if you have already done so before.
How do I get support for Cinesamples - CineStrings CORE [KONTAKT]?
To get support for Cinesamples - CineStrings CORE [KONTAKT], you can visit the official website and check out the FAQ section, the user manual, or the video tutorials. You can also contact the customer service team via email or phone if you have any questions or issues with the library.
What are some similar libraries to Cinesamples - CineStrings CORE [KONTAKT]?
Some similar libraries to Cinesamples - CineStrings CORE [KONTAKT] are:
Cinematic Studio Strings by Cinematic Studio Series
Spitfire Symphonic Strings by Spitfire Audio
Hollywood Strings by EastWest
Symphobia by ProjectSAM
Afflatus Chapter I Strings by Strezov Sampling
What are some examples of music made with Cinesamples - CineStrings CORE [KONTAKT]?
Some examples of music made with Cinesamples - CineStrings CORE [KONTAKT] are:
Cinematic Strings Demo by Alex Pfeffer
Cinematic Strings Demo by Ivan Torrent
Cinematic Strings Demo by Michael Patti
Cinematic Strings Demo by Mike Verta
Cinematic Strings Demo by Nick Murray
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