Augmented Strings

Redefining strings – An evolved hybrid soundtrack for the modern age

Uniting quality string libraries with state-of-the-art synthesis, Augmented STRINGS is your quickest route to the fresh string sound you’ve always wanted. Go beyond conventional libraries, virtual instruments, and familiar orchestral timbres, and elevate your string sounds to inspiring new heights. Whether you’re a composer, producer, sound designer, or anything in between, effortlessly control an enhanced hybrid ensemble that’ll set your production alight.

A new string palette: Augmented STRINGS’ hybrid palette unlocks the truly exciting and unique power that strings can bring to your projects. This isn’t just a selection of string samples; these are traditional instruments transformed into sounds unlike anything you’ve ever heard.

Layer your own sound: Build your own ensemble with Augmented STRINGS’ multi-engine flexibility. Experiment with 2 layers, each containing 2 sound sources, and weave your own custom combination of sampling and synthesis for a string sound that transcends the real thing.

Authentic to abstract: Immersive, orchestral, cinematic, and everything in between. With over 60 articulations, multiple mic setups, solo & ensemble performances, 4 types of synthesis, and built-in FX, explore a near-limitless spectrum of modern string textures and timbres for any style.

Morphing power: Augmented STRINGS’ Morph control gives you truly unique & ever-evolving sound with one click. Unlock huge sonic territory within a single sound, move and transform between Layers A and B, and adjust up to 8 custom destinations – all with one control.

Transform sound instantly: Make dramatic changes and tap into your musical expression in real-time with a streamlined set of macro controls, designed to intelligently change multiple parameters for sweeping sound tweaks in real-time. Perfect dynamics, variety, and individuality when you need it.

Deeper customization: An instrument that can do both: Augmented STRINGS is quick and intuitive on the surface, but deep and advanced when you need it to be. Weave intricate modulation, create dynamic sequences, customize sound sources, and more.

Morphing: sound between the lines – Discover entirely new string timbres on an entirely new scale.

On one side, a complete recorded library of solo & ensemble string samples. On the other, 4 ultra-powerful synth engines. In the sonic space between these two elements, Augmented STRINGS forges fresh and invigorating sounds that are yours to discover – and with up to 8 extra custom destinations, the Morph control is the key that unlocks a world of musical expression with a single touch, where any configuration and character is possible.

Sampling
Augmented Strings’ built-in sample library has been recorded and curated to be every bit as delicate, urgent, and expressive as conducting your own personal ensemble. 22 musicians performed as soloists and as an ensemble, with over 60 articulations across double bass, cello, viola, and violin. The recordings were captured in detail with world-class microphones and preamps in various positions, ensuring that every sample resonates with lifelike space, detail, and energy. Whether you need an evocative single instrument melody, a huge tremolo sustain, or anything in between, this library ticks the boxes.

Synthesis

Discover sounds from 4 synth engines, from subtle textural embellishment to in-your-face soundscapes: Virtual Analog, Granular, Wavetable, and Harmonic. Inspired by state-of-the-art synthesis architecture from the minds behind Pigments and V Collection, this is more than a list of synth presets. These are entire instruments within an instrument, responsive and tactile, providing everything from destructive sub-bass to digital pads brimming with harmonic detail.

Simple and intuitive Transform an intimate solo violin into sprawling theatrical density with a few clicks.

Augmented STRINGS is built around a streamlined interface, designed to give you the exact sound you seek in as little time as possible. Reach out, interact with its quick-fire controls, and savor an instant, intuitive sonic response that’ll become your new go-to.

1. Morph: Blur the lines between acoustic and synthetic, weave intricate layers of sound, and choose any selection of up to 8 parameters to adjust with a single sweep of one control. Scan through Augmented STRINGS’ 2 layers, exploring any combination of samples, synthesis, or hybrid, giving you a world of authentic and contemporary sound within one preset.
2. Color, Time, Motion: Be the conductor on stage, the band leader in the live room, or the producer at the desk, and effortlessly alter your sound with a single gesture. These instinctive macros simultaneously tweak multiple parameters for dramatic adjustments to your sound in real-time, such as synth controls, filter cutoff, modulators, and more.
3. FX, Delay, Reverb: Quickly tweak the final stages of Augmented STRINGS’ sound, from your own custom FX slots to the dedicated Delay and Reverb master FX. Whether you’re looking for the right spatial balance, or a sound processed beyond recognition, these macros put it all within immediate reach.

Advanced sound design – Rearrange, modulate, and customize every aspect of your hybrid ensemble

Augmented STRINGS’ simple interface and diverse preset library brings quick results to keep your flow moving – but when you want to get complex, you can. The Advanced panel takes you deep into the inner workings of the instrument, giving you detailed control over your sound sources, modulation, performance, and beyond.

Tap into the full capabilities of Augmented STRINGS’ sound sources by adjusting the dual engines within each layer. This puts 4 sound sources at your disposal; any combination of up to 2 sampling and 2 synthesis engines. Within each engine, make subtle tweaks or drastic changes, from filter sculpting to waveform combinations to sample mic blend.

Capturing magic

We knew that in order to create fresh and exciting sounds with Augmented STRINGS, we first had to capture beautiful and authentic samples.Two sessions took place, lasting over 20 hours in total, overseen by seasoned sound designers & engineers on an orchestral scoring stage in Eastern Europe that’s witnessed recordings for productions including Netflix’s The Crown and HBO’s His Dark Materials.

The ensemble consisted of 3 double basses, 3 celli, 4 violas, and 8 violins, plus additional performers for solo recordings. In an effort to capture as much articulation and detail, the ensemble was recorded with multiple mic positions using the finest mics and preamps from the likes of Neumann, Schoeps, DPA, and Millennia. The resulting sample library puts unmistakably lifelike string samples right in your DAW at the touch of a button – and yours to augment.

String presets that deliver – Summon the perfect mix-ready string sound at the touch of a button.

For when you need immediate results to complete a project or overcome a creative hurdle, Augmented STRINGS’ preset library contains hundreds of expertly-crafted presets spanning realistic strings, dense synths, hybrid textures, and everything in between.

A sound for every style

Augmented STRINGS blends classic with contemporary, real with surreal, for a string palette that covers every style you’ll ever need. Quickly search based on sonic characteristics and hone in on the sound that’ll lock in with your project, whatever your style.

Main Features

• Virtual Instruments playable in a DAW (Live, FL Studio, Logic,…) or standalone with a MIDI keyboard.
• Dynamic hybrid string instrument
• 2 Layers within each preset; each layer contains 2 customizable sound sources
• Detailed string sample library
  • Featuring solo and ensemble strings
  • Double bass, cello, viola, and violin
  • Close and Far Mics
  • Over 60 articulations
• Flexible synth engines
  • Virtual analog with our award winning TAE® technology
  • Granular engine producing Warp, glitch and stretch sounds
  • Harmonic engine based on additive synthesis
  • Wavetable engine with look up table for more abrasive digital sounds
• Morph control moves between Layers A and B, as well as affecting up to 8 custom destinations
• 7 additional macros: Time, Color, Motion, FX A, FX B, Reverb, Delay
• 2 LFOs, 2 Function Generators, 2 Random Generators, 4 Keyboard modulation sources, dedicated Vibrato & Tremolo
• 2 FX slots per layer with 14 FX including ParamEQ, Bitcrusher, BL-20 Flanger, and more
• Dedicated Delay and Reverb sends with 5 spatial/time-based algorithms
• Built-in 16-step arpeggiator
• Over 250 factory presets included
• MPE compatibility
• MTS-ESP ODDSOUND microtuning compatibility