The latest release from Kirk Hunter Studios has arrived, boldly claiming to deliver the world’s most playable and flexible symphonic string library. Captured at the First Presbyterian Church in Santa Monica, California, Concert Strings Adaptive combines a collection of high-quality string samples with an innovative playback engine that makes it possible to transition between different articulations without the need for keyswitches or controllers.
The headline feature of the new library is its use of a set of flexible Ensemble patches which can contain any short or long articulations, and will respond to the style of user’s playing rather than relying on manual switching. There is a dedicated Automation page, so controlling articulations via MIDI CC is still possible for more in-depth programming, along with a number of other parameters such as dynamics and vibrato. A versatile set of legato options are provided, including polyphonic, intense, mild, bowed and slurred, along with a choice of two portamento options. The library also utilises random round robins in an effort to avoid users hearing looping effects on repeated notes.
A Global page in the GUI offers a set of Space presets that determine the room style, along with Touch presets that make it possible to configure how the instrument responds to the user’s playing style, and Speed presets that offer a selection of attack response options. Settings are also provided for parameters such as release time, legato styles, dynamics, bow-change samples, vibrato and more. A dedicated Mixer then provides the ability to balance the level of each instrument section — with detailed control of the overall sound provided by Near, Mid and Far microphone signals — as well as offering a three-band parametric EQ and a built-in reverb processor.
Compatibility
Concert Strings Adaptive requires the full version of Native Instruments’ Kontakt version 6.6.1 or newer, which is supported on PCs running Windows 7 and above, and Macs running macOS 10.9 or higher. VST, VST3, AU and AAX plug-in versions are available, along with a standalone application.
Pricing & Availability
Concert Strings Adaptive is available now, and is currently (4 March 2024) being offered at an introductory price of $259, reduced from its full cost of $499.
www.kirkhunterstudios.com/products/concert-strings-adaptive/
