Sultan Strings brings several unique features to the table that can make it the preferred choice for composers working on film scores, video games, or ethnic electronic music. 1. Smart Tempo Syncing
), Sultan Strings allows for "harmonic shifting," where the software intelligently adapts phrases to fit the chords a composer plays. Comparative Edge While Sonokinetic’s flagship Orchestral Strings
Recorded on location with highly skilled musicians, capturing the human "feel" impossible to recreate with MIDI. Cons:
A/B test the "Tremolo" patch. In a standard library, tremolo is a mathematical 1/16th note repetition. In Sultan Strings, the tremolo has human rubato and variable pressure from the bow. It breathes. That breath is the difference between a sample and a performance. sonokinetic sultan strings kontakt library better
Scoring desert kingdoms, Middle Eastern dramas, Ottoman court flashbacks, Balinese gamelan fusion, or any fantasy setting that requires longing, vibrato-heavy, micro-tonal phrasing.
But is it actually better than the competition? Let's dive into why this library remains a staple for cinematic composers. The Core Sound: Beyond Standard Legato
💡 Use the "Phrase Picker" to layer the pre-recorded runs over your custom MIDI lines to hide the "mechanical" feel of software strings. The Verdict Sultan Strings brings several unique features to the
: Each phrase includes an octaved overdub recorded separately, allowing you to easily "fatten" the sound or build tension by layering different registers.
The library includes a "Harmonizer" feature. This allows you to play phrases in different keys and scales (Maqams) without the unnatural "chipmunk" effect often found in inferior phrase-based libraries. Comparison: Sultan Strings vs. Modern Competitors Sultan Strings Modern Solo Libraries Extremely high (real phrases) High (if programmed well) Ease of Use Instant results Steep learning curve Flexibility Limited to recorded phrases Total melodic freedom Ensemble Size 27 Players (Lush) Usually 1-5 Players
Is Sonokinetic Sultan Strings the Better Kontakt Library for Eastern Strings? In Sultan Strings, the tremolo has human rubato
The library provides multiple microphone positions (Close, Decca, Wide), allowing you to place the strings intimately in the mix or within a lush, cinematic soundstage. This flexibility makes it better suited for a wider variety of scoring tasks, from intimate documentaries to epic action scenes. Conclusion: Why Sultan Strings is the Better Choice
The natural transitions, slides, and micro-expressions between notes are preserved because they were recorded in one continuous performance.
Sonokinetic recorded a 12-piece string ensemble performing actual, authentic Eastern musical phrases.