Native Instruments Session Strings Pro 2 1.0 Kontakt Here

Native Instruments Session Strings Pro 2 1.0 KONTAKT: The Definitive Guide to a String Section Powerhouse

When it comes to orchestral samples in the digital audio workstation (DAW) environment, few libraries have sparked as much debate, admiration, and utility as Native Instruments Session Strings Pro 2. Released as version 1.0 for the KONTAKT Player engine, this library represents a significant evolution from its predecessor, aiming to bridge the gap between raw, synthesized string sounds and a full-blown, multi-million dollar orchestral hall recording.

For the modern producer—whether you are scoring a Hollywood trailer, producing a K-Pop ballad, or crafting deep house chords—understanding the nuances of this 11-piece string ensemble is crucial. This article dives deep into the architecture, sound design potential, and practical applications of NI Session Strings Pro 2 1.0 KONTAKT.

Sound and use cases

• Clean, modern string sound with tight close mics and polished room/aerial options — works well in pop, hybrid cinematic, trailer, and underscore contexts.
• Suits producers who want playability and fast results without building orchestral arrangements from scratch.
• Good for layering with orchestral libraries to add modern sheen or replacing full orchestras when a compact, produced sound is desired.

Key features

• 28 players recorded in sections (violins, violas, cellos, double bass) with multi-mic positions.
• Extensive articulations: sustains, shorts, spiccato, legato, trills, tremolo, portamento, and more — plus expressive true legato for melodic lines.
• Built-in FX and modulation: convolution reverb, EQ, filters, unison, and ensemble treatments for shaping tone and space.
• Performance-oriented controls: dynamic and expression mappings, round-robin samples, velocity layers, and customizable legato/transition behavior.
• Phrase/loop content and tempo-synced rhythmic shorts useful for modern production.
• Ready-made presets and editable ensembles for quick scoring or deeper sound design.

Instruments & articulations

• Full ensembles (violins, violas, cellos, basses) plus sections-based presets and layered combos.
• Common articulations: sustains, shorts (spiccato/staccato-like), long legato, and expressive portamento/slide features.
• Built-in performance controls for dynamics, bowing, release, and vibrato depth to shape phrasing quickly.

Advanced Tips for Version 1.0 Users

1. The "Ride" CC: Do not sleep on the "Ride" articulation (offensive technique #4). It creates a sustained, shimmering sound that works better for synth pad replacement than actual legato.
2. Mixer Routing: In the KONTAKT mixer tab, route the "Noise" channel (bow noise) to a separate output. Mix it down by -12dB to add realism; mix it up by +6dB for a gritty, lo-fi string effect.
3. Keyswitch Mapping: The default keyswitches (C0 to D#1) are awkward. Use KONTAKT’s "Instrument Options" to remap them to the bottom octave of your MIDI keyboard (e.g., C-2) so you don't accidentally trigger them while playing melodies.

8. Verdict & Use Cases

Best for:

• Pop, R&B, hip-hop, and electronic music where string sections need to be tight and present.
• TV/film underscore requiring small-ensemble realism.
• Producers who prefer to add their own reverb and processing (dry recordings).
• Songwriters needing quick, playable string parts with auto-divisi.

Not ideal for:

• Epic, cinematic orchestral scores (use Symphony Series or other large libraries).
• Solo string passages (no soloists).
• Extremely slow, exposed legato lines (bow noise and transitions are functional, not lyrical).

Overall Rating (v1.0): 8/10
A major upgrade over the original, bringing modern workflow and excellent sound for contemporary production, despite requiring the full KONTAKT license.

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Native Instruments Session Strings Pro 2 is a professional Kontakt library designed for a contemporary, intimate string sound, primarily used in pop, R&B, and modern scores. It offers a 22-piece ensemble with significant upgrades in playability and detail compared to its predecessor. Key Specifications Ensemble Size : 22 players, consisting of 8 violins, 6 violas, 4 celli, and 4 double basses Library Size : Approximately 37 GB compressed (around 69 GB uncompressed). Articulations

: 26 sampled articulations including true legato, portamento, glissando, various crescendos, trills, and scoops. Compatibility : Requires Kontakt 5.8.0 or higher or the free Kontakt Player Native Instruments Core Features Smart Play Assistance : Includes Smart Voice Split

, which automatically assigns notes in a chord to the correct instrument group, and Smart Chord for generating full orchestrations from single keys. Flexible Seating : Offers both traditional (orchestral) modern (centered)

seating positions to change the stereo field of the strings. Rhythm & Phrase Animators

: Features editable animators for creating unique rhythmic patterns and arrangements quickly. Instrument Control

: Users can customize the number of players per section and adjust individual section parameters (tuning, panning, effects) via a full-featured mixer. Native Instruments Performance and Sound Sessions Strings Pro 2 - Native Instruments

Native Instruments released Session Strings Pro 2 1.0 on May 16, 2018, as a significant evolution of its popular contemporary ensemble library. Created in partnership with e-instruments, it moved away from the "disco" focus of the original version toward a broader, more versatile tool for pop, R&B, and modern scoring. Key Capabilities

Ensemble Size: Features a 22-piece string section (8 violins, 6 violas, 4 celli, 4 double basses).

Intimate Sound: Designed for a close, dry studio sound that sits well in modern mixes.

Massive Articulation List: Includes 26 sampled articulations, featuring true legato, portamento, and glissando. Smart Play Features:

Smart Voice Split: Automatically allocates chord notes to the correct instrument group for natural voicing. Native Instruments Session Strings Pro 2 1.0 KONTAKT

Rhythm/Phrase Animators: Uses a 16- or 32-step sequencer to create rhythmic patterns or melodic phrases.

Smart Chord: Generates fully orchestrated chords from single keys. The 1.0 "Full Story" Context

The 1.0 release marked a complete overhaul of the series, introducing a sleek, graphical interface and enhanced customization. Sessions Strings Pro 2 - Native Instruments

Native Instruments Session Strings Pro 2 Go to product viewer dialog for this item.

is a highly detailed virtual instrument designed to deliver an intimate, contemporary string sound. Unlike traditional orchestral libraries, it focuses on the "studio" sound of a mid-sized ensemble, making it a primary choice for pop, R&B, and modern scoring where a close-mic'ed, textured feel is required. Core Specifications

Ensemble Size: A 22-piece ensemble featuring 8 violins, 6 violas, 4 celli, and 4 double basses.

Library Size: Approximately 36.6 GB compressed (equivalent to roughly 69 GB uncompressed).

Compatibility: Runs in the full Native Instruments Kontakt or the free Kontakt Player.

Instrumentation: Includes 10 NKI files with separate sections (Violins, Violas, Celli, Basses) and full ensemble patches. Key Performance Features

Session Strings Pro 2 is designed for both realism and speed, incorporating several "smart" features to aid composition.

26 Sampled Articulations: Includes specialized techniques like true legato, portamento, glissando, trills, scoops, falls, and multiple types of crescendi.

Smart Voice Split: Automatically allocates notes in a chord to the correct instrument group to ensure natural voicing.

Animator & Rhythm Tools: Features improved phrase and rhythm animators that turn simple chords into rhythmic arrangements.

Traditional & Modern Seating: Users can toggle between standard orchestral stereo positioning (Traditional) or a more centered, "studio" feel (Modern). Workflow and Customization

The interface is streamlined for quick adjustments, with deeper pages available for fine-tuning. Native Instruments Session Strings Pro 2 1

Custom Ensembles: Users can customize their ensemble size, selecting the specific number of players per slot (e.g., opting for just one or two cellos).

Built-in Mixer: Provides per-section control over volume, panning, EQ, compression, and sends for reverb and delay.

Color Multi-Effect: Includes 51 presets across five categories to quickly change the tonal character of the strings—from vintage gramophone sounds to lush hall settings.

Zoning Area: Allows users to adjust where different string sections sit on the keyboard for better-tailored ensemble performances. Critical Perspectives

Reviewers from sites like Sound on Sound and the VI-CONTROL forum highlight its clear, intimate sound but also note some limitations:

Strengths: Excellent for pop and contemporary genres due to its "dry" and precise sampling; very play-friendly with minimal setup.

Weaknesses: Some users find the violins can lack "passion" or energy in the highest registers, and the legato may feel overly "responsive" (robotic) for slow, highly expressive orchestral passages.

Performance: The library can be demanding on polyphony, especially when using complex ensemble patches with multiple articulations. Sessions Strings Pro 2 - Native Instruments

Native Instruments' Session Strings Pro 2 for Kontakt is a comprehensive 22-piece string ensemble library designed for modern pop, R&B, and cinematic scoring. Native Instruments Key Features Ensemble Configuration

: Features a 22-piece ensemble (8 violins, 6 violas, 4 celli, and 4 double basses). Users can choose between Traditional (orchestral) and (centered) seating positions. Articulations

: Includes 26 sampled articulations such as legato, portamento, glissando, spiccato, pizzicato, and various crescendos and trills. Smart Play Assistance Smart Voice Split

: Automatically allocates each note of a played chord to the correct instrument group (e.g., bass notes to cellos/basses) for natural voicing. Smart Chord

: Generates fully orchestrated ensemble chords from a single key. Rhythm & Phrase Animators

: Tools for generating rhythmic patterns and creative arrangements while maintaining real-time performance. Customization & Effects Mixer Page

: Provides independent control over volume, panning, EQ, and compression for each section. Color Multi-effect Clean, modern string sound with tight close mics

: Offers 51 presets across categories like "Vintage Gramophone" to "Orchestral Hall" to instantly change the sonic character. Compatibility : Compatible with the full software or the free Kontakt Player Native Instruments Technical Specifications

[Session Strings Pro 2](https://www.native-instruments.com/en/products/komplete/cinematic/session-strings-pro-2/) Download Size Number of Articulations Total Players Sound Presets AI responses may include mistakes. Learn more Sessions Strings Pro 2 - Native Instruments

Native Instruments Session Strings Pro 2: The Modern Studio Standard

Native Instruments Session Strings Pro 2 is a professional-grade virtual string ensemble designed to bring a polished, intimate studio sound to contemporary music production. Developed in collaboration with e-instruments, this library serves as the more expansive successor to the original Session Strings Pro, offering double the ensemble size and a revamped workflow for pop, R&B, and modern scoring. Core Features and Specifications

The library provides a versatile 22-piece ensemble, significantly larger than the 11-piece standard version. It is specifically engineered to deliver a "close" and "intimate" character that cuts through dense modern mixes.

Ensemble Composition: Includes 8 violins, 6 violas, 4 celli, and 4 double basses.

Articulations: Offers 26 distinct articulations, including true legato, portamento, glissando, trills, and various crescendos.

Seating Positions: Two distinct recording setups are available: Traditional: Standard orchestral stereo placement.

Modern: A more centered, focused imaging ideal for modern pop tracks.

Library Size: Approximately 36.6 GB compressed (equivalent to 69 GB uncompressed). Smart Play Assistance Tools

Session Strings Pro 2 is noted for its "Smart Play" features, which allow producers without deep orchestral knowledge to create realistic arrangements. Sessions Strings Pro 2 - Native Instruments

Workflow: How to Use It in Your DAW

Loading Native Instruments Session Strings Pro 2 1.0 KONTAKT is straightforward. After installation via Native Access, follow these pro tips:

Step 1: Purging RAM Because it is a KONTAKT library, you should use the "Purge" function. This library loads a lot of sample heads. Purge all groups, then play your MIDI. KONTAKT will load only the notes you actually use.

Step 2: Double Tracking for Width The library defaults to a centered stereo image (violins left, cellos right as the player sees them). To get a massive sound:

• Duplicate the track.
• Pan the original 100% Right.
• Pan the duplicate 100% Left.
• Offset one track by 10-20 milliseconds.
• Result: A massive 22-piece fake stereo section.

Step 3: Automation is King Map your MIDI controller to the "Vibrato Intensity" knob. Real string players don't play with static vibrato; they swell into it. Automating this knob from 0% to 80% over two bars is the difference between a "MIDI file" and a "performance."

Who Is This Library For? (Target Audience)

Let’s be honest: Session Strings Pro 2 is not for the traditional film composer writing for a full 70-piece orchestra. It is for:

• Pop & Hip-Hop Producers: Think Beyoncé’s "Lemonade" or Kanye West’s "Late Registration" – tight, rhythmic, dry strings.
• Trailer Music Composers: When you need aggressive, short, repetitive staccatos under a brass hit.
• Electronic Music Producers: Trance anthems and Melodic Techno love the "Rhythm Engine" for arpeggiated string runs.
• Indie Game Composers: The small ensemble size fits the intimate "chamber" vibe of indie RPGs perfectly.

Sound Characteristics: Intimate & Aggressive

If you compare Session Strings Pro 2 to libraries like Spitfire Symphonic Strings or Cinematic Studio Strings, the difference is immediate. Pro 2 is dry.

• Close Mics: These are almost too close. You can hear the rosin on the bows. This is perfect for pop production where reverb must be added manually.
• The "Chamber" Feel: Because the room (NI’s own studio in Berlin) is relatively dead, these strings cut through a dense mix. They don't get lost behind a kick drum and a synth bass.
• Pizzicato & Bartók: The spiccatos are tight and percussive, ideal for hip-hop string loops. The Bartók pizzicato (where the string snaps against the fingerboard) adds a unique, aggressive texture.