Native Instruments Session Strings Pro 2 1.0 — Kontakt

Native Instruments Session Strings Pro 2 is a mid-sized contemporary string ensemble library designed for pop, R&B, and modern scoring. It offers an intimate, detailed sound as an alternative to large, cinematic orchestral libraries. Core Specifications Ensemble Size : A 22-piece ensemble comprising 8 violins, 6 violas, 4 celli, and 4 double basses Library Size : Approximately (compressed) to (uncompressed). Compatibility : Requires the free Kontakt Player (version 5.8.0 or higher). Articulations : Features 26 sampled articulations

, including true legato, portamento, glissando, staccato, spiccato, and various crescendos. Key Performance Features Sessions Strings Pro 2 - Native Instruments

Native Instruments Session Strings Pro 2: The Modern Studio Standard Native Instruments Session Strings Pro 2 1.0 KONTAKT

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. Native Instruments Session Strings Pro 2 is a

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. Clean, modern string sound with tight close mics

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

Deep Dive: What Makes Pro 2 Special?

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.

Strengths (The “Solid” Parts)

• Sound Character – Clean, dry, and direct. Unlike orchestral libraries with huge halls, this excels at in-your-face string layers, ideal for production music and pop arrangements.
• Articulation Set – Includes standard sustains, spiccato, pizzicato, and a unique Rhythm section (repeating patterns/loops) that’s highly musical.
• Ensemble vs. Section – Allows switching between full ensemble patches or individual sections (violins, violas, cellos), giving mixing flexibility.
• Smart Voice Splitting – Auto-divisi engine distributes chords across the ensemble realistically.
• Low RAM/CPU – Efficient for its era; runs smoothly on modest systems (KONTAKT 5.8.1+ required).

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2. Technical Specifications & Features

• Ensemble Size: Medium-sized ensembles (4 Violins I, 4 Violins II, 2 Violas, 2 Celli, 2 Basses). This creates an "intimate" sound rather than a massive symphonic sound.
• Architecture: The library utilizes the Kontakt Engine. The "1.0" version specifically relies on the NKI (Instrument) format.
• Unique Selling Point (USP): The "Smart" Voice Splitting.
  • The library features a specialized "Smart: Release" script. When playing chords, the engine automatically allocates notes to different instruments in the ensemble to mimic realistic divisi (splitting), rather than stacking the same chord across every section.
• Articulations:
  • Includes essential articulations: Legato, Spiccato, Staccato, Pizzicato, Sordino (Mutes), and Tremolo.
  • Trills: Half-tone and whole-tone trills are available.

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