If you are looking for an orchestral string library that captures the soul of the Middle East, the Sonokinetic Sultan Strings Kontakt library is often cited as the gold standard. While many western libraries attempt "world" sounds by adding a few solo tracks, Sultan Strings was built from the ground up to embody a specific cultural sound.
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
Most string libraries focus on clean, symphonic perfection. Sultan Strings leans into the grit, the microtonal slides, and the lush ensemble textures characteristic of Turkish and Arabic music. Authentic "Eastern" ensemble size (small and intimate). Built-in microtonal tuning scales. Pre-recorded phrases for instant realism. High-energy "Sultan" style attacks and swells. Why Sultan Strings Stands Out
Many users argue it is better because of its unique focus on performance-based sampling. Instead of just giving you single notes, Sonokinetic provides phrases that are rhythmically synced to your DAW. 1. The Phrase Performance Engine
Unlike standard multi-sampled instruments, Sultan Strings features a massive collection of phrases recorded by professional Middle Eastern string players. This captures the "connective tissue" between notes that MIDI programming often misses. 2. Microtonal Mastery
Western music lives on the 12-tone scale. Sultan Strings allows you to access the "notes between the notes." Using the interface, you can shift specific intervals to match authentic Maqams (Middle Eastern scales), making it significantly better for ethnic authenticity than a generic Hollywood library. 3. Distinctive Texture
The ensemble consists of 5 violins, 3 violas, and 2 cellos. This smaller, tighter group provides a "dry" and detailed sound. It cuts through a mix much better than a massive 60-piece orchestra when you need that specific ethnic edge. Is it Better Than Modern Alternatives?
When people ask if it is "better," they are usually comparing it to newer libraries like EastWest Ra or Strezov Sampling’s Balkan Strings.
Vs. EastWest Ra: Sultan Strings feels more focused. Ra covers the whole world, but Sultan Strings masters one specific region.
Vs. Balkan Strings: Balkan Strings is punchier and more "folk," while Sultan Strings is more cinematic and lush.
Vs. Scripted Legato: Sultan Strings relies on real recorded movements. This makes it sound more "human" out of the box compared to libraries that use digital processing to fake transitions.
💡 Pro Tip: 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
The Sonokinetic Sultan Strings Kontakt library is better if your goal is immediate cinematic atmosphere. It isn't a "do-it-all" library, but for Middle Eastern textures, it offers a level of phrasing and tonal authenticity that few others can match. It turns a flat MIDI arrangement into a living, breathing score. To help you decide if this fits your current project: What genre are you currently scoring?
Do you prefer building melodies note-by-note or using pre-recorded phrases?
Here’s an informative post you can use on social media, a forum, or a blog:
🎻 Discover the Majesty of Sonokinetic Sultan Strings
For Kontakt (Full version required)
If you’re looking to add authentic Ottoman-inspired string textures to your compositions, Sultan Strings by Sonokinetic is a hidden gem worth exploring.
🧩 What is it?
Sultan Strings is a phrase-based string library, but unlike standard orchestral patches, it focuses on traditional Turkish / Ottoman court music – featuring melodic ornaments, microtonal inflections, and ensemble playing styles rarely found in mainstream libraries.
🎶 Key Features:
🎧 Best for:
⚙️ Requirements:
💡 Pro tip: Layer Sultan Strings with a conventional string library for a unique “eastern-tinged orchestral” sound – especially effective on long notes and melody lines.
🔊 Where to hear it: Check Sonokinetic’s official demos on YouTube – the “Sultan Strings Walkthrough” shows the phrase engine in action.
To make the Sonokinetic Sultan Strings library perform better and sound more realistic in your productions, focus on leveraging its unique phrase-based design while optimizing technical performance. Although now a legacy product, its authentic Middle Eastern "digital" ensemble (3 violins, 1 viola, 1 cello) remains a powerful tool. Vi-Control 1. Optimize Technical Performance
Legacy libraries can sometimes lag in modern versions of Kontakt. Batch Re-save : Open the Kontakt standalone application and run Batch re-save
on the Sultan Strings folder. This significantly speeds up patch loading times by updating file paths for your current system. Purge Samples
: Use the library's dynamic sample loading and purging features to free up RAM, especially if you are only using a specific set of phrases. Standalone Speed : Always perform maintenance like re-saving in the standalone
version of Kontakt rather than the plugin version inside your DAW. Rekkerd.org 2. Enhance Realism with Phrase Management Sultan Strings is primarily a phrase-based library , which provides high authenticity but can feel rigid. Vi-Control Layering with Octaved Overdubs
: Every phrase includes an "octaved overdub." Map these an octave higher to build tension and create a "fattened" ensemble sound instantly. Tempo Syncing
: Ensure your DAW tempo is set before loading, as the 50 main phrases and runs are tempo-synced. Avoid "Hard Quantizing"
: Even when using phrases, slightly offset the MIDI start positions. Perfect timing can make MIDI strings sound synthetic. 3. Advanced Sound Shaping
The built-in interface offers tools to move beyond the "out of the box" sound. 5 Tips to make your VST's sound real - Audient
The Sonokinetic Sultan Strings Kontakt library is often considered a "better" choice for composers seeking hyper-realistic Middle Eastern performances. While it has been discontinued by the developer, it remains a cult favorite for its unique phrase-based approach that captures nuances difficult to program manually. Why It’s Considered Better
Authentic Phrases vs. MIDI: Unlike standard "note-by-note" libraries, Sultan Strings focuses on phrases recorded by real Middle Eastern musicians. This preserves the organic slides, microtonal inflections, and rhythmic "feel" that computer-programmed MIDI often lacks.
Unique Ensemble Sound: It features a dedicated ensemble of violins, viola, and cello recorded specifically for the Turkish/Arabic style. Users from forums like VI-CONTROL highlight that it sounds "amazingly good" because it bypasses the "stuck-on" sound of simple single-note samples.
Ease of Use: The library uses a "one-finger" triggering system where complex, tempo-synced phrases are mapped to the keyboard. This allows you to build authentic soundtracks or pop backdrops rapidly without needing deep knowledge of Middle Eastern scales.
Creative Layering: While primarily phrase-based, it includes multi-sampled patches that can be layered to "fatten" the sound or add custom melodic lines over the organic phrases. Comparison with Alternatives
If you are looking for alternatives or trying to see if it’s "better" than modern options, consider these points from KVR Audio and MusicTech: Sultan Drums - Sample libraries and Virtual Instruments sonokinetic sultan strings kontakt library better
Whether you’re scoring an epic desert chase or adding a touch of exotic flair to a pop track, finding the right Middle Eastern string library is a challenge. Sonokinetic’s Sultan Strings has long been a staple in this niche. But is it actually better than the competition?
This article explores why this library remains a powerhouse for Kontakt users and how it stacks up against modern alternatives. What Makes Sultan Strings Unique?
Sultan Strings isn't your typical multi-sampled orchestral library. It focuses on the distinct "Turkish style" of string playing, characterized by tight ensembles, specific vibrato, and melodic ornaments that Western libraries can't easily replicate. Authentic Performance Phrases The heart of the library lies in its performance phrases. Recorded with a 27-piece string section. Includes violins, violas, and cellos playing in unison.
Features "baked-in" authentic Middle Eastern scales and ornaments. The "Sultan" Sound
The sound is immediate, dry, and intimate. This makes it much easier to mix than libraries recorded in massive, reverberant concert halls. You can place these strings in your own virtual space using your favorite convolution reverb. Why It Might Be "Better" Than Others
When producers ask if Sultan Strings is "better," they are usually comparing it to newer, more expensive "playable" solo libraries. Here is where Sonokinetic takes the lead: 1. Speed of Workflow
Because the library uses pre-recorded phrases, you can create a convincing Middle Eastern string line in seconds. Dragging and dropping phrases is significantly faster than programming complex MIDI CC data to mimic a realistic Eastern vibrato. 2. Built-in Syncing
The Kontakt engine automatically syncs these phrases to your host tempo. Whether your track is at 80 BPM or 140 BPM, the timing of the runs and trills remains locked to your grid. 3. Harmonic Flexibility
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 Realism 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
While libraries like Strezov Sampling Balkan Ethnic Orchestra or Native Instruments East Asia offer more "playable" individual notes, they often lack the specific group-unison energy that makes Sultan Strings sound like a classic film score. Is it Better for Your Studio? Choose Sultan Strings if: You need an authentic Middle Eastern sound quickly.
You prefer the sound of a medium-sized ensemble over solo instruments.
You want phrases that already include the correct cultural "feel" and timing. Look elsewhere if:
You need to write highly specific, complex melodies that phrases can't cover. You require a massive, 100-piece Hollywood symphonic sound. Final Verdict
Sonokinetic Sultan Strings remains "better" for composers who prioritize vibe and authenticity over granular MIDI control. It captures a specific cultural performance style that is incredibly difficult to program manually. Even years after its release, its unique textures ensure it holds a permanent spot on the SSDs of professional media composers.
💡 Pro Tip: Try layering Sultan Strings underneath a solo violin library. You get the authentic ensemble "wash" from Sonokinetic and the melodic precision from the solo instrument.
For composers looking to inject authentic Middle Eastern flavor into their tracks, the Sonokinetic Sultan Strings is often considered a "secret weapon" compared to standard orchestral libraries. It excels because it captures the specific, difficult-to-program performance nuances of a real 5-piece Turkish string ensemble (3 violins, 1 viola, and 1 cello). Why It’s "Better" for Ethnic Scoring
Authentic Performance Phrases: Unlike standard libraries that struggle to emulate the slides and quarter-tone "soul" of Arabic music, Sultan Strings provides over 50 tempo-synced phrases. These are live performances that preserve the genuine character and "vulnerable" intimate sound of a Middle Eastern ensemble.
Intelligent Layering: Every phrase includes a separately recorded octaved overdub mapped an octave higher. This allows you to instantly "fatten" the sound or build tension without the phasing issues common in digital transposing.
Playable Articulations: While famous for phrases, it also includes a playable 16-instrument patch featuring: Sustains with dynamic crossfading to vibrato. Tempo-synced runs (Up, Down, and Up-Down). Glissandi, Tremolos, and Trills.
Native Syncing: It uses an intelligent tempo-mapping (ITM) system that locks perfectly to your DAW’s project tempo in Native Instruments Kontakt. Comparison to Alternatives
While Native Instruments' Spotlight Collection: Middle East is more of a "Swiss Army Knife" for general world sounds, and Aviram Arabic Strings offers specialized legato, Sultan Strings is often preferred for its raw, live-recorded ensemble feel. It bridges the gap between static samples and unchangeable loops by offering phrases in all keys. Pro Tips for Using It
Mix for Scale: Combine the "B sections" (the smaller, more intimate divisi) with the octaved overdubs to create a custom-sized ensemble that fits your mix.
Layering: Users on VI-CONTROL recommend layering Sultan Strings with libraries like Spitfire Symphobia to add organic "body" and a cinematic movie-scoring vibe. Aviram Dayan Arabic Strings Kontakt Library Review and Demo
Sonokinetic Sultan Strings Kontakt Library: A Comprehensive Review
In the realm of music production, particularly in the genres of film scoring, classical, and world music, having access to high-quality string libraries is essential. Among the myriad of options available, the Sonokinetic Sultan Strings Kontakt library stands out as a premier choice for composers and producers seeking to add depth and authenticity to their compositions. This essay aims to explore the features, benefits, and overall value of the Sonokinetic Sultan Strings Kontakt library, comparing it to other libraries in its class.
Introduction to Sonokinetic Sultan Strings
Sonokinetic, a renowned developer of sample libraries, has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible in virtual instrumentation. The Sultan Strings library is no exception, offering an extensive collection of string samples that cater to the needs of both traditional and contemporary music makers. This library is designed to provide users with an unparalleled level of expressiveness and control, enabling the creation of rich, cinematic soundscapes.
Key Features
Diverse Instrumentation: The Sultan Strings library boasts an impressive array of instruments, including violins, violas, cellos, and double basses. This diversity allows composers to craft intricate string parts that mimic the complexity of real orchestral arrangements.
High-Quality Samples: Sonokinetic prides itself on the superior quality of its samples. The Sultan Strings library features meticulously recorded instruments, offering a range of articulations and dynamics that capture the nuance of live performance.
Kontakt Integration: As a Kontakt library, Sultan Strings seamlessly integrates with Native Instruments' Kontakt player. This compatibility ensures that users can easily manage and customize their sounds within a familiar interface.
Customization and Control: One of the library's standout features is its extensive customization options. Users can tweak parameters such as reverb, mic placement, and articulations to create a sound that perfectly fits their composition.
Comparative Analysis
When compared to other string libraries on the market, the Sonokinetic Sultan Strings library holds its own through its unique blend of quality, versatility, and user-friendly design. Libraries such as the Vienna Strings and the EastWest Hollywood Strings offer high-quality samples but may lack the user-centric approach and flexibility that Sonokinetic provides. For instance:
Vienna Strings: While Vienna Strings excels in offering detailed samples and a comprehensive range of articulations, it may require more manipulation and layering to achieve a desired sound, making it slightly less intuitive for some users.
EastWest Hollywood Strings: EastWest's offering is notable for its integration with the EW PLAY interface and high-quality samples. However, some users find the library's sound to be less 'raw' and more 'polished,' which might limit creative manipulation.
Conclusion
The Sonokinetic Sultan Strings Kontakt library stands as a top-tier option for composers and producers seeking a versatile, high-quality string library. Its balance of rich, detailed samples, extensive customization options, and seamless integration with the Kontakt player makes it an invaluable tool in the music production arsenal. When compared to its peers, Sultan Strings offers a compelling blend of quality, flexibility, and user-centric design, making it a preferred choice for those looking to elevate their compositions with authentic string textures.
In conclusion, for anyone engaged in music production that requires the depth and expressiveness of string instruments, the Sonokinetic Sultan Strings Kontakt library is an exceptional resource that can significantly enhance the sonic landscape of their work.
Sonokinetic is legendary in the world of sampling for one specific reason: their phrase-based approach. Sultan Strings is a crown jewel in their collection, capturing the exotic, evocative, and rhythmic essence of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean string arrangements.
However, if you are used to standard "key-switching" libraries (where you press a key to change articulations like legato or staccato), Sultan Strings can feel intimidating. You might feel like you are just "pressing play" on a MIDI file rather than composing.
If you want to make your Sultan Strings productions sound more authentic, organic, and "better," follow these essential tips.
In the race to create the "ultimate" string library, most developers forgot that music is not about samples—it is about phrasing. Sultan Strings is a love letter to the Ottoman musical tradition, encoded into Kontakt’s engine.
For $299 (MSRP, often on sale for $199), you are not just buying samples. You are buying a cultural translator. You are buying two decades of ethnomusicological research, recorded by world-class Istanbul session players, and packaged into an interface that your DAW understands instantly.
Sonokinetic Sultan Strings is better. Not because it has more gigabytes, but because it has more soul.
Ready to upgrade your template? Head to Sonokinetic’s website to hear the official demos. Listen to the "Sultan Strings" walkthrough on YouTube—pay attention to the quarter-tone glissandos. You’ll know immediately why this library is a game-changer.
Sonokinetic Sultan Strings is a highly specialized Kontakt library specifically designed for composers needing authentic Middle Eastern string ensemble performances. Unlike standard orchestral libraries that focus on individual notes, this library excels at providing live, phrase-based performances that are difficult to recreate using traditional MIDI programming. Key Features and Highlights
Authentic Sound: Focused on the unique "Middle Eastern" style, providing a sound that is often impossible to achieve with standard Western string libraries.
Phrase-Based Design: Includes 50 tempo-synced, two-bar phrases recorded by professional Middle Eastern ensembles.
Articulation Variety: Despite being phrase-focused, it includes core articulations such as sustains (with dynamic crossfading to vibrato), tremolos, trills, glissandi, and tempo-synced runs.
Layering Options: Features an "octaved overdub" for each phrase, allowing users to easily thicken the sound or build tension.
Tempo Syncing: Uses an Intelligent Time Machine (ITM) to keep loops synced to your DAW's tempo, even at extreme values. Comparison & Recommendations
Best For: Producers of cinematic cues, world music, or hybrid scores where a "genuine" ethnic string vibe is the primary goal.
Vs. Standard Orchestral Libraries: If you need ultimate flexibility to compose original melodies note-by-note, a traditional library like Sonokinetic Orchestral Strings or Cinematic Studio Strings may be better.
Vs. Competitors: For alternative Arabic string sounds, reviewers also mention Aviram Dayan Arabic Strings as a notable option. Pros and Cons Sultan Strings by Sonokinetic BV - Ethnic Strings
In short: Sultan Strings is not a general-purpose orchestral string library. It is better for Middle Eastern, Ottoman, and cinematic ethnic music—but worse for standard Western orchestral, fast legato, or detailed classical arranging.
Sultan Strings is built around Middle Eastern music theory. Standard Western scales (Major/Minor) often sound "wrong" or generic when trying to utilize this library to its fullest potential.
Let me show you why this library saves money and time.
Scenario: You need a cue for a desert chase scene. Tempo: 130 BPM. Key: D Phrygian dominant.
You now have a track that sounds like it cost $5,000 for a live session. That is the definition of "better" for the modern composer.
Unlike standard string libraries where you press a key and hear a sustain, Sultan Strings is a phrase-based engine. The library recorded the Izmir String Ensemble (12 Violins, 6 Violas, 6 Cellos) performing specific "moves."
Most libraries offer Legato, Spiccato, and Pizzicato. Sultan offers "Sultan." This is a rapid, aggressive, three-note ostinato figure that oscillates between a major second and a perfect fourth. It sounds like a scimitar slicing the air.
Sonokinetic Sultan Strings isn't just better—it is essential for a specific sound palette. It transforms the tedium of MIDI programming into the joy of organic performance. For the composer tired of faking Middle Eastern scales with pitch wheels, this library is the answer.
Pro Action Step: Load Sultan Strings, choose the "Sultan" articulation, hold down C3 and D3 simultaneously at 90bpm. Listen to the polyrhythm that emerges. That sound—chaotic, beautiful, razor-sharp—is the sound you cannot get anywhere else.
That is why Sultan Strings is better.
Have you used Sultan Strings in a mix? Drop a comment below if you've layered it with Taiko drums or Synths—the results are incredible.
Sonokinetic Sultan Strings is a highly specialized Kontakt library designed to provide authentic Middle Eastern string ensemble performances and phrases. While it is a "legacy" product that has been discontinued by Sonokinetic, it remains a benchmark for its unique cultural sound and live performance feel. Core Specifications Content Size: Approximately 5.33 GB of sample content.
Sample Count: Over 5,500 samples (totaling 11,000 including Apple Loops).
Format: Optimized for Kontakt 4.2.4 or higher; also includes EXS24, Halion, and Apple Loop formats.
Recording: Captured on location in the Middle East with a dedicated string ensemble. Key Features & Performance
Phrase-Based Design: The library focuses on 50 tempo-synced, 2-bar phrases that are royalty-free and custom-composed in authentic Arabian styles.
Tempo-Synced Runs: Includes automatic up, down, and up-down runs that sync to your DAW's tempo.
Multi-Sampled Instruments: Beyond phrases, it offers playable sustains (with dynamic crossfading to vibrato), tremolos, trills, and glissandi.
Efficient Workflow: Features a "Light" version for phrases to reduce RAM strain and a custom interface with IR (Impulse Response) space design for convolution reverb control. Pros and Cons Pros Cons If you are looking for an orchestral string
Authenticity: Virtually impossible to replicate the specific Middle Eastern nuances using standard orchestral libraries.
Discontinued: No longer available for direct purchase from the official Sonokinetic website.
Efficiency: Designed for low RAM impact and quick sketching with pre-composed phrases.
Aged Interface: The UI is from an older generation of Kontakt development.
Versatility: Combines live loop performances with multi-articulated playable patches.
Phrase-Lock: While inspiring, phrase-based libraries can sometimes feel repetitive if used too frequently. Comparison: Sultan Strings vs. Modern Alternatives
While Sonokinetic Orchestral Strings (released in 2022) offers massive 97 GB content, auto-divisi, and modern legato, it is a Western cinematic library. Sultan Strings remains superior for projects requiring a specific, raw "Ethnic" or "Oriental" aesthetic that modern Western-centric libraries often lack. Sultan Strings by Sonokinetic BV - Ethnic Strings
Unlocking the Majesty of Middle Eastern Music: A Review of Sonokinetic Sultan Strings Kontakt Library
Sonokinetic, a renowned developer of sample libraries, has once again pushed the boundaries of sonic excellence with the Sultan Strings Kontakt library. This comprehensive collection of instruments is specifically designed to cater to the needs of composers, producers, and musicians seeking to incorporate the richness and authenticity of Middle Eastern music into their projects.
What is Sultan Strings?
Sultan Strings is a Kontakt library that features a vast array of stringed instruments, carefully recorded and crafted to evoke the distinctive sonic characteristics of Middle Eastern music. The library includes a variety of instruments, such as the Oud, Saz, Bouzouki, and Tar, among others. These instruments are expertly played by skilled musicians, ensuring that the samples are infused with the nuance and emotion of traditional Middle Eastern music.
Key Features
Comparing to Other Libraries: What Makes Sultan Strings Better?
While there are other sample libraries available that focus on Middle Eastern music, Sultan Strings stands out in several key areas:
Who is Sultan Strings for?
This library is ideal for:
Conclusion
Sonokinetic's Sultan Strings Kontakt library is a game-changer for anyone seeking to incorporate the rich, exotic sounds of Middle Eastern music into their projects. With its extensive range of instruments, high-quality recordings, and seamless integration with the Kontakt sampler, this library is poised to become an essential tool for composers, producers, and musicians. Whether you're looking to add a touch of authenticity to your music or simply explore new sonic landscapes, Sultan Strings is an unparalleled resource that is sure to inspire.
Rating: 5/5
Recommendation: If you're interested in exploring the world of Middle Eastern music or simply seeking to expand your sonic palette, Sonokinetic's Sultan Strings Kontakt library is an absolute must-have.
The Sonokinetic Sultan Strings Kontakt library is a standout tool for composers seeking an authentic Middle Eastern sound, primarily because it prioritizes live performance capture over the clinical nature of traditional multi-sampling. While many string libraries struggle to recreate the fluid, non-Western nuances of Arabic and Turkish styles, Sultan Strings bridges this gap through a phrase-based approach that preserves the "soul" of the performance. Authentic Performance vs. MIDI Precision
The core advantage of Sultan Strings lies in its focus on live ensemble performances. Traditional string libraries often sound disconnected when playing Middle Eastern melodies because MIDI lacks the intricate glissandi, microtonal shifts, and specific vibrato styles inherent to the region.
Phrase-Based Realism: By using recorded phrases, the library captures the natural "flow" between notes that is impossible to program manually with individual samples.
Ensemble Composition: The library features a specialized ensemble consisting of 3 violins, 1 viola, and 1 cello, providing a sound that is both intimate and powerful. Key Features and Technical Versatility
Despite being phrase-heavy, the library is built with the "digital composer" in mind, offering tools to integrate these performances into modern DAW workflows.
Tempo Syncing: All 50 phrases are tempo-synced within Kontakt, ensuring they stay in time with your project regardless of tempo changes.
Octave Overdubs: Each phrase includes an octaved overdub recorded separately, allowing you to easily "fatten" the sound or build tension by layering different registers.
Playable Articulations: While famous for phrases, it also includes playable patches for sustains, tremolos, trills, and glissandi, giving you manual control when a pre-recorded phrase doesn't fit.
Microtonal Support: It handles the unique scales of the Middle East far better than standard Western libraries, which are often "stuck" in equal temperament. Comparison with Alternatives
Users often compare Sultan Strings to other ethnic libraries like EastWest RA or Native Instruments Middle East. While those offer broader instrument selections, Sultan Strings is frequently cited as more "convincing" for string sections because it avoids the "basic" or "static" feel of single-note ethnic samples.
For composers working on film scores, documentaries, or world music, Sultan Strings offers a shortcut to instant authenticity that would otherwise require hiring live session musicians.
Sultan Drums - Sonokinetic - Sample libraries and Virtual Instruments
✅ Buy if:
❌ Skip if:
Price: €149–199 (often on sale for ~€99)
Value: High – because no other library in this price range gives you truly playable, ornamented Middle Eastern strings out of the box.
“Sultan Strings won’t replace your main orchestral strings – but it will make them sound generic in comparison for any desert, bazaar, or epic caravan chase scene.”