Orchestral Tools' flagship Berlin Series comprises 20 sample libraries that capture an orchestra in painstaking detail, offering everything from core playing techniques through to more ‘decorative’ articulations. The latest addition, Berlin Solo Strings, extends the line-up further with four new expressive and detailed solo instruments designed specifically for melodic lead lines.
The library includes four instruments: Violin I, Violin II, Viola and Cello, which have been captured at Teldex Studios in Berlin to ensure the results blend perfectly with the existing Berlin Series offerings and other Teldex-based libraries. The company say that each instrument offers a a rich, sophisticated sound that shines when performed solo, although they are equally at home handling melodic duties in front of bigger sections or being used together as a quartet.
Three playing styles or ‘moods are provided,’ each designed to offer a distinct sound and emotional style of play suited to different compositional needs. The first, Expressive, is said to be ideal for soaring melodies and searing emotional intensity, while Cinematic provides a general-purpose scoring tool with a versatile sound that covers many emotional states without being too loud or too soft. Finally, Sul Tasto is designed for restraint and subtlety for pieces that require gentle, nuanced playing. All three styles come with their own dedicated legatos, automatic note transitions and vibrato controls.
As with all of the company’s libraries, Berlin Solo Strings comes loaded with a vast array of articulations. The legatos and sustains are joined by FX sustains, three different marcatos, staccato, spiccato and pizzicato. There is also a separate folder of dynamics and ornaments for each instrument, offering a collection of swells, repetitions, tremolo and trills. Crucially, the articulations remain consistent for each instrument across the entire collection.
“The Berlin Strings series is still our gold standard for orchestral strings, and it is one of our most popular series. We’re pleased to add these expressive soloists with Berlin Solo Strings. These are some of the most detailed and vividly playable string sounds we’ve ever produced, and we’re eager to hear how they will inspire composers.” - Hendrik Schwarzer, Orchestral Tools CEO
Compatibility
Berlin Solo Strings runs in the latest version of Orchestral Tools’ SINE Player, which is supported on PCs running Windows 10 or higher, and Macs running macOS 10.13 and above. VST, VST3, AU and AAX plug-in versions are available, along with a standalone application.
Pricing & Availability
Berlin Solo Strings is available now, and is being offered at an introductory price of €299 (reduced from its full cost of €399) until 5 January 2025.
