Native Instruments Session Strings Pro 2 is a 36.6 GB KONTAKT-based library featuring a 22-piece ensemble designed for contemporary, pop, and jazz scoring. It offers 26 articulations, including true legato and portamento, alongside Smart Play tools and customizable seating arrangements for enhanced realism. For more details, visit Native Instruments. Sessions Strings Pro 2 - Native Instruments
Native Instruments Session Strings Pro 2 is a highly versatile, mid-sized contemporary string ensemble library designed for pop, R&B, and modern scoring. Created in collaboration with e-instruments, it offers a detailed, intimate sound that serves as a modern alternative to traditional symphonic libraries. Core Specifications
Ensemble Size: A 22-piece ensemble consisting of 8 violins, 6 violas, 4 celli, and 4 double basses.
Library Size: Approximately 36.6 GB compressed (equivalent to ~69 GB uncompressed).
Format: Includes 10 NKIs and 480 snapshots, compatible with the free Kontakt Player or Kontakt.
Seating Positions: Two distinct configurations—Traditional (standard orchestral placement) and Modern (a wider, more symmetrical contemporary spread). Key Performance Features
Session Strings Pro 2 is distinguished by its "Smart" engine, which simplifies complex orchestration for producers who may not have deep classical training.
Smart Voice Split: Automatically allocates notes in a chord to the correct instrument group (e.g., lower notes to basses, higher to violins) for natural voicing.
Smart Chord: Generates fully orchestrated ensemble chords from single keys. Rhythm & Phrase Animators:
Rhythm Animator: A customizable arpeggiator with 264 patterns to create driving ostinatos and grooves.
Phrase Animator: Includes 180 flexible, pre-arranged string phrases for quick song construction.
True Legato & Transitions: High-quality True Legato, portamento, and glissando transitions ensure fluid melodic lines. Articulations & Sound Shaping Native Instruments Session Strings Pro 2 1.0 KONTAKT
The library features 26 sampled articulations, providing a wide palette for expressive arrangements: Shorts: Staccato, spiccato, pizzicato.
Longs/Dynamic: Sustain, accents, various crescendos (fast/slow), diminuendos, and forte-piano.
Specialized: Trills (half/whole step), scoops, falls, and glissandi. Mixing and Effects
The interface includes a dedicated Mixer Page that allows for per-section control over volume, panning, and EQ.
Color Control: A master multi-effect knob with 51 convolution-based presets to instantly shift the ensemble's character (e.g., vintage, modern, airy).
Humanize: Adjustable timing and pitch knobs to add subtle imperfections for a more realistic, "un-quantized" feel.
Insert Effects: Built-in compressor and EQ, plus send effects for Convolution Reverb and delay. Sessions Strings Pro 2 - Native Instruments
Unlike the larger "Symphony Series" libraries, Session Strings Pro 2 focuses on a small, tight ensemble ideal for pop, rock, R&B, hip-hop, TV, and underscoring.
Why specify "1.0 KONTAKT"? Because this library leverages the advanced scripting capabilities of KONTAKT 5.8 and higher. Version 1.0 of the library is not a buggy beta; it is the mature, finalized feature set that NI shipped to great acclaim.
Key technical specs for the 1.0 release include:
Session Strings Pro 2 v1.0 remains a highly capable tool for producers seeking polished, non-cinematic string sounds. It excels in genres where strings serve as a textural pad or rhythmic element rather than the lead melody. Native Instruments Session Strings Pro 2 is a 36
However, the 1.0 designation is a point of concern. If you are evaluating this software for professional use:
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. Section Size: 11 players total
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.
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
