Session Strings Pro Explained
Eli Krantzberg, author of MIDI Orchestration Explained, dives into one of todays most exciting and inspiring string collections, Native Instruments Session Strings Pro. In this series, Eli covers both the plug-in and how you can integrate it into your workflow to make beautiful sounding string parts and arrangements.
Videos
• Understanding the Presets (04:56) - See how the presets that ship with this library are categorized, first by recording technique, then by style, then by section, and finally by function.
• The Main Window (06:28) - Learn how the controls on this page, which appears in all three of the preset types, are used to blend the two versions of each section together, control the amount of bow noise, stereo width, and envelope characteristics of the section.
• The Animator Window Pt. 1 (07:05) - This window functions as either a step sequencer for chords, or as an arpeggiator. Learn how the basic controls are used to create patterns, alter the dynamics, timing, and number of steps, and set the trigger mode.
• The Animator Window Pt. 2 (05:58) - See how Animator presets are used, customized, saved, and loaded, and how to work with the different articulations and arpeggiator playback modes.
• Getting to Know the Articulations (10:02) - Listen to samples of the available articulations and become familiar with the types of parts associated with the various playing styles.
• Working with Key Switches (06:59) - Learn how the Keyswitch window is used to play or program string parts using multiple playing styles in a single performance.
• Working with the Articulation Window (06:07) - Discover how this window is used to set up various articulations to be triggered by real time performance gestures, including velocity, sustain pedal, expression pedal, and pitch bend.
• The FX Window (03:36) - Hear how the built in three band equalizer, compressor, and convolution reverb are used to enhance the sound of the string instruments.
• Session Strings Pro in Action (07:22) - Explore a short musical example utilizing seven different instances of Session Strings Pro that switch between multiple articulations. Discover a few ideas on filtering and chasing the key switch notes.