Pro 2 1.0 Kontakt — Native Instruments Session Strings

Native Instruments' Session Strings Pro 2 1.0 KONTAKT is a premium 38 GB contemporary string library developed in partnership with e-instruments. Designed specifically for pop, R&B, and modern scoring, it offers an intimate, detailed sound that serves as a focused alternative to massive orchestral libraries. Core Specifications & Ensemble Details

The library features a mid-sized 22-piece ensemble, providing double the section size of the standard Session Strings 2.

Ensemble Composition: 8 violins, 6 violas, 4 celli, and 4 double basses.

Library Size: 38 GB (equivalent to roughly 69 GB uncompressed).

Format: Requires Kontakt Full or the free Kontakt Player (v5.8.0 or higher).

Seating Positions: Offers two distinct panning modes: Traditional (orchestral stage placement) and Modern (centered for modern pop mixes). Key Features & Performance Tools

Session Strings Pro 2 is built around a "musical flow" workflow, emphasizing speed and ease of use through several automation engines. Is Session Strings 2 a good purchase? (not the pro version)

Native Instruments Session Strings Pro 2 is a professional Kontakt library designed for a contemporary, intimate string sound, primarily used in pop, R&B, and modern scores. It offers a 22-piece ensemble with significant upgrades in playability and detail compared to its predecessor. Key Specifications Ensemble Size : 22 players, consisting of 8 violins, 6 violas, 4 celli, and 4 double basses Library Size : Approximately 37 GB compressed (around 69 GB uncompressed). Articulations

: 26 sampled articulations including true legato, portamento, glissando, various crescendos, trills, and scoops. Compatibility : Requires Kontakt 5.8.0 or higher or the free Kontakt Player Native Instruments Core Features Smart Play Assistance : Includes Smart Voice Split

, which automatically assigns notes in a chord to the correct instrument group, and Smart Chord for generating full orchestrations from single keys. Flexible Seating : Offers both traditional (orchestral) modern (centered)

seating positions to change the stereo field of the strings. Rhythm & Phrase Animators

: Features editable animators for creating unique rhythmic patterns and arrangements quickly. Instrument Control

: Users can customize the number of players per section and adjust individual section parameters (tuning, panning, effects) via a full-featured mixer. Native Instruments Performance and Sound Sessions Strings Pro 2 - Native Instruments

Achieving Modern String Textures with Native Instruments Session Strings Pro 2 Native Instruments Session Strings Pro 2 is a highly detailed

library designed for contemporary production, offering an intimate, 22-piece ensemble tailored for pop, R&B, dance, and modern scores. Developed in collaboration with e-instruments

, this sequel to the original Session Strings Pro delivers a refreshed sound and a streamlined interface for faster creative workflows. Key Features and Specifications Ensemble Size Native Instruments Session Strings Pro 2 1.0 KONTAKT

: A mid-sized contemporary ensemble featuring eight violins, six violas, four cellos, and four double basses. Library Size : Approximately

of compressed sample data (equating to roughly 69 GB uncompressed). Sound Quality

: Recorded with a focus on an "intimate" and "dry" quality, making it easier to mix into modern tracks compared to distant, orchestral-focused libraries. Compatibility : Runs in the free Kontakt Player (version 5 or higher). Expressive Articulations Session Strings Pro 2 includes 26 sampled articulations to provide realistic, nuanced expression: Legato & Portamento

: True legato transitions for smooth, connected melodic lines. Dynamic Shorts

: Staccato, spiccato, and pizzicato for rhythmic driving parts. Modern Flourishes

: Scoops, falls, slides, and various crescendo speeds (slow and fast). : Major and minor key-switchable options. Smart Play Assistance

To help non-string players achieve authentic arrangements, the library incorporates several "smart" features: Smart Chord

: Generates fully orchestrated ensemble chords from single keys. Smart Voice Split

: Automatically allocates notes in a chord to the correct instrument group (e.g., bass notes to the double basses) for natural voicing. Rhythm Animator

: A customizable step sequencer with patterns that transform chords into realistic rhythmic phrases. Mixing and Customization The interface includes a dedicated Mixer page

where users can adjust volume, panning, EQ, and compression for each individual instrument group. Seating Positions

: Choose between "Traditional" orchestral seating or "Modern" symmetrical seating for a more centered pop feel. Color Effects : A multi-effect page with 51 convolution-based presets

to quickly change the sonic character of the strings—from vintage gramophone tones to lush hall reverbs. or compare this to the standard Session Strings 2 Sessions Strings Pro 2 - Native Instruments

Native Instruments Session Strings Pro 2 1.0 is a comprehensive virtual instrument designed for contemporary music production

, offering an intimate and detailed string ensemble sound suitable for pop, R&B, and modern scores. e-instruments Core Concept and Sound Native Instruments' Session Strings Pro 2 1

This library moves away from traditional, sweeping orchestral "hall" sounds in favor of a dry, modern orchestral timbre Native Instruments Ensemble Size : It features a 22-piece ensemble consisting of 8 violins, 6 violas, 4 celli, and 4 double basses Seating Positions : Users can switch between Traditional

seating. Traditional offers standard orchestral stereo positioning, while Modern provides a more centered, contemporary feel.

: The samples were recorded at a renowned German studio, capturing a "close" and vibrant sound that remains clear even in dense mixes. Native Instruments Play Assistance and Smart Features

One of the standout updates in Version 2 is the inclusion of several "Smart Play" features that simplify complex string arranging. Extra Plugins Smart Voice Split

: Automatically allocates notes in a chord to the correct instrument group (e.g., the lowest note to the basses, the highest to the violins) for natural voicing. Smart Chord

: Allows users to generate fully orchestrated ensemble chords by pressing single keys. Rhythm & Phrase Animators : These include an arpeggiator and step sequencer with 264 editable patterns 180 flexible string arrangements to add motion to static chords. Articulations and Control The library includes 26 sampled articulations , providing a wide range of expressive performance options. Native Instruments Native Instruments Session Strings Pro 2 1.0 Kontakt

Potential Drawbacks (Honest Review)

No tool is perfect. Session Strings Pro 2 1.0 has limitations:

Report: Native Instruments Session Strings Pro 2

Subject: Analysis of Library Functionality, Architecture, and Distribution Context Library Version: 1.0 Format: KONTAKT (NKI, NKC, NKR)

Strengths

3. Usability and Workflow

The "Animator" Feature: One of the most distinctive features of Session Strings Pro 2 is the Animator. This is a rhythmic arpeggiator/groove engine built into the patch.

The "Smart" Chord Mode: Users can play a single key (a trigger), and the engine will generate a full chord voicing appropriate for a string section. This lowers the barrier to entry for producers without deep knowledge of music theory or orchestration.

Product Summary

Session Strings Pro 2 is a 16-piece string ensemble (8 violins, 6 violas, 2 cellos) designed for pop, rock, R&B, and media scoring. It offers a modern, tight, and polished sound—optimized for fast workflow and rhythmic articulation.

Verdict (Solid Report Score: 7/10)

Session Strings Pro 2 is a reliable, no-nonsense tool for producers needing dry, tight, rhythmic string sections. It’s not for emotional legato lines or cinematic swells—but for pop, urban, and media rhythm work, it remains solid and usable today.

Recommendation: If you own full KONTAKT and find it cheap (under $50–70 used/on sale), it’s worth it as a specialist layer. For a main orchestral string library, look elsewhere.

Native Instruments Session Strings Pro 2 1.0 KONTAKT is a comprehensive string instrument library designed for music production and composition. This virtual instrument offers an extensive range of string sounds, from intimate, subtle textures to dramatic, cinematic swells.

Session Strings Pro 2 features a meticulously recorded and produced sound, with a focus on capturing the nuances of live string performances. The library includes a wide variety of articulations, dynamics, and playing styles, allowing users to create highly expressive and realistic string parts. No Solo Players: You cannot pull out a single 1st Violin

Some of the key features of Session Strings Pro 2 1.0 KONTAKT include:

Session Strings Pro 2 1.0 KONTAKT is suitable for a wide range of musical applications, from film scoring and classical composition to pop and rock production. With its versatile sound and user-friendly interface, this virtual instrument is an ideal choice for composers, producers, and musicians looking to add high-quality string textures to their music.

Native Instruments Session Strings Pro 2 is a contemporary string ensemble library for KONTAKT designed for pop, R&B, and modern scoring. It features a 22-piece ensemble with an intimate, detailed sound, offering significant upgrades over the original version and the standard Session Strings 2. Key Specifications Library Size: 36.6 GB compressed (~69 GB uncompressed).

Ensemble: 22 players total, including 8 violins, 6 violas, 4 celli, and 4 double basses.

Articulations: 26 sampled articulations for realistic expression.

Presets: Includes 10 .nki instruments and 480 snapshots/presets. Core Features

Smart Play Assistance: Includes Smart Chord for generating full orchestrations from single keys and Smart Voice Split, which automatically allocates notes to the correct instrument group for natural voicing.

True Legato: Features true legato, portamento, and glissando with correct transitions for every note.

Rhythm & Phrase Animator: An improved step-sequencer and arpeggiator (16 or 32 steps) to create complex rhythmic arrangements.

Flexible Seating: Users can choose between Traditional (orchestral stereo positioning) or Modern (centered/symmetrical) seating arrangements.

Mixer & Effects: A comprehensive mixer allows individual control over sections (volume, panning, EQ) and master effects like compression, delay, and convolution reverb. Articulations Overview The library offers a wide palette of expressions, such as: Basics: Sustain, Legato, Staccato, Spiccato, and Pizzicato.

Dynamic: Multiple crescendi (fast/slow), Dimuendo, and Forte Piano.

Specialty: Portamento, Glissando, Trills (major/minor), Scoops, Falls, and Slides. System Compatibility

Session Strings Pro 2 is compatible with both the full KONTAKT version and the free KONTAKT PLAYER. It functions as a standalone application or as a plug-in within a DAW. Sessions Strings Pro 2 - Native Instruments

1. Executive Summary

Session Strings Pro 2 is a virtual instrument library designed for the Kontakt platform, developed by Native Instruments. It is designed to emulate a modern studio string ensemble. Unlike orchestral heavy-hitters (such as Spitfire Symphonic Strings or Berlin Strings) which focus on cinematic grandeur, SS Pro 2 focuses on playability, workflow, and contemporary production aesthetics (pop, hip-hop, funk, and modern scoring).

The file string you provided indicates the initial retail release (v1.0). In the context of audio software communities, this specific nomenclature is often associated with the "scene" or pirated releases, distinct from the continuously updated versions available via Native Access.