Sultan Strings vs. Traditional Orchestral Libraries (e.g., EastWest, Spitfire Audio)

Sonokinetic is legendary in the world of sampling for one specific reason: their phrase-based approach. is a crown jewel in their collection, capturing the exotic, evocative, and rhythmic essence of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean string arrangements.

Before diving into the comparative advantages, let’s establish what Sultan Strings actually is. Released in 2011 as part of Sonokinetic’s World Series, Sultan Strings is a phrase-based ethnic string ensemble library featuring performances by a Middle Eastern string ensemble consisting of .

Sonokinetic has fully embraced NKS (Native Kontrol Standard). If you use Komplete Kontrol or Maschine, the light guide shows you exactly which keys trigger which phrases. This is better for live performance. You can improvise a or Sama'i on a keyboard controller without ever looking at your computer screen.

A common limitation of phrase-based libraries is rigidity – they lock you into specific tempos and keys. Sultan Strings breaks this barrier with . Whether your project runs at 80 BPM or 140 BPM, the phrases adapt seamlessly without artifacts.

Huge, 90-piece Hollywood string sections sound too massive and smooth for authentic Middle Eastern arrangements. Traditional Eastern string sections are typically smaller, tighter, and more aggressive.

: While primarily phrase-based, it does include multi-sampled single hits for ending phrases or adding custom accents. Sonokinetic Comparison with Alternatives Sultan Strings Standard Orchestral Libraries Authentic Middle Eastern Western Classical/Romantic Phrase-based (Ready-made loops) Note-by-note MIDI programming Microtones Built-in authentic slides Requires manual pitch-bending World music, cinematic "ethnic" scores Traditional film scores, pop backdrops Popular Alternatives for Middle Eastern Sounds

Better than specialized phrase libraries that offer no usable standard articulations. Better than libraries that lock you into a single workflow.

Combines live loop performances with multi-articulated playable patches.

Are you planning to use it for or more of a modern pop/electronic hybrid track? Middle Eastern Strings & Articulations | VI-CONTROL