Strezov Sampling Releases BALKAN Ethnic Orchestra Duduk Freebie

Strezov Sampling has released BALKAN Ethnic Orchestra Duduk Freebie, a free duduk sample library for the full version of Native Instruments Kontakt (also includes WAV samples).

The freebie is based on the Duduk Tenor patch from Strezov Sampling’s popular BALKAN Ethnic Orchestra ($329) library. Apart from the instrument patch for NI Kontakt, the download pack also contains the WAV samples which can be used in any other sampler instrument or digital audio workstation. Still, keep in mind that the full version of Native Instruments Kontakt is required to play the included NKI patch without a 15-minute time limit of the free Kontakt Player.

The NKI user interface features close and hall microphone volume controls, along with the solo, mute, and on/off buttons. It is also possible to adjust the close mic pan and the volume of the built-in reverb effect. The patch consists of two types of samples: short solo phrases which are mapped to the left-hand side of the keyboard and single notes on the right. Legato mode can be turned on or off, as well as the release samples for the single notes. The patch is based on a set of 68 individual samples.

As for the sampled instrument, the duduk is a double-reed woodwind instrument used in Eastern European folklore music, most notably in Armenian music. Its sound somewhat resembles that of the oboe and the English Horn. Strezov Sampling’s sampled patch captures the original instrument’s feel very well and is worth the download if you’re into using ethnic instruments in your music.

The download process requires user account registration on the Strezov Sampling website. After registering and completing the checkout process, the download will be accessible from your user account.

BALKAN Ethnic Orchestra Duduk Freebie is available for free download via Strezov Sampling (119 MB download size, ZIP archive, contains 1 instrument patch in NKI format for NI Kontakt, 68 audio samples in 24-bit WAV format).