Arturia releases Augmented STRINGS Intro, a free virtual instrument for Windows and macOS.
Augmented STRINGS Intro combines sampled sounds with advanced synthesis. It delivers natural-sounding strings while offering more flexibility than purely sample-based virtual instruments.
The plugin is part of Arturia’s new Augmented Series of virtual instruments. You can download Augmented STRINGS Intro for free until April 30th, 2022.
Augmented STRINGS Intro comes with a clean interface that features eight control knobs. The user can adjust the Morph, Color, Time, Motion, Delay, Reverb, FX A, and FX B parameters.
The Morph knob is the most exciting control parameter on offer. It lets the user morph between two sound layers, leading to dramatic sonic transformations with the twist of a single knob.
Each preset comes with two sound layers that combine sampled strings and various synthesis techniques. Arturia states that Augmented STRINGS Intro utilizes subtractive, wavetable, harmonic, and granular synthesis.
The instrument lets you explore the available sounds without going too deep with parameter customizations or any advanced synthesis knowledge. Arturia provided a streamlined user interface that lets the user focus on fine-tuning the sound with a few easy-to-understand macro controls.
Augmented STRINGS Intro reminds me of LABS in this regard. You’re getting stellar sounds packed in a clean interface with simple controls.
Here’s how Arturia describes the new instrument:
“Uniting quality string libraries with state-of-the-art synthesis, Augmented Strings Intro is your quickest route to the fresh string sound you’ve always wanted. Go beyond conventional libraries, virtual instruments, and familiar orchestral timbres, and elevate your string sounds to inspiring new heights. Whether you’re a composer, producer, sound designer, or anything in between, effortlessly control an enhanced hybrid ensemble that’ll set your production alight.”
You can hear the Augmented STRINGS Intro plugin in action in the official demo video below.
And here’s an in-depth Augmented STRINGS Intro tutorial from Arturia.
While Augmented STRINGS Intro may look simple on the outside, it packs an astonishing amount of sample content mixed with a flexible synthesis engine. Arturia claims that they sampled “over 60 articulations across double bass, cello, viola, and violin.”
At the same time, the plugin uses “state-of-the-art synthesis architecture from the minds behind Pigments and V Collection.”
Please note that you need to install the Arturia Software Center license manager to activate your free copy of Augmented STRINGS Intro.
The software is compatible with 64-bit VST2, VST3, AU, and AAX plugin hosts on Windows (Win 8.1+) and macOS (10.13+).
Download: Augmented STRINGS Intro (FREE until April 30th, 2022)
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15 Comments
CH
onCan see why they are getting with NI. This is very much like NI’s Play series, though it appears to be less tweakable.
samuel
onat least the “acoustic” side of this instrument is trying to be a realistic emulation of the instrument, from what i understand. NI play series is not that at all
Brenny C
onForget to take your pills? 🤔
K
onidk fams, feels like NI has been on the decline for a good minute!
djs have long switched to serato
most producers have long switched to any of the MPCs
maschine jam? maschine studio? seriously?
kontakt, which was only ever big to play REAL SOUNDING instruments is definitely on the fckz decline, considering more and more are either switching to other library hosts, or creating their new own one. or are doing modelling anyway so no host is needed
massive was huge 10 years ago, they tried to follow up with massive X, they flopped
guitar rig might make them a few bucks
but does anybody actually use any other NI effects? lmao hell no
reaktor definitely reached its peak with version 5
why do you think that all of a sudden, their focus went from actually making “professional” plugins, to just selling more presets and “instruments that are sure to spark your creativity, no matter how you are feeling”, like the fckzin play series?
they know pro’s are not buying anything anymore, so let’s make some easy money on these producers that know absolutely nothing, by selling them absolutely nothing
Raven
onAgreed. Excellent point. Really you said it. Except have to TRIED massive X? Its a beast!
Jamie M.
on…what..?
Yorgui Hartmann
onlol, what a rant. took me two sentences to stop reading.
bad lsd?
Darryl Lim
onI have ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), & it is possible for those like us to go off the rails like this after being triggered about something we’re passionate about. I’ve had to work hard all my life to learn to manage it, but i’ll never completely be “cured”.
Don’t know what’s wrong with “J”, but just felt like saying that mental illnesses are not something to laugh at. ;)
Raven
onYou the man. A voice of reason. The inside scoop. Light bringer. etc. RESPECT to your compassion. <3 Replying with condemnation, or sarcasm to what is clearly a (well founded) emotional outburst, is maybe less than classy.
Raven
onI get it bud. I really do. You clicked it. I agree. I think its just about demonstrating what you believe. I use to have this kinda rant on youtube about everything from nutrition to politics, music to games… What i learnt was that the only power i have is over myself and the longer the rant is, the less it gets read. That said. I feel the same as you do, but the same ungrateful immaturity that drives the commentators you’re fed up with, BLOCKS THEM FROM YOUR TRUTH. So the lesson is for you to DEMONSTRATE your truth and shield yourself from the negativity that others thrive on.
Out-evolve these tragic materialistic suckers that will never reach musical mastery. You see the light, make sure YOU DEMONSTRATE. And lets all of us finish our annual albums!
inyueren
onnice
Wing Yee
onThank You!
rex roll
onnice,but still the intro thing,there are more than 1 sound each side,but you can only switch them by change presets,which made this less cool.
Arshan
onA tip for people trying to download from the installation manager. Don’t do it. Instead find the download link from the support area on the website.
G-Dog
onThanks! The DL manager has been trying for two days now…