Scoring desert kingdoms, Middle Eastern dramas, Ottoman court flashbacks, Balinese gamelan fusion, or any fantasy setting that requires longing, vibrato-heavy, micro-tonal phrasing.
Sonokinetic is an authentic, performance-based Kontakt library designed for composers needing genuine Middle Eastern string ensemble sounds . It stands out for its high-quality, live-recorded musical phrases that are difficult to replicate with traditional multi-sampled libraries. Core Features
No review is honest without acknowledging weaknesses. Sultan Strings is not better for everything. sonokinetic sultan strings kontakt library better
When scoring for film, television, or expansive world-music projects, finding authentic Middle Eastern string performances that sit perfectly in a modern mix can be a daunting challenge. While traditional synthesizers and standard Western orchestral string libraries provide lush harmonic beds, they invariably lack the microtonal nuances, expressive phrasing, and characteristic timbres that define authentic Middle Eastern music.
The library includes standard legatos and staccatos alongside authentic Eastern ornaments. Core Features No review is honest without acknowledging
While Sultan Strings is marketed as an ethnic phrase library, many users discover that its standard articulations—sustains, tremolos, trills—are actually quite usable for general composition work.
Is Sonokinetic Sultan Strings the Better Kontakt Library for Eastern Strings? it’s the only viable option
Sonokinetic Sultan Strings occupies a unique niche that few other libraries address. It’s not trying to be the best general-purpose string library—because that’s not its job. But for composers needing authentic Middle Eastern string performances, Sultan Strings isn’t just as good as the alternatives. In many cases, it’s the only viable option, making it by default.
While inspiring, phrase-based libraries can sometimes feel repetitive if used too frequently. Comparison: Sultan Strings vs. Modern Alternatives
Another factor that makes Sultan Strings "better" is the sheer quality of the recording and the specific timbre of the ensemble. Many "world" libraries sound small or processed, relying on effects to hide thin samples. In contrast, Sonokinetic recorded a sizable string section in a distinct acoustic environment, resulting in a library that sounds massive enough for a Hollywood blockbuster yet intimate enough for a documentary score. The strings possess a raw, slightly gritty texture that is characteristic of live ethnic performance—a quality often polished out of modern pristine libraries. This built-in character means that Sultan Strings sits in a mix with authority. It requires less artificial reverb and EQ to sound "real," providing a solid foundation for woodwinds and percussion.
Essential for authentic folk or fusion tracks.