Don't sleep on this. The current trend in Latin and Pop music (think Luis Fonsi or even The Weeknd’s "Moth to a Flame") involves Eastern modalities. The staccato articulation of the Arabic Violin cuts through a 4-on-the-floor kick drum brilliantly. Use the loop mode for rhythmic bow strikes.
Assassin's Creed Mirage, Prince of Persia. The adaptive legato allows for dynamic response to player actions. The light CPU footprint (compared to massive orchestral libraries) makes it ideal for game middleware like FMOD or Wwise.
Version 2.0 significantly expands the sonic palette with a wide range of articulations accessible via key-switching:
Before we discuss the sound, let’s look at the architecture. This library is not a series of static loops. It is a performance tool.
The most critical upgrade is the Microtuner. Middle Eastern music relies on quarter tones (3/4 of a step) and specific maqamat (scales). Where most Western libraries force you to bend pitches manually, v2.0 includes a preset microtuning system. You can switch instantly between Maqam Rast, Bayati, Hijaz, Saba, Nahawand, and Kurd without touching the pitch wheel.
Aviram Arabic Strings v2.0 is not just another string library; it is a specialized tool built by musicians who understand the soul of Arabic music. By combining high-fidelity sampling with a smart scripting engine that handles microtonality automatically, it bridges the gap between the complex theory of Maqam and the modern digital audio workstation. Whether you are a seasoned composer of World music or a producer looking to add a unique ethnic texture, this library delivers the emotion and realism required for professional production.
Aviram Arabic Strings v2.0 is a comprehensive virtual instrument library for Native Instruments Kontakt that captures the authentic, emotive essence of Middle Eastern string sections. Developed by Aviram Dayan, this library represents over 25 years of specialized recordings, providing composers with a rich palette of traditional and modern string textures that are often missing from standard orchestral libraries. Key Features and New Enhancements in v2.0 Aviram Arabic Strings v2.0 -KONTAKT-
The v2.0 update builds upon the foundations of the earlier versions (v1.0 and v1.5), introducing more sophisticated scripting and performance options.
New Microtuning System: One of the most critical features for authentic Arabic music is the ability to play quarter tones. Version 2.0 includes an advanced Microtuning system that allows for precise tonal adjustments across the keyboard.
True Legato and Portamento: The engine features a dedicated "New Legato Mode" and "New Portamento Mode" designed to capture the characteristic "sliding" sound of Eastern string performances.
Expanded Sound Engine: v2.0 includes new polyphonic and monophonic performance modes, along with a dedicated "Performance" tab for easier access to microtuning and articulation details.
Built-in Effects & Tools: The interface now integrates a harmonizer, arpeggiator, and step sequencer to help create complex melodic patterns. A Diverse Collection of String Instruments
The library doesn't just feature a single violin; it spans a wide variety of stringed instruments to provide a massive range of timbres: Don't sleep on this
Violins: Classical, Baroque, Modern, Electric, and Stroh Violins.
Lower Strings: Bass Violin and Cello (including a "Cello Rock" variation).
Specialized Textures: Fiddle and samples inspired by legendary Yamaha and Korg keyboard string sounds. Articulations and Performance
With over 9,800 individual sounds and a 3GB footprint, the library offers 18 distinct articulations, each typically featuring three modulation modes accessible via the mod wheel.
Sultan Articulations: Specialized legato trills and authentic "oriental" phrases.
Movement Techniques: Glissandi, scales (up and down across 6 octaves), and spiral vibrato. The most critical upgrade is the Microtuner
Classic Techniques: Staccato and Pizzicato with up to 32 round-robin groups to avoid the "machine gun" effect.
Bonus MIDI Content: To help composers get started, the library includes a folder of MIDI phrases, grooves, and typical Arabic licks. Technical Specifications
Format: Requires the full retail version of Kontakt 5.4.1 or higher (not compatible with the free Kontakt Player). File Size: Approximately 3GB of sample content. Compatibility: Works on both Windows and macOS systems.
Availability: Regularly priced around $259, but frequently found on sale at retailers like Audio Plugin Deals or Rekkerd. Thoughts on Aviram Arabic Strings? On sale now for $39.99
In v1.0, the Kamancheh was beautiful but dry. In v2.0, we get three microphone positions: Close (biting, bow string noise), Stage (room tone), and Far (hall ambience). The round-robin count has been increased to 6x, meaning you will never hear the "machine gun" effect when playing fast runs.
The True Legato in v2.0 is staggering. When you slur from one note to another, you hear the finger sliding against the gut/nylon strings, not a synthetic pitch shift. If you play fast, it triggers staccato bows; if you play soft, it triggers a breathy, sustained tremolo.