Sultan Strings isn’t trying to be another generic symphonic string library. Instead, it excels at highly expressive, ornamented Middle Eastern string phrasing – something most standard libraries (even great ones like Spitfire or Cinematic Studio Strings) simply cannot do without heavy editing. If you write for film, games, or world music, Sultan Strings will save you days of programming.
In short: Sultan Strings is not a general-purpose orchestral string library. It is better for Middle Eastern, Ottoman, and cinematic ethnic music—but worse for standard Western orchestral, fast legato, or detailed classical arranging.
One of the most powerful features often overlooked in Sultan Strings is the Time Machine (found in the GUI).
Phrase-based libraries have a set tempo. If your track is at 120 BPM and the phrase was recorded at 100 BPM, standard stretching can sound artificial. sonokinetic sultan strings kontakt library better
Unlike standard string libraries where you press a key and hear a sustain, Sultan Strings is a phrase-based engine. The library recorded the Izmir String Ensemble (12 Violins, 6 Violas, 6 Cellos) performing specific "moves."
Buy Sonokinetic Sultan Strings if:
Stick to standard libraries if:
If you compare the raw waveform of Sultan Strings to a typical "Hollywood" sound, you notice three distinct differences:
Sonokinetic is legendary in the world of sampling for one specific reason: their phrase-based approach. Sultan Strings is a crown jewel in their collection, capturing the exotic, evocative, and rhythmic essence of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean string arrangements.
However, if you are used to standard "key-switching" libraries (where you press a key to change articulations like legato or staccato), Sultan Strings can feel intimidating. You might feel like you are just "pressing play" on a MIDI file rather than composing. Sultan Strings isn’t trying to be another generic
If you want to make your Sultan Strings productions sound more authentic, organic, and "better," follow these essential tips.
The biggest mistake users make with Sultan Strings is treating it like a keyboard library. It is not. It is a performance emulator.
Pro Tip: Use the "Master" patch. It allows you to mix different microphone positions (Close, Decca, Wide) on the fly. A dry "Close" mix sounds intimate; a "Wide" mix sounds cinematic. Automate these faders during your track to create movement. In short: Sultan Strings is not a general-purpose