Native Instruments Session Strings Pro 2 1.0 Kontakt < PRO >
Session Strings Pro 2 is a 16-piece string ensemble (8 violins, 6 violas, 2 cellos) designed for pop, rock, R&B, and media scoring. It offers a modern, tight, and polished sound—optimized for fast workflow and rhythmic articulation.
| Feature | Session Strings Pro 2 | Session Strings (Original) | Other Full Orchestras |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Section Size | 11 Players (Flexible) | 8 Players (Fixed) | 30+ Players |
| Room Sound | Dry / Studio | Dry / Studio | Wet / Hall |
| Rhythmic Tools | Yes (Advanced Rhythm Engine) | Basic patterns | Rare / Separate product |
| CPU Load | Medium | Light | Very Heavy |
| Best For | Pop, Hip-Hop, EDM | Pop, Lo-fi | Film, Classical |
| Feature | Session Strings Pro 2 | Competitors (e.g., Spitfire, Orchestral Tools) |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Sound | Dry, close-mic, "studio pop" sound. Lush but not huge. | Often cinematic, wet, recorded in large halls. |
| Target Audience | Pop producers, TV composers, beatmakers. | Film composers, orchestral writers. |
| RAM Usage | Moderate (lightweight enough for laptop production). | High (often requires SSD streaming and high RAM). |
| Playability | High (Smart features, Animator). | Medium/High (Requires more MIDI programming). |
When it comes to orchestral samples in the digital audio workstation (DAW) environment, few libraries have sparked as much debate, admiration, and utility as Native Instruments Session Strings Pro 2. Released as version 1.0 for the KONTAKT Player engine, this library represents a significant evolution from its predecessor, aiming to bridge the gap between raw, synthesized string sounds and a full-blown, multi-million dollar orchestral hall recording.
For the modern producer—whether you are scoring a Hollywood trailer, producing a K-Pop ballad, or crafting deep house chords—understanding the nuances of this 11-piece string ensemble is crucial. This article dives deep into the architecture, sound design potential, and practical applications of NI Session Strings Pro 2 1.0 KONTAKT.
Session Strings Pro 2 is a virtual instrument library designed for the Kontakt platform, developed by Native Instruments. It is designed to emulate a modern studio string ensemble. Unlike orchestral heavy-hitters (such as Spitfire Symphonic Strings or Berlin Strings) which focus on cinematic grandeur, SS Pro 2 focuses on playability, workflow, and contemporary production aesthetics (pop, hip-hop, funk, and modern scoring).
The file string you provided indicates the initial retail release (v1.0). In the context of audio software communities, this specific nomenclature is often associated with the "scene" or pirated releases, distinct from the continuously updated versions available via Native Access.
Session Strings Pro 2 is a professional virtual string ensemble library for Kontakt designed for modern production and film scoring. It delivers realistic, tightly-produced string sections with a contemporary sonic character suited to pop, electronic, and cinematic contexts.
Session Strings Pro 2 v1.0 remains a highly capable tool for producers seeking polished, non-cinematic string sounds. It excels in genres where strings serve as a textural pad or rhythmic element rather than the lead melody.
However, the 1.0 designation is a point of concern. If you are evaluating this software for professional use:
Native Instruments Session Strings Pro 2 Go to product viewer dialog for this item.
is a highly detailed virtual instrument designed to deliver an intimate, contemporary string sound. Unlike traditional orchestral libraries, it focuses on the "studio" sound of a mid-sized ensemble, making it a primary choice for pop, R&B, and modern scoring where a close-mic'ed, textured feel is required. Core Specifications
Ensemble Size: A 22-piece ensemble featuring 8 violins, 6 violas, 4 celli, and 4 double basses. Native Instruments Session Strings Pro 2 1.0 KONTAKT
Library Size: Approximately 36.6 GB compressed (equivalent to roughly 69 GB uncompressed).
Compatibility: Runs in the full Native Instruments Kontakt or the free Kontakt Player.
Instrumentation: Includes 10 NKI files with separate sections (Violins, Violas, Celli, Basses) and full ensemble patches. Key Performance Features
Session Strings Pro 2 is designed for both realism and speed, incorporating several "smart" features to aid composition.
26 Sampled Articulations: Includes specialized techniques like true legato, portamento, glissando, trills, scoops, falls, and multiple types of crescendi.
Smart Voice Split: Automatically allocates notes in a chord to the correct instrument group to ensure natural voicing.
Animator & Rhythm Tools: Features improved phrase and rhythm animators that turn simple chords into rhythmic arrangements.
Traditional & Modern Seating: Users can toggle between standard orchestral stereo positioning (Traditional) or a more centered, "studio" feel (Modern). Workflow and Customization
The interface is streamlined for quick adjustments, with deeper pages available for fine-tuning.
Custom Ensembles: Users can customize their ensemble size, selecting the specific number of players per slot (e.g., opting for just one or two cellos).
Built-in Mixer: Provides per-section control over volume, panning, EQ, compression, and sends for reverb and delay.
Color Multi-Effect: Includes 51 presets across five categories to quickly change the tonal character of the strings—from vintage gramophone sounds to lush hall settings. Session Strings Pro 2 is a 16-piece string
Zoning Area: Allows users to adjust where different string sections sit on the keyboard for better-tailored ensemble performances. Critical Perspectives
Reviewers from sites like Sound on Sound and the VI-CONTROL forum highlight its clear, intimate sound but also note some limitations:
Strengths: Excellent for pop and contemporary genres due to its "dry" and precise sampling; very play-friendly with minimal setup.
Weaknesses: Some users find the violins can lack "passion" or energy in the highest registers, and the legato may feel overly "responsive" (robotic) for slow, highly expressive orchestral passages.
Performance: The library can be demanding on polyphony, especially when using complex ensemble patches with multiple articulations. Sessions Strings Pro 2 - Native Instruments
Native Instruments Session Strings Pro 2 is a contemporary string ensemble library for KONTAKT designed for pop, R&B, and modern scoring. It features a 22-piece ensemble with an intimate, detailed sound, offering significant upgrades over the original version and the standard Session Strings 2. Key Specifications Library Size: 36.6 GB compressed (~69 GB uncompressed).
Ensemble: 22 players total, including 8 violins, 6 violas, 4 celli, and 4 double basses.
Articulations: 26 sampled articulations for realistic expression.
Presets: Includes 10 .nki instruments and 480 snapshots/presets. Core Features
Smart Play Assistance: Includes Smart Chord for generating full orchestrations from single keys and Smart Voice Split, which automatically allocates notes to the correct instrument group for natural voicing.
True Legato: Features true legato, portamento, and glissando with correct transitions for every note.
Rhythm & Phrase Animator: An improved step-sequencer and arpeggiator (16 or 32 steps) to create complex rhythmic arrangements. | Feature | Session Strings Pro 2 |
Flexible Seating: Users can choose between Traditional (orchestral stereo positioning) or Modern (centered/symmetrical) seating arrangements.
Mixer & Effects: A comprehensive mixer allows individual control over sections (volume, panning, EQ) and master effects like compression, delay, and convolution reverb. Articulations Overview The library offers a wide palette of expressions, such as: Basics: Sustain, Legato, Staccato, Spiccato, and Pizzicato.
Dynamic: Multiple crescendi (fast/slow), Dimuendo, and Forte Piano.
Specialty: Portamento, Glissando, Trills (major/minor), Scoops, Falls, and Slides. System Compatibility
Session Strings Pro 2 is compatible with both the full KONTAKT version and the free KONTAKT PLAYER. It functions as a standalone application or as a plug-in within a DAW. Sessions Strings Pro 2 - Native Instruments
Native Instruments released Session Strings Pro 2 1.0 on May 16, 2018, as a significant evolution of its popular contemporary ensemble library. Created in partnership with e-instruments, it moved away from the "disco" focus of the original version toward a broader, more versatile tool for pop, R&B, and modern scoring. Key Capabilities
Ensemble Size: Features a 22-piece string section (8 violins, 6 violas, 4 celli, 4 double basses).
Intimate Sound: Designed for a close, dry studio sound that sits well in modern mixes.
Massive Articulation List: Includes 26 sampled articulations, featuring true legato, portamento, and glissando. Smart Play Features:
Smart Voice Split: Automatically allocates chord notes to the correct instrument group for natural voicing.
Rhythm/Phrase Animators: Uses a 16- or 32-step sequencer to create rhythmic patterns or melodic phrases.
Smart Chord: Generates fully orchestrated chords from single keys. The 1.0 "Full Story" Context
The 1.0 release marked a complete overhaul of the series, introducing a sleek, graphical interface and enhanced customization. Sessions Strings Pro 2 - Native Instruments
If you want, I can outline a short patch list, show example MIDI ideas to play with it, or suggest complementary libraries/plugins to pair with Session Strings Pro 2.
