Augmented STRINGS

Acoustic instruments reinvented

Augmented STRINGS combines rich sampled strings with state-of-the-art synthesis in an approachable, inspiring software instrument, giving modern producers immediate access to a comprehensive range of authentic, abstract, and evocative string sounds.

Redefining
strings

An evolved hybrid soundtrack for the modern age.

Uniting quality string libraries with state-of-the-art synthesis, Augmented STRINGS 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.

A new string palette

Augmented STRINGS’ hybrid palette unlocks the truly exciting and unique power that strings can bring to your projects. This isn’t just a selection of string samples; these are traditional instruments transformed into sounds unlike anything you’ve ever heard.

Layer your own sound

Build your own ensemble with Augmented STRINGS’ multi-engine flexibility. Experiment with 2 layers, each containing 2 sound sources, and weave your own custom combination of sampling and synthesis for a string sound that transcends the real thing.

Authentic to abstract

Immersive, orchestral, cinematic, and everything in between. With over 60 articulations, multiple mic setups, solo & ensemble performances, 4 types of synthesis, and built-in FX, explore a near-limitless spectrum of modern string textures and timbres for any style.

Morphing power

Augmented STRINGS’ Morph control gives you truly unique & ever-evolving sound with one click. Unlock huge sonic territory within a single sound, move and transform between Layers A and B, and adjust up to 8 custom destinations - all with one control.

Transform sound instantly

Make dramatic changes and tap into your musical expression in real-time with a streamlined set of macro controls, designed to intelligently change multiple parameters for sweeping sound tweaks in real-time. Perfect dynamics, variety, and individuality when you need it.

Deeper customization

An instrument that can do both: Augmented STRINGS is quick and intuitive on the surface, but deep and advanced when you need it to be. Weave intricate modulation, create dynamic sequences, customize sound sources, and more.

Morphing:
sound between the lines

Discover entirely new string timbres on an entirely new scale.

On one side, a complete recorded library of solo & ensemble string samples. On the other, 4 ultra-powerful synth engines. In the sonic space between these two elements, Augmented STRINGS forges fresh and invigorating sounds that are yours to discover - and with up to 8 extra custom destinations, the Morph control is the key that unlocks a world of musical expression with a single touch, where any configuration and character is possible.

Sampling

Augmented Strings’ built-in sample library has been recorded and curated to be every bit as delicate, urgent, and expressive as conducting your own personal ensemble.

22 musicians performed as soloists and as an ensemble, with over 60 articulations across double bass, cello, viola, and violin. The recordings were captured in detail with world-class microphones and preamps in various positions, ensuring that every sample resonates with lifelike space, detail, and energy. Whether you need an evocative single instrument melody, a huge tremolo sustain, or anything in between, this library ticks the boxes.

Synthesis

Discover sounds from 4 synth engines, from subtle textural embellishment to in-your-face soundscapes: Virtual Analog, Granular, Wavetable, and Harmonic.

Inspired by state-of-the-art synthesis architecture from the minds behind Pigments and V Collection, this is more than a list of synth presets. These are entire instruments within an instrument, responsive and tactile, providing everything from destructive sub-bass to digital pads brimming with harmonic detail.

Multi-Sample Layering

Virtual Analog

Wavetable

Granular

Harmonic

Simpler

Simple
and intuitive

Transform an intimate solo violin into sprawling theatrical density with a few clicks.

Augmented STRINGS is built around a streamlined interface, designed to give you the exact sound you seek in as little time as possible. Reach out, interact with its quick-fire controls, and savor an instant, intuitive sonic response that’ll become your new go-to.

  • Morph

    Blur the lines between acoustic and synthetic, weave intricate layers of sound, and choose any selection of up to 8 parameters to adjust with a single sweep of one control. Scan through Augmented STRINGS’ 2 layers, exploring any combination of samples, synthesis, or hybrid, giving you a world of authentic and contemporary sound within one preset.

  • Color, Time, Motion

    Be the conductor on stage, the band leader in the live room, or the producer at the desk, and effortlessly alter your sound with a single gesture. These instinctive macros simultaneously tweak multiple parameters for dramatic adjustments to your sound in real-time, such as synth controls, filter cutoff, modulators, and more.

  • FX, Delay, Reverb

    Quickly tweak the final stages of Augmented STRINGS’ sound, from your own custom FX slots to the dedicated Delay and Reverb master FX. Whether you’re looking for the right spatial balance, or a sound processed beyond recognition, these macros put it all within immediate reach.

Advanced
sound design

Rearrange, modulate, and customize every aspect of your hybrid ensemble.

Augmented STRINGS’ simple interface and diverse preset library brings quick results to keep your flow moving - but when you want to get complex, you can. The Advanced panel takes you deep into the inner workings of the instrument, giving you detailed control over your sound sources, modulation, performance, and beyond.

LAYERS
MODULATION
ARPEGGIATOR
EFFECTS
MACROS

Tap into the full capabilities of Augmented STRINGS’ sound sources by adjusting the dual engines within each layer. This puts 4 sound sources at your disposal; any combination of up to 2 sampling and 2 synthesis engines. Within each engine, make subtle tweaks or drastic changes, from filter sculpting to waveform combinations to sample mic blend.

Animate and transform your sound with ultra-simple click-and-drag modulation routing. Apply multiple LFOs, functions, random generators, and keyboard controls to numerous parameters, and customize each modulation generator to do your sonic bidding.

Turn the simplest of ideas into vibrant flurries of acoustic texture and momentum with a built-in 16-step arpeggiator. Whether you’re injecting movement into a chord sequence or looking to weave an ever-evolving string tapestry into your ambient soundscapes, this familiar tool is built to be synchronized, randomized, and tweaked in real-time.

Dial in your own flavors of distortion, sound-sculpting, and drastic processing with 2 FX slots per layer, and sprinkle the final spatial and time-based touches with Delay and Reverb at the end of the chain.

The command center for Augmented STRINGS’ crucial macro controls; observe a real-time overview of every parameter and function that each of the 8 macros are altering, and hone in on the detail of each adjustment as you perform, produce, or record.

Capturing
magic

We knew that in order to create fresh and exciting sounds with Augmented STRINGS, we first had to capture beautiful and authentic samples.

Two sessions took place, lasting over 20 hours in total, overseen by seasoned sound designers & engineers on an orchestral scoring stage in Eastern Europe that’s witnessed recordings for productions including Netflix’s The Crown and HBO’s His Dark Materials.

The ensemble consisted of 3 double basses, 3 celli, 4 violas, and 8 violins, plus additional performers for solo recordings. In an effort to capture as much articulation and detail, the ensemble was recorded with multiple mic positions using the finest mics and preamps from the likes of Neumann, Schoeps, DPA, and Millennia. The resulting sample library puts unmistakably lifelike string samples right in your DAW at the touch of a button - and yours to augment.

String presets
that deliver

Summon the perfect mix-ready string sound at the touch of a button.

For when you need immediate results to complete a project or overcome a creative hurdle, Augmented STRINGS’ preset library contains hundreds of expertly-crafted presets spanning realistic strings, dense synths, hybrid textures, and everything in between.

Strings

Soft Vibrato

All is about vibrato. you can morph between a synthetic vibrato and a realistic vibrato articulation. Mod wheel adds more vibrato.

Spiccato Cloud

Random Spiccato samples in combination with some low level granular drones. Try mod wheel to speed up the spiccato playing.

Impetuous

Marked attack natural strings blend from pizzicato to staccato through the Morph Macro. Mod wheel closes the filter.

Hybrid

Del Mar

Sweeping ambient pad with cello harmonics and modulated filter. Velocity controls filter envelope amount. Aftertouch adds vibrato. Mod wheel controls Morph and Colour macros.

Sad Day Cello

Expressive Cello with synthetic layer to add more body. Good to play chords or solo. Mod wheel adds more density on Layer A and vibrato on Layer B.

Deepening

An ever changing bass. Morph mix between truly realistic and synthetic. Good for chords and solo.

Synths

Arrival

Epic, long-evolving hybrid orchestra ensemble combines rich processed string samples with granular strings. Time Macro sets the Attack time. Mod wheel opens the filters. Aftertouch adds tremolo.

Dancing Bows

Rhythmic string-pad uses Arpeggiator Step Chord feature to create strums that work great for pop and dance. Play slow chord progressions while using the Morph Macro to blend the Multi-Sample engines with the Analog and Granular ones.

City of Demons

Warm and big pad converts to more harmonic, airy and anxious atmosphere via morph. Movement brings in filter rhythm. Mod wheel increases filter cutoff.

Artistscorner

A sound
for every style

Augmented STRINGS blends classic with contemporary, real with surreal, for a string palette that covers every style you’ll ever need. Quickly search based on sonic characteristics and hone in on the sound that’ll lock in with your project, whatever your style.

Electronic

Cosmos by Meelk

Whether you are looking for patches to create complex modern sound design or to find the stadium-sized pads of EDM you’re after, explore a colorful array of ecstatic string presets that are dancefloor-ready.

Authentic

Real Strings by Raven Bush

Sometimes only the real thing will do. Choose from a select range of beautifully recorded solo & ensemble samples, delicately embellished, and inject authentic acoustic sound into your mix.

Urban

Augment S by Maxime Desormieres

Add regal swagger and lush string textures to offset your 808s and neon synth lines for bold, powerful, attention-grabbing beats that stand out from the crowd.

Cinematique

Intercept by Richard Veenstra

Impactful, dramatic, and emotive; these are sounds that tell a story, build suspense, and shake the foundations when needed. Craft engaging underscores and soundscapes worthy of award-winners.

Ambient

Hazy Strings by Rob Martland

Sprinkle true orchestral essence or explore warped atmospheric tones rooted in acoustic strings by combining layered engines with dynamic FX. An essential ambient toolkit.

Pop

Questions by Matt Paull

Elevate choruses, add intimate depth to ballads, and go full disco staccato with strings that shine throughout. Create upbeat melodies, pumping pads, and topline enhancers galore.

Included in
V collection

Legendary Keyboards Reinvented

This instrument is also part of the V Collection -your complete dream line-up of the legendary synths, organs, pianos and more that made keyboard history. They’re modeled with the most advanced technologies for authentic realism, and enhanced with new creative options. Whether you use it as DAW plugins in the studio or standalone at gigs, V Collection puts the greatest keys of all time at your fingertips for instant inspiration.

Learn More

The features
you need

  • In-App Tutorials

    Integrated in-app tutorials guide you through every aspect of the instrument, from individual parameters to tips from our sound designers, so you can focus on the creative stuff. It shouldn't be this easy, but it is!

  • ASC

    Arturia Software Center lets you download, organize, and update all of your Arturia software titles in one place, as well as manage all of your licenses across multiple devices. Keep it simple.

  • DAW ready

    Our virtual instruments and plugins are designed to fit right into your setup without hassle. Whatever your style, you can explore sound while enjoying full compatibility with major DAWS, on both Windows and MacOS.

  • Preset browser

    Instantly find the sound that’s in your head with intelligent & streamlined preset browsing. Search with keywords, explore by instrument type, musical style, and more - you can even save your favorites to quickly recall later.

  • Resizable GUI

    Whether you want the full visual immersion of our classic instrument emulations, or to save precious screen real estate, the interfaces for all of your Arturia virtual instruments can be resized to a scale that suits you.

  • Perfect integration

    Instruments come seamlessly mapped for the Arturia KeyLab range - but they’ll place nice with other MIDI controllers too. Instant sound tweaking macros, easy DAW integration, and standalone operation.

Gallery

Main Features

Virtual Instruments playable in a DAW (Live, FL Studio, Logic,...) or standalone with a MIDI keyboard.

Dynamic hybrid string instrument

2 Layers within each preset; each layer contains 2 customizable sound sources

Detailed string sample library

  • Featuring solo and ensemble strings
  • Double bass, cello, viola, and violin
  • Close and Far Mics
  • Over 60 articulations

Flexible synth engines

  • Virtual analog with our award winning TAE® technology
  • Granular engine producing Warp, glitch and stretch sounds
  • Harmonic engine based on additive synthesis
  • Wavetable engine with look up table for more abrasive digital sounds

Morph control moves between Layers A and B, as well as affecting up to 8 custom destinations

7 additional macros: Time, Color, Motion, FX A, FX B, Reverb, Delay

2 LFOs, 2 Function Generators, 2 Random Generators, 4 Keyboard modulation sources, dedicated Vibrato & Tremolo

2 FX slots per layer with 14 FX including ParamEQ, Bitcrusher, BL-20 Flanger, and more

Dedicated Delay and Reverb sends with 5 spatial/time-based algorithms

Built-in 16-step arpeggiator

Over 250 factory presets included

MPE compatibility

MTS-ESP ODDSOUND microtuning compatibility

Platform specifications

Windows

  • Win 10+ (64bit)
  • 4 GB RAM
  • 4 cores CPU, 3.4 GHz (4.0 GHz Turbo-boost)
  • 3GB free hard disk space
  • OpenGL 2.0 compatible GPU
  • ARM processors not supported on Windows

Required configuration

  • Works in Standalone, VST, AAX, Audio Unit, NKS (64-bit DAWs only).

Apple

  • Mac OS 11+
  • 4 GB RAM
  • 4 cores CPU, 3.4 GHz (4.0 GHz Turbo-boost) or M1 CPU
  • 3GB free hard disk space
  • OpenGL 2.0 compatible GPU

Work with ASC

  • An elegant and simple solution to help you install, activate, and update your Arturia software instruments.

All manufacturer and product names mentioned on this page are trademarks of their respective owners, which are in no way associated or affiliated with Arturia. The trademarks of other manufacturers are used solely to identify the products of those manufacturers whose features and sound were studied during the development. All names of equipment, inventors, and manufacturers have been included for illustrative and educational purposes only, and do not suggest any affiliation or endorsement by any equipment inventor or manufacturer.

*NKS ready