Meet Runa
Elder Scoring Strings
$ 199
Until 31st of July
RUNA is designed to easily add a distinctive and rich strings to your mix, helping it stand out with its unique sound and features. It fits well in many genres from cinematic and trailer music to horror and folk. We carefully sampled the traditional ethnic instrument Kobyz and brought its character into the modern world. And it works!
Modern Relic
How Runa: Elder Scoring Strings works in different mixes
Cyberpunk
Cinematic Epic Folk
Modern Metal
Tension Horror
More
It actually plays harmonics
We have selected some that we and other composers made while testing the library.
Made For Kontakt Player
This library is licensed for use in the free Kontakt Player. It can be used in Kontakt Player or the full retail version of Kontakt. It requires online registration through the Native Instruments Native Access system. This library is also fully compatible with Komplete Kontrol and all NKS Standard hardware and software by Native Instruments.
RUNA: Elder Scoring Strings explores features designed for intuitive use and adding a distinctive, rich, and detailed sound with ease, allowing to sound different. Improved phrase-repetition sampling techniques provide authentic and natural attacks and bow changes, for smoother, more expressive performance. RUNA is fully playable. We fully sampled every string, every note note, and every possible transition.
Harmonics is one of the most important features of Runa: Elder Scoring Strings. After hearing the “Cyberpunk” soundtrack and this version of “Rebel Path”, we knew we had to build the instrument with these harmonics at its core. The instrument has two keyswitches that control hard and normal flageolets. For simplicity, we added an auto-harmonics function that activates normal harmonics automatically after a set period of time.
Having a wide range of internal effects was critical for our library. This instrument is designed to fit not only classical orchestral music, but also modern genres. We didn’t want to add effects just because we could. For example, you’ll see that it works well to add light saturation and cabinet to make Runa cut through the mix even more. Or, you can destroy the sound completely with huge distortions. There are many great possibilities. Check the snapshots to get an idea.
Sequencer with high detalisation and the functionality of MIDI drag-and-drop to DAW or computer. The sequencer has 5 patterns. Users can load and edit sequence presets, or create their own from scratch and save them. By default, we set one very long step, so the instrument does not actually play a rhythm. Most sample libraries work this way. However, you can set a more active sequence. In this case, the following settings will be very important. Restart Seq resets the sequence on a new note, starting it from the beginning. If Instant Legato and Restart Seq are both turned off, the engine allows the current step to finish before activating the legato. And the next step will then play the new note. This is very handy for fast rhythms.
We have prepared a several categories of Snapshots to speed up the workflow, simplify sound selection, and demonstrate the engine’s capabilities.
Although we sampled solo strings with pretty limited range (2 strings), we beautifully captured the tones of other instruments, such as the double bass, cello, viola, organ, pipa, and percussion, on Kontakt with the pretty impressive results!
Mic settings are fairly standard, but there are a few features worth highlighting. First, the Tune option can extend the range, making the instrument sound more like a cello or even a double bass. When you start panning the microphones, a slider appears that lets you add Delay, creating a much wider stereo image.
Legato. The library offers several types of deeply sampled legato: Rebow Legato, Portamento, Fast, and Trill. The offsets for the trill can be set in Options menu.
Presets window with Factory and User presets available for Sequences and FX Rack.
Color Themes. Why limit yourself to just one look? We’ve prepared a selection of color themes so you can match the interface to your project or simply choose whatever fits your mood. Available at release in four colors: Regular, Future Violet, Mystic White, and Brutal Red.
In Runa: Elder Scoring Strings, we used our favorite sampling techniques, such as performance sampling, rebow & attack morphing, to achieve highly realistic performances. We applied all our experience with products such as Ashen Scoring Cello and Edda to the specifics of the new instrument. We paid special attention to maintaining a natural dynamic balance between different bowing repetitions without over-compression. We did a lot of experimentation with the performance sampling of legato transitions. We also tried many variations of backing tracks to find the perfect balance between the correct bowing speed for various BPM and dynamic control.
Phase-alignment. Keep in mind that we pay special attention to the phase alignment of the samples to avoid artifacts in dynamic and legato crossfades. However, panning the mics and adding delay (to achieve an additional stereo effect) could lead to phase effects, such as volume changes, “phaser,” and “chorus.” If you want to use delay, we recommend using the default settings (-25 ms). We did hundreds of hours (thanks to the patience of the editors) for tests and volume rebalancing to ensure that the instrument does not have phasing issues and is balanced for 0 ms and -25 ms delay settings. However, you can experiment with other settings to achieve a different stereo effect.
Noise Reduction is minimal for sustains, tremolos, and attack samples. Noise reduction is moderate for shorts and crescendo samples. Noise reduction is strong for release samples. Musical noises and small artifacts are left untouched. These small artifacts are a direct result of the performance sampling approach and subjectively sound more natural. But we understand that it’s important to keep the balance and make sure they’re not repetitive and too noisy.
Limited range. Some may find the instrument’s range quite limited. This is because the original kobyz only has two strings. We plan to sample the Nar-Kobyz, which covers a lower range of notes. Additionally, you can tune the instrument’s mic settings to match the desired range. The instrument is fairly tolerant of non-extreme pitching.
The Kobyz is a popular string instrument in Central Asian countries. In Kazakhstan, it is called the Kyl-Kobyz. This instrument is made from a single piece of wood and has two strings: one for the melody and one for resonance. Both the strings and the bow are typically made of horsehair. These elements combine to create its characteristic rich sound with mesmerizing overtones. Today, the kobyz holds a esteemed place in Kazakh orchestras and in the country’s cultural identity. Its mystique, craftsmanship, and powerful sound symbolize centuries of nomadic heritage.
Specification
Let’s sum it up.
Features
- The unbelievably deeply sampled flagoulets (harmonics) that make all the difference
- Flexible sequencer with presets and midi drag & drop function
- The FX Rack transforms this horsehair string instrument into a tool that sounds like a whole new breed
- 8 Articulations
- Sustain (Legato + Poly)
- Staccato
- Spiccato
- Harm Short
- Pizzicato
- Richochet
- Tremolo
- Crescendo
- 4 Legato Types
- Multiple Round Robins
- Multiple dynamic layers
- Flexible microphone settings (with delay function)
- 24-bit / 48 kHz lossless NCW format
- Sequencer and FX Rack Presets
- Snapshots
- 4 color themes
Requirements
- Works with Free Kontakt Player
- NI Kontakt 8.1.0 +
- 3.5 GB of hard drive space (5.5 GB of original sample material)
- Compatible with hardware by Native Instruments
Documentation
