LONDON — Spitfire Audio (https://www.spitfireaudio.com) has released Spitfire Studio Strings, the first release in an all-new orchestral library range that was recorded in AIR Studios’ Studio 1. The library is designed to work on a wide range of productions, from passionate period dramas to modern Scandi noir, as well as on quirky indie projects, epic film and game scores.
The small symphonic ensemble was recorded by section — 1st violins, 2nd violins, violas, cellos, and double basses. The collection includes soaring legato and signature whispering super-flautando, spiccato, hairpins, grace notes, and effects.
The package made use of the full microphone armoury of Abbey Road Studios’ senior engineer Simon Rhodes, arrange six setups, from pin-sharp to super-wide, picked up by the best offerings from Neumann, Schoeps, and Sennheiser.
“I used one of my tried-and-tested approaches to smaller rooms, but incorporated layers and options by using a variety of microphone setups — right down to that very close ‘Eleanor Rigby’ sound,” states Rhodes.
Users can choose to work with Rhodes’ mix or — in the case of Spitfire Studio Striongs Professional — customise the mix based on various mic options, including two ‘tree’ setups, both of which use Schoeps microphones.
“The second uses Schoeps MK21 wide cardioids (or sub-cardioids), which are great for keeping the room sound at bay while allowing you to get a sense of distance and perspective,” Rhodes explains. “This was especially important for our prized divisi recordings, where we recorded different sets of players in separate chairs, divided between inside and outside desks. With a touch of reverb on, this library is going to sound very lush and beautiful, but, at the same time, keep hold of all the detail.”
“I’m so proud of our new Spitfire Studio Strings range, which, for me, is possibly our most versatile strings library to date,” notes Spitfire Audio director Christian Henson. “The size of the library is roughly halfway between our Spitfire Chamber Strings range and our Spitfire Symphonic Strings range, but the key here is that it’s recorded in Studio 1 at AIR Studios — not Lyndhurst Hall, so the main appeal for me is about definition and control.”
The release can be purchased and digitally downloaded for a time-limited introductory promo price of $199 until September 13th, after which, it increases to $249. The ‘Professional’ release can be purchased for $399 and then $499 after September 13th.