INTIMACY & DETAIL
The word ‘chamber’ describes a band that is smaller than a symphony orchestra — anything from a quartet to 40 players. Our aim was to create the definitive chamber strings project, recorded at The Hall at AIR Studios, giving you that highly sought-after widescreen blockbuster sound, with detail and intimacy — hard to achieve with larger-sized string sample libraries.
We give you 16 world-class players: four 1st Violins, three 2nd violins, three Violas, three cellos & three basses, expertly sampled. Choose from over 244 articulations — including 38 shorts, 53 longs, 19 FX, and 45 extraordinary legato patches, programmed by Andrew Blaney. Each sample has been recorded with multiple round robins and dynamic layers, presented with three essential and versatile microphone positions. In addition to each individual section, we also have a comprehensive selection of articulations and techniques presented in an ‘ensemble’ format, designed for sketching and composing, for instant satisfaction.
KEY FEATURES
– 244 articulations: 38 shorts, 53 longs, 19 FX & 45 legatos
– 16 world-class London string players
– Recorded in situ using priceless valve and ribbon mics
– Neve Montserrat Pre-amps into a Neve 88R desk
– Recorded digitally at 96k via 2″ Studer tape
– Multiple dynamic layers and round robins
– Diverse and detailed, with both essential and totally unique articulations
– Legatos designed by Andrew Blaney
– Individual sections and ensembles
BEHIND THE SAMPLES
Spitfire was built on a chamber strings project. Many of our friends, including A-list composers, complained that sampled strings were unwieldy, ill-defined and too epic. That for much of their output, sensitive and achingly beautiful quiet passages and searing lyricism required less players, and attention to detail. Our first iteration of chamber strings was released as a private project and became hugely popular amongst our peers.
Some, however, noted how it still sounded ‘kind of big’. So we returned to the chamber challenge with a question: How small can we go before it no longer sounds like a section? The answer was 4,3,3,3,3. A uniquely intimate group of extraordinary players in one of the best recording locations. Originally available in volumes, this project has been four years in the making. It is the Spitfire team’s absolute favourite string range, admired for its beauty, versatility and totally unique sonic character.
