Play sophisticated string sections with Spitfire Audio’s Symphonic Motions

Recorded at AIR Studios, the virtual instrument makes string performances “perfectly playable”

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Spitfire Audio Symphonic Motions

Elite British music tech software developer, Spitfire Audio, returns with another pristinely recorded orchestral plug-in: Symphonic Motions.

Recorded at the revered AIR Studios in London, Symphonic Motions is a solution to playing rhythmic rebowing movements in your DAW – a playing technique that isn’t easily achievable with samples. The software instrument is equipped with seven different playing styles and six overlay samples for playing chords and accents. It’s presented in an intuitive yet simplistic grid interface, which harks back to the matrix of the EMS VCS3 – a legendary British-built synth of the late 60s.

Spitfire Audio Symphonic Motions

The onscreen 12×40 grid arrangement allows users to place virtual pegs on the matrix to access recordings across 12 intervals with unique configurations. The setup makes it “easy to quickly create expressive, intricate, and realistic rhythmic strings”, according to Spitfire Audio. First, choose from playing styles that include ostinato, col legno, sul tasto and con sord, then combine with the overlay samples, such as spiccato, to create a realistic, dynamic string part.

Four different rhythms with staccato and legato phrasing options are available – ⅙, ⅛, 1/12, and 1/16. These all lock to the tempo set in the DAW project. There’s also a randomise option to create unpredictable combinations to quickly inspire new pieces. Check out Spitfire Audio’s full walkthrough of the instrument below.

Spitfire Symphonic Motions also features six microphone placements to choose from, including close tree and ambient mics as well as three carefully curated mixes. The samples were recorded in the hallowed Lyndhurst Hall of AIR Studios, with direction from Jake Jackson, the Chief Engineer and Associate Producer for Spitfire Audio, and an award-winning recording and mix engineer/producer.

For those looking to ease themselves into the expansive collection Spitfire Audio has to offer, the brand has a free version of the BBC Symphony Orchestra, which we awarded a 10/10 in our review.

Spitfire Symphonic Motions is available as an AAX-, AU-, VST2-, and VST3-compatible, NKS-ready plug-in. It’s currently on an introductory promo price of £149.00 GBP/$199.00 USD/€199.00 EUR until 30 July 2020 — rising thereafter to a price of £199.00 GBP /$249.00 USD/€249.00 EUR.

Find out more at spitfireaudio.com

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