A Different Kind of Cinematic String Library

STRINGS OF WINTER Kontakt Library by Sonuscore is designed around cold, raw and unconventional orchestral colors. Rather than focusing only on traditional string articulations, it combines extended techniques, a European string orchestra and the distinctive character of the Mongolian Morin Khuur.

The result is a Kontakt library aimed at cinematic composition, atmospheric scoring and projects that need strings with a more unusual sonic identity. Sonuscore describes the collection as featuring 60 unique articulations, performed by a 41-piece European string orchestra and the Mongolian State Morin Khuur Ensemble.

A 41-Piece European String Orchestra

The orchestral recordings feature a 41-piece European string orchestra divided into five traditional sections:

• Violin I
• Violin II
• Violas
• Celli
• Basses

The recordings include standard orchestral material alongside extended techniques and unusual articulations. The manual lists techniques such as Sul Ponticello Sustain, Sul Ponticello Tremolo, Sul Ponticello Spiccato, half-tone and whole-tone trills, Col Legno, Bartók Pizzicato, Harmonic Sustain, Harmonic Tremolo and Harmonic Marcato across the main string sections.

The Mongolian State Morin Khuur Ensemble

One of the defining elements of STRINGS OF WINTER is the inclusion of the Mongolian State Morin Khuur Ensemble.

The Morin Khuur, also known as the horsehead fiddle, is Mongolia’s national instrument. Sonuscore recorded an ensemble of 15 players divided into high and low ensembles, adding a delicate, airy and distinctive bowed-string character that contrasts with the European orchestral sections.

60 Unique Articulations

STRINGS OF WINTER contains 60 unique articulations spread across seven sections, along with additional String Ensemble FX instruments.

These sounds provide a palette that can move from fragile and isolated to aggressive, animated and powerful.

The Ensemble Engine

At the heart of the library is Sonuscore’s Ensemble Engine.

The engine allows you to load up to five instruments into independent slots and combine them into playable orchestral textures. Each slot can be assigned to one of five modules.

Independent arpeggiators and velocity envelopes help create:

• Pulsating orchestral rhythms
• Animated melodic patterns
• Moving sustained textures
• Layered orchestral colors
• Custom playable combinations

The important difference is that these results are generated from the notes and chords you play rather than relying on fixed pre-recorded phrases.

64 Single Instrument Patches

For composers who want detailed control, STRINGS OF WINTER also includes 64 single-instrument patches.

These allow the individual sections and articulations to be played directly. The library also includes full ensemble risers, crescendos, falls and hits for cinematic transitions and dramatic moments.

Ensemble Presets and Multi Patches

The official specifications list:

• 70 ready-to-go ensemble presets
• 40 multi-rack patches

The multi patches layer multiple instances of STRINGS OF WINTER to create more complex arrangements and animated orchestral patterns.

MIDI Export

STRINGS OF WINTER includes MIDI export functionality.

Once you create or modify a performance using the Ensemble Engine, the resulting arrangement can be dragged into a DAW for further editing, orchestration and layering with other instruments.

Technical Specifications

These specifications are based on Sonuscore’s current product page and manual.

Product FAQ

What is STRINGS OF WINTER?

STRINGS OF WINTER is a cinematic orchestral Kontakt library by Sonuscore featuring a 41-piece European string orchestra, the Mongolian State Morin Khuur Ensemble and 60 unique articulations.

How many articulations are included?

The library contains 60 unique articulations spread across seven sections, plus additional String Ensemble FX instruments.

What is the Morin Khuur?

The Morin Khuur is Mongolia’s national instrument and is also known as the horsehead fiddle. STRINGS OF WINTER includes recordings from the Mongolian State Morin Khuur Ensemble.

Does it include individual instrument patches?

Yes. The library contains 64 single-instrument patches, allowing you to play and orchestrate individual sections directly.

What is the Ensemble Engine?

The Ensemble Engine allows multiple instruments to be combined into playable orchestral textures using independent arpeggiators and velocity envelopes.

Can I export MIDI?

Yes. STRINGS OF WINTER includes MIDI export functionality for moving generated performances into a DAW.

Does it work with the free Kontakt Player?

Yes. Sonuscore lists compatibility with the free Kontakt Player and Kontakt 6.0.4 or later.