Checking Out: Expanse Hybrid String Engine by Insanity Samples

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PROS

Deep and intuitive modulation matrix
Ability to sequence pulsing short strings beneath sustained pads and textures

CONS

The samples are very wet and somewhat synthetic sounding


Combining organic and synthetic elements, Expanse: Hybrid String Engine blends 4 synth layers with samples from a live string ensemble using a deep and intuitive modulation matrix.

Jump to the Videos of Expanse: Hybrid String Engine by Insanity Samples

Jump to the Demos of Expanse: Hybrid String Engine by Insanity Samples

 

Checking Out: Expanse Hybrid String Engine by Insanity Samples


Including both synth samples and samples from a live string ensemble, Expanse: Hybrid String Engine blends these synthetic and organic textures into a mixture of pulsing pads and experimental string textures.

Expanse: Hybrid String Engine normally sells for £129.00 from Insanity Samples

Thoughts

Expanse: Hybrid String Engine blends curated synth sounds with samples from a live string ensemble. There are four layers of articulations from the live string ensemble: sustains, tremolos, staccatos, and pizzicatos, along with four curated synth layers. These can all be blended to taste and modulated using the deep and intuitive onboard modulation matrix. The modulation, sequencing, and arpeggiation options are the highlight of this library for me. The engine is intuitive and easy to understand while being highly flexible – allowing even some advanced modulation options, such as modulating one onboard LFO using the second onboard LFO. The string samples are too wet and synthetic sounding for my own taste, but the 80 included snapshot presets and deep modulation capabilities make Expanse: Hybrid String Engine a unique library for creating pulsing pads and unique textures.

Facts

Expanse: Hybrid String Engine is compatible with the full version of Kontakt 5.8.1 or above and downloads as 2GB. It includes 8 textural layers across samples from both a string ensemble and curated synth textures and includes 80 presets.

Expanse: Hybrid String Engine normally sells for £129.00 from Insanity Samples

 

Demos of Expanse: Hybrid String Engine by Insanity Samples

Videos of Expanse: Hybrid String Engine by Insanity Samples



Contributor Raborn Johnson reviews Expanse: Hybrid String Engine by Insanity Samples
“Combining organic and synthetic elements, Expanse: Hybrid String Engine blends four synth layers with samples from a live string ensemble using a deep and intuitive modulation matrix.”