Checking Out: Runa Elder Scoring Strings by Wavelet Audio
Ancient Strings into Modern Magic! Wavelet Audio’s Runa Weaves Old World Folk Soul Into Contemporary Cinematic Gold
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Checking Out: Runa Elder Scoring Strings by Wavelet Audio
Wavelet Audio’s Runa – Elder Scoring Strings is a deeply unique and inspiring virtual instrument that blends the earthy resonance of traditional ethnic string instrument, a Kobyz, with modern cinematic versatility. Designed with trailer composers, horror scorers, and folk-tinged projects in mind, Runa’s carefully sampled tones bring an ancient character into the contemporary scoring world as an NKS-compatible Kontakt Player library.
Runa comes with a nice set of eight articulations, four types of legato, up to eight round robins, two dynamic layers, two mic positions, two types of harmonics. But is is the ability to add the 45 built-in effects, and a staggering 218 curated snapshots that deliver a truly diverse range of . At its core, this is more than a solo string library — it’s a creative scoring tool that invites experimentation.
From the very first playthrough, Runa’s distinctive timbre stands out. The core patch instantly conveys a special, ancient quality to the strings that feels both organic and cinematic. The main legatos and sustains are beautifully playable, switching seamlessly on the fly, while the harmonics additives add character and nuance. The sequencer allows you to adjust the rhythmic feel, triggering on different subdivisions — a thoughtful touch that underscores the instrument’s flexibility. This is a simal sequencer that the developer used for their Edda instrument which I am a big fan of.
Runa comes with true legato, a re-bow legato, sustains, and harmonics, there are spiccato, staccato (with sample start control), pizzicato (rarely used on this kind of instrument, but included), ricochet, tremolo, crescendos, and even short harmonics. Each offers a slightly different color of the instrument’s dark, warm temperament, and they’re easy to shape dynamically via modwheel.
Where Runa really shines is in its extensive preset library. Preset-wise, you get more than what I expected for a specialty ethnic-folk focused concept. The 218 snapshots cover everything from drones and evolving pads to percussive impacts, distorted textures, and rhythmic arpeggios — far exceeding the scope of a “solo string” library.
The effects rack gives you room to chain and tweak up to eight effects per slot, with hundreds of creative options to choose from. Some of the presets demonstrate just how far you can push the sound design, transforming Runa from a delicate folk soloist to a gritty, cinematic soundscape generator.
Ultimately, Runa surprised me with its depth and diversity What I expected to be a narrowly focused ancient string library turned out to be a versatile cinematic toolkit, full of character, tone, and creative possibilities. It’s an inspiring instrument with a unique sonic output — perfect for composers looking to add a distinctive, organic edge to their scores.
If you’re a composer who loves rich, folk-inspired tones but wants modern scoring flexibility, Runa is absolutely worth exploring.
Runa Elder Scoring Strings normally sells for $199 from Wavelet Audio
Its on an introductory price of $159 through July 31, 2025.
Facts
Sampled Kobyz (Ka-Biz)
8 Articulations
4 Types of Legato w/ up to 8 Round Robins
2 Dynamic Layers
2 Mic Positions
2 Types of Harmonics
3 FX Racks with 45 FX
218 Snap Shots
Kontakt Player NKS Compatible
Runa Elder Scoring Strings normally sells for $199 from Wavelet Audio
Its on an introductory price of $159 through July 31, 2025.
Demos of Runa Elder Scoring Strings
Videos of Runa Elder Scoring Strings
