Review: Bunker Strings Vol. I by Bunker Samples

Bunker Strings Vol. I is an innovative tool for modern media composers or producers looking for that new, distinct sound that sets their music apart. A great library for underscores, trailers, or creating great atmospheric ambiences at a fair price.

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Review: Bunker Strings Vol. I by Bunker Samples

Bunker Samples debut library, Bunker Strings Vol. I, is a truly original sample set which features an innovative approach to sampling that focuses on capturing unique textures and soundscapes. It’s refreshing to see indie developers, such as Nicolaj Moeller Nielsen (Danish composer and Bunker Samples owner), offer a fresh outlook with the intention of creating unique, exciting libraries for music producers. Bunker Strings Vol. I is a powerful instrument for media composers hoping to add some interest, movement and emotion to their tracks.

Bunker Strings Vol. I sells for $59 from Bunker Samples

Bunker Samples – Bunker Strings Vol. I features a clean, streamlined GUI with a few controllable parameters.

Bunker Strings Vol. I sells for $59.00 from Bunker Samples

Thoughts

Bunker Strings Vol. I is a texture-based library that focuses on creating emotive string atmospheres, pads and effects. The ensemble consists of five separate sections including violins, violas, celli, basses as well as a separate full ensemble patches and features numerous uncommon articulations. There is also some great bonus content centered around a few different, organic pads.

Bunker Samples – Bunker Strings Vol. I features a clean, streamlined GUI with a few controllable parameters.

While playing through the samples, the first thought that comes to mind is ‘creativity’; both in how the library was conceived, in addition to how it inspires. There is an inherent ‘rawness’ to the samples that gives the library a sincere human-feel and the eclectic sounds definitely encourage improvisation while exploring new musical ideas. From a more technical standpoint, the entire library consists of more than 4,700 individual samples across 78 different patches. When playing through the different nki’s, it is clear that a lot of editing went in to creating this pioneering library.

Bunker Samples – Bunker Samples headquarters in a WWII-era, underground bunker in Copenhagen.

In terms of sound, the library does feature a distinct and natural ambience which sets itself apart from other, similar products in the market. Undoubtedly, this is due in part to the peculiar recording space where the library gets its namesake, which was an underground, WWII bunker in Copenhagen. While the library is still somewhat dry, it does take external reverb well. There should be no problems getting it to sit within a mix and effectively blend with other orchestral libraries. There are also a few included effects via the interface giving you the ability to control the panning, stereo width, attack and release. These are quite helpful and work well shaping the sound to fit your specific project.

The tone of the library is another strong point with the lower range in particular being quite warm, rich and thick. The musicality baked into the samples give it a much more organic sound compared to similar synth-based libraries. Additionally, there are a ton of eclectic or unusual articulations which offers composers many options to work with. In particular, the ‘Ricochet Trem’ and ‘Pizz Trem’ patches are quite evocative and have an almost shimmery type of quality similar to a bisbigliando harp or mandolin. This is definitely something that can help add a bit of life or tension to an otherwise static sustain cue.

Bunker Samples – A range of unique and rare articulations

As well, the sharp attacks on the ‘Power Con Legnos’ are quite aggressive and punchy which is perfect for action sequences requiring a bit more ‘oomph’. As the name suggests, the ‘Drumstick Shorts’ were recorded with a drumstick hit or strike on the strings which generates a much more percussive sound. The dynamic range stretches from piano to fortissimo which makes it quite versatile and perfect for a background rhythmic element or thematic melodic material.

To get an even better sense of the library, be sure to take a listen to the numerous company demos as well as the helpful video walkthrough from Nicolaj himself.

Bunker Samples – A ‘Power Con Legno’ patch in Kontakt displaying the ‘Density’ slider

What truly sets Bunker Strings Vol. I apart from other texture-based libraries, is its ability to actively control the actual ensemble size with the ‘Density’ parameter to create a ‘new’, sonically characteristic instrument.
Each patch has a section size ranging from 3 to 9 players which can be adjusted on the fly directly in Kontakt via the modwheel. Contrary to expression or volume automation, this little inventive feature is a sincerely interesting way to change an instruments inherent sound or character instantaneously. Likewise, having the option to crossfade from one articulation to another, like in the ‘Pizz to Ricochet Trem’ patch for example, is a really cool effect that makes it a great tool for transitioning from lighter to darker moments seamlessly.

Bunker Samples – An assortment of 7 individual pads and ambiences

The additional content includes 7 individual pads which were a nice surprise and their organic, rich sound makes them a nice option for quieter, underscore moments. While there are definitely many other atmospheric ‘sound design’ libraries available, it is always nice to have a few other options available, especially ones with such emotional depth.

Bunker Samples – A snapshot of the included ‘Bonus’ content includedIn an ever-growing market of string libraries, it is exciting to see a relatively new developer take a more experimental sampling approach in an attempt to capture original, unheard textures. In a business where composers are constantly striving to create and shape their original sound, Bunker Strings Vol. I does just that and absolutely delivers on its promises of a unique, innovative string sample library. A very cool library for any media composer looking to add some distinctive string textures and techniques to their palette!
Nicolaj also has publicly mentioned possibly recording more new material later this year, so be sure to look out for future releases from Bunker Samples!

Facts

Bunker Strings Vol. I is a 3.5 GB download with 78 separate NKI instruments and contains just over 4700 individual samples. The library requires Native Instruments Kontakt 5.6.6 Full or later; it will NOT work with the free Kontakt Player.

Be sure to check out the Bunker Strings free demo at Bunker Strings Vol I. – Freebie

Bunker Strings Vol. I sells for $59.00 from Bunker Samples

Demos of Bunker Strings Vol. I by Bunker Samples

Videos of Bunker Strings Vol. I by Bunker Samples

Contributor BenG reviews Bunker Strings Vol. I by Bunker Samples
“Bunker Strings Vol. I is an innovative tool for modern media composers or producers looking for that new, distinct sound that sets their music apart. A great library for underscores, trailers, or creating great atmospheric ambiences at a fair price.”