Review: Studio Quartet Series by 8Dio

Over the last year, 8Dio have been releasing each instrument of the quartet as singular solo instrument.  With the recent release of their solo bass, the quartet is now complete and promises to be one of the most deeply sampled and playable solo string libraries on the market.  With so many options of excellent solo string libraries available, what has 8Dio created to make us consider them for our next string library?

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Review: Studio Quartet Series by 8Dio

The Studio Quartet Series is an exceptional package.  There is no question that these strings will at the very least tempt you away from your favourites.  I’ve used the same solo strings for years and these are now up there as one of my main quartets.  The reason being is two fold, the excellent overall timbre and the uniform playability via the extended articulations and performances.   In my video review I was so enamoured with the legato, character, effortless playability and possibly the only uncontrollable vibrato that is perfect every time, I may have overlooked the performance aspect of the instruments.

Underneath the extend range of articulations are these sampled performances that further heighten the human element of the instrument.  They are short rhythmical phrases which are ideal to be placed at some point in the melody!  As a starter, ending or a little flurry of brilliance, they give your performances a human feel.  The fact that these have been pain stakingly sampled on every instrument in every position with round robins make this a magnificent feat in itself.  Coupled with the extended articulations, you have everything you will ever need to create incredible solo pieces.  I have highlighted that the pizzicato articulation is the only part of the library that I’m not fond of.  For me it’s all attack and not enough resonance, yet the Bartok Pizzicato is among the best I’ve ever used and would be my slightly noisier choice!  They really do cut through the mix!

Aside from one of the performances, there is no spiccato or staccato yet the martelé, collé and volante cover these shorts perfectly.  The ricochet bowing is a welcome touch and for expressive solo playing, you certainly do not miss spiccato or staccato.  For a more natural feel, these shorts coupled with performed trills are wonderful.

In summary, the Studio Quartet Series is a wonderful set of instruments and represent excellent value for money.  They sit beautifully on top of the mix and will easily be the highlight of any composition.  The lack of microphone positions did not cause me any issue as they are recorded exceptionally dry yet maintain the stunning room sound.  I can see these blending effortlessly with other libraries.  This collection comes highly recommended for any composer who wishes to add extraordinary detail to your string lines.

Studio Quartet Series sells for $99 each from 8Dio

Facts

Downloads at 40.9gb
A deeply sampled quartet comprising of solo violin, viola, cello and bass
Each instrument features a virtuoso instrument, tempo-synced performances and a massive range of articulations.
Each instrument has exactly the same articulations
Only available currently as separate libraries
For full Kontakt 5.8 or better and sell for $98 each

Studio Quartet Series normally sells for $99 each from 8Dio

Demos of Studio Quartet Series by 8Dio

Videos of Studio Quartet Series by 8Dio

Contributor Pete Checkley reviews Studio Quartet Series by 8Dio
“Over the last year, 8Dio have been releasing each instrument of the quartet as singular solo instrument.  With the recent release of their solo bass, the quartet is now complete and promises to be one of the most deeply sampled and playable solo string libraries on the market.  With so many options of excellent solo string libraries available, what has 8dio created to make us consider them for our next string library?”