Qin Strings is a pop-oriented string library for Kontakt, sampled in Beijing’s Jintian Recording Studio with an 8-6-4-4-2 ensemble and SSL processing.
Purpose
Qin Strings is a sample library designed for pop music string arrangements, recorded with a full orchestral string section of 8 first violins, 6 second violins, 4 violas, 4 cellos, and 2 double basses. The producer, Chen Qinyang, oversaw the entire session at Jintian Recording Studio in Beijing, aiming for a realistic, warm string sound suited to contemporary pop.
The library focuses on expressive legato and vibrato, with samples fine-tuned to preserve the natural flow of string transitions. It is distributed as a Native Instruments standard library, delivered via Native Access, and is compatible with NI hardware, including the Komplete S-series keyboards for hands-on parameter control.
Key Capabilities
The library features near-zero latency for legato, pizzicato, and staccato samples, ensuring responsive playability. Vibrato is controlled via CC11: default 0 triggers fast vibrato, 25-49% gives slow vibrato, and 50-100% produces no vibrato. CC4 controls trill intervals, with values below 50 producing minor second trills and values above 50 switching to major second trills.
All samples were amplified through an SSL mixer and underwent detailed EQ processing during recording to achieve a warm, popular-music-friendly tone. The legato samples were individually adjusted to enhance realism, while the pizzicato and staccato articulations are highlighted as particularly strong.
Workflow
In practice, you can assign CC11 to a fader or expression pedal to morph between vibrato intensities without additional key switches. For trills, set CC4 to a low value for a subtle minor-second effect or a high value for a broader major-second interval, allowing for quick melodic embellishments.
With NI Komplete S-series keyboards, you can map all Qin Strings parameters directly to the hardware knobs and displays, streamlining tweaks during writing or mixing. Delivery through Native Access simplifies installation and license activation, fitting into a standard Kontakt-based workflow.
Applications
Qin Strings is best suited for pop ballads, cinematic pop, and singer-songwriter tracks where a warm, present string section is needed. The expressive legato and vibrato control let you craft emotional, vocal-like lines, while the staccato and pizzicato are ideal for rhythmic accents or lighter textures.
For fast passages, the near-zero latency ensures clean timing even in dense mixes. The SSL-processed tone reduces the need for heavy external EQ, helping you place strings in a mix quickly. It is a practical choice for producers seeking a dedicated pop string sound without extensive programming.
Key features
- Sampled with 8-6-4-4-2 string section at Jintian Recording Studio
- SSL mixer amplification and EQ processing for warm tone
- Near-zero latency legato, pizzicato, and staccato samples
- CC11-controlled vibrato: fast, slow, or none
- CC4-controlled trill intervals (minor or major second)
- Compatible with NI Komplete S-series keyboard controls
- Packed as NI standard library with Native Access delivery
Best for
Pop music producers and composers needing a realistic, warm string library with expressive legato and flexible vibrato control. Ideal for ballads, cinematic pop, and arrangements where a full orchestral section is required, offering straightforward MIDI mapping for live tweaking during sessions.