Impact Soundworks has just unveiled Tokyo Scoring Strings Free, a no-cost sample library designed for Kontakt Player users.
Tokyo Scoring Strings is a highly sought-after resource, regularly used by composers for major films and video games. However, like most premium sample libraries, its steep price tag often puts it out of reach for emerging composers.
Fortunately, Impact Soundworks has introduced Tokyo Scoring Strings Free, offering a taste of their flagship product at no cost.
This free version includes two sections—Violins One (featuring eight violinists) and Cello (with four cellists)—pared down from the six sections available in the Essentials and Complete editions. Despite the smaller ensemble, the included instruments provide ample depth and richness to craft impactful compositions.
While this freebie has plenty to offer, it’s not without its limitations. The biggest drawback is the lack of articulations. It focuses solely on arco (sustained bowing), with legato slur and natural release tails. The legato feature allows you to toggle between polyphonic and monophonic legato, adding versatility, but the absence of other articulations like short or pizzicato notes restricts certain playing styles. If you’re in need of short string articulations, Fracture Sounds’ Blueprint Short Strings is a worthy alternative.
Additionally, this free version doesn’t let you customize microphone positions as the paid editions do. You’re limited to one microphone mix, whereas the premium versions offer three. This impacts how you shape the sound, somewhat locking in the sonic character.
But it’s not all about the trade-offs. The recording quality is exceptional, capturing the performances of top-tier musicians with stunning clarity. The focus on sustained notes still allows for plenty of versatility, making it suitable for everything from cinematic scores to pop ballads. With three dynamic layers per articulation, you can seamlessly move from soft and delicate to bold and dramatic, creating dynamic contrasts.
The Cello section is particularly noteworthy, delivering a raw, emotional sound that can transform a track with subtle counter-melodies. Its expressive range can evoke tension, vulnerability, or intensity, giving you a lot of creative freedom within the limited scope.
In conclusion, while Tokyo Scoring Strings Free has some restrictions, it’s a beautifully crafted introduction to a premium product, and for a free offering, it’s absolutely worth adding to your collection.
Tokyo Scoring Strings Free is available for immediate download and works with Kontakt Player 7.8.1 or later.
Download: Tokyo Scoring Strings Free (Requires Kontakt Player 7.8.1 or higher)
