Native Instruments Action Strings Instruction Manual
Manual
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Document authored by: Adam Hanley
Software version: 1.0 (09/2012)
Disclaimer
Special thanks to the Beta Test Team, who were invaluable not just in tracking down bugs, but
in making this a better product.
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
1 Welcome to ACTION STRINGS ....................................................................................
2 Using ACTION STRINGS ..............................................................................................
2.1 Phrase Selection and Playback ................................................................................................... 6
2.2 Selecting Different Phrase Modes ............................................................................................... 7
2.3 Controlling the Dynamics of Phrases .......................................................................................... 7
3 The ACTION STRINGS User Interface ...........................................................................
3.1 The SOUND Page .........................................................................................................................10
3.2 Theme and Phrase Controls (SLOTS 1-5 and SLOTS 6-10) .......................................................... 12
3.3 The PLAYBACK Page ................................................................................................................... 16
3.2.1 The Theme Browser .................................................................................................... 12
3.2.2 The Phrase Controls and Browser .............................................................................. 13
4 Credits ......................................................................................................................
5
6
9
18
Action Strings - Manual - 4
Welcome to ACTION STRINGS
1 Welcome to ACTION STRINGS
Thank you for purchasing ACTION STRINGS. This document will give you some information
about the library, as well as instructions and advice on how to use it.
We hope that you will enjoy using ACTION STRINGS.
About ACTION STRINGS
ACTION STRINGS is a cinematic string phrase library designed for ease of use in musical productions. Patterns can be triggered at a select pitch from the respective key on your MIDI keyboard and then modified while staying in sync with your host project. In regard to sound options, ACTION STRINGS offers two microphone positions and a selection of easy-to-use audio
effects.
The ACTION STRINGS library contains 154 phrases, which were all performed live by a full
string orchestra and were recorded with two microphone settings: Stage (or close) and Far. In
addition to that, ACTION STRINGS features 62 Themes, each of which is a group of 5 phrases
that belong together.
Action Strings - Manual - 5
Using ACTION STRINGS
Phrase Selection and Playback
2 Using ACTION STRINGS
The ACTION STRINGS instrument is designed to be played using a MIDI keyboard. The loops
are triggered and selected by MIDI, allowing for fast orchestral scoring.
Phrases will automatically sync to the master, or host tempo. Thanks to the high-quality timestretching algorithm in KONTAKT 5, the phrases in this library can be played at any tempo between 100bpm and 250bpm without any noticeable artifacts.
While it is possible to use the phrases at tempos below 100bpm or above 250bpm, the audio quality may start to lessen noticeably at more extreme settings.
2.1 Phrase Selection and Playback
Up to 10 phrases can be assigned to selected key-switches from C0 upwards via the user interface (this process is described in section ↑3.2, Theme and Phrase Controls (SLOTS 1-5 and
SLOTS 6-10)). These key-switches are displayed as red keys in KONTAKT's on-screen key-
board.
The KONTAKT on-screen keyboard displaying the active key-switches (in red) and the trigger keys (in blue).
To select a phrase using your MIDI keyboard, press the relative MIDI note. You can switch
►
between phrases in a legato manner, allowing you to easily change a pattern half way
through a bar without missing a beat.
To select a phrase from the user interface, click on the note name of the phrase you wish to
►
use.
Action Strings - Manual - 6
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