NI Introduces STRAYLIGHT

US New granular-based Kontakt instrument for cinematic sound design and scoring 24/05/19

Native Instruments has released STRAYLIGHT, a KONTAKT instrument for sound designers and film, TV, and game composers. They tell us that it combines specialized grain and sample playback modules with carefully captured sound sources, effects, and a powerful performance-based X-Y modulation matrix, allowing inspirational dynamic performance and sound design, direct to picture. Here's more details in NI's own words...

At the core of STRAYLIGHT are screen-ready cinematic sound sources. Much time was spent testing sources and playing techniques, looking for the best and most interesting sounds for the granular engine – such as rubbing a rubber ball on glass or playing clay pots and oil drums. The result is over 360 unique sound sources for the granular and sample modules, with over 380 presets.

STRAYLIGHT also features a bespoke granular engine that places the source audio into a powerful – yet easy-to-use – interface. It provides lush, organic timbres that can defy time and pitch, yet still retain the pristine character of the source sounds (strings, glass, stone, membranes, and more). Sounds evolve over time and risers and transitions can adapt automatically to project tempo. The granular engine is paired with a layer from the sample module, which itself offers the same level of editing and modulation.

STRAYLIGHT’s modulation and effects sections allow a fast, creative workflow. The precise X-Y control enables expressive direct-to-picture performance and detailed control over intensity and timing. Up to 14 different effects can be applied simultaneously – taken from nine different categories: Filters, dynamics, EQs, gaters, drivers, modulation, delays, utilities, and reverbs. STRAYLIGHT even includes specially captured reverb impulse responses, selected to complement its audio content and granular engine.

LA-based composer (and former Tangerine Dream member), Paul Haslinger, was consulted in the design of STRAYLIGHT. His credits include Underworld, Minority Report, Fear, The Walking Dead, and Rainbow Six: Siege. A video interview with Paul is right here:

Pricing and Availability:

STRAYLIGHT runs in KONTAKT 6 and the free KONTAKT 6 PLAYER and is available now at the Native Instruments Online Shop for $149 / 149 € / ¥ 18800 / £129 / AU$219/ CA$199 / CNY 1199.

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