Key Features of Action Strings

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 47 views

Introduction

Are you a music producer looking to add a touch of cinematic grandeur to your tracks? Do you want to create epic, orchestral soundscapes without the need for extensive music theory knowledge? Look no further than Native Instruments' Action Strings, a powerful and user-friendly virtual instrument designed to bring blockbuster movie soundtracks to your music productions. With over 14 GB of live-recorded string phrases, Action Strings is the perfect tool for adding big screen suspense and drama to your movie or game scores, or even spicing up your rock, pop, and R'n'B tracks.

What is Action Strings?

Action Strings is a virtual instrument that runs in KONTAKT 5 or the free KONTAKT 5 PLAYER, allowing you to select phrases with your left hand and control chords, melodies, and tonality with your right. This intuitive design makes it easy to create edge-of-the-seat sequences, regardless of your production expertise. With 150 phrases organized into themes of five, plus five additional custom slots, you have a vast array of options to choose from. Each phrase is playable in all keys and can be selected via keyswitch, giving you the freedom to create epic progressions without needing to spend years studying music theory and arrangement.

Key Features of Action Strings

14 GB of Live-Recorded String Phrases: Action Strings features a vast library of live-recorded string phrases, captured in a professional studio setting to deliver a truly natural sound.
Intuitive Interface: With a simple and user-friendly design, Action Strings makes it easy to select phrases with your left hand and control chords, melodies, and tonality with your right.
150 Phrases Organized into Themes: Action Strings features 150 phrases organized into themes of five, plus five additional custom slots, giving you a vast array of options to choose from.
Playable in All Keys: Each phrase is playable in all keys, allowing you to create epic progressions without needing to spend years studying music theory and arrangement.
Keyswitch Selection: Phrases can be selected via keyswitch, giving you the freedom to create complex and nuanced soundscapes.
Trigger Mode: Play phrases in Trigger mode for more control over your sound, or sync your phrase to the '1' of your host's tempo for a more traditional feel.
Time-Machine Pro: Utilize KONTAKT's Time-Machine Pro to drastically alter the tempo of the phrase in real time, even progressive changes like ritardando or accelerando.

How to Use Action Strings

Using Action Strings is a straightforward process. Simply load the instrument into KONTAKT 5 or the free KONTAKT 5 PLAYER, and you're ready to start creating. With the intuitive interface, you can easily select phrases with your left hand and control chords, melodies, and tonality with your right. You can also use the phrase browser to assign or change phrases easily, making the coherent development of your track completely straightforward.

Tips and Tricks for Using Action Strings

Experiment with Different Phrases: Action Strings features a vast library of phrases, so don't be afraid to experiment and find the perfect sound for your track.
Use the Phrase Browser: The phrase browser makes it easy to assign or change phrases, allowing you to create complex and nuanced soundscapes.
Take Advantage of Time-Machine Pro: Utilize KONTAKT's Time-Machine Pro to drastically alter the tempo of the phrase in real time, even progressive changes like ritardando or accelerando.
Sync Your Phrase to the '1' of Your Host's Tempo: Syncing your phrase to the '1' of your host's tempo can help create a more traditional feel and add depth to your sound.

Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Action Strings and how does it work? A: Action Strings is a virtual instrument that runs in KONTAKT 5 or the free KONTAKT 5 PLAYER. It allows you to select phrases with your left hand and control chords, melodies, and tonality with your right. This intuitive design makes it easy to create edge-of-the-seat sequences, regardless of your production expertise.

Q: What kind of sound can I expect from Action Strings? A: Action Strings features a truly natural sound, with over 14 GB of live-recorded string phrases. The sound is perfect for adding big screen suspense and drama to your movie or game scores, or even spicing up your rock, pop, and R'n'B tracks.

Q: How do I use the phrase browser in Action Strings? A: The phrase browser in Action Strings makes it easy to assign or change phrases. Simply load the instrument into KONTAKT 5 or the free KONTAKT 5 PLAYER, and use the phrase browser to select the perfect phrase for your track.

Q: Can I use Action Strings in Trigger mode? A: Yes, you can play phrases in Trigger mode for more control over your sound. This allows you to create complex and nuanced soundscapes.

Q: Can I sync my phrase to the '1' of my host's tempo? A: Yes, you can sync your phrase to the '1' of your host's tempo for a more traditional feel. This adds depth to your sound and helps create a more cohesive track.

Q: What is Time-Machine Pro and how does it work? A: Time-Machine Pro is a feature in KONTAKT that allows you to drastically alter the tempo of the phrase in real time. This can include progressive changes like ritardando or accelerando, and the sound remains strong and natural at all times.

Q: Can I use Action Strings in my DAW? A: Yes, Action Strings can be used in your DAW of choice. Simply load the instrument into KONTAKT 5 or the free KONTAKT 5 PLAYER, and you're ready to start creating.

Q: Is Action Strings compatible with my operating system? A: Action Strings is compatible with Windows and Mac operating systems. Make sure to check the system requirements before purchasing the instrument.

Q: Can I get support for Action Strings? A: Yes, Native Instruments offers support for Action Strings. You can contact their customer support team for any questions or issues you may have.

Q: Is Action Strings a one-time purchase or a subscription? A: Action Strings is a one-time purchase. Once you've purchased the instrument, you can use it in your music productions without any additional costs.

Q: Can I use Action Strings in my live performances? A: Yes, Action Strings can be used in your live performances. The instrument is designed to be easy to use and can be controlled via a MIDI controller or other external devices.

Q: Can I get a demo of Action Strings? A: Yes, Native Instruments offers a demo of Action Strings. You can download the demo and try out the instrument before purchasing it.

Conclusion

We hope this Q&A article has helped answer any questions you may have about Native Instruments' Action Strings. If you have any further questions or need more information, please don't hesitate to contact Native Instruments' customer support team.