When you think of cinematic string libraries that combine expressive depth with ease of use—without breaking the bank—Spitfire Audio’s Originals: Epic Strings immediately commands attention. A lean, powerful, and thrilling virtual instrument, Epic Strings brings the grandeur of a 60-piece London symphony ensemble straight into your DAW. Let’s dive into how this instrument elevates composition, performance, and production in a sleek, workflow-friendly package.
A Symphony in Simplicity
Epic Strings belongs to Spitfire Audio’s Originals series, a collection designed for instant inspiration and minimal fuss. Recorded in London’s AIR Studios—the hallowed acoustical cathedral behind countless blockbuster scores—this ensemble packs cinematic grandeur into a nimble ~2.4 GB download. Unlike sprawling orchestral libraries, Epic Strings presents a streamlined plugin interface that loads via native VST2/3, AU, and AAX formats—no Kontakt, no problem.
The plugin layout is clean and decisive: sliders for dynamics and expression, a mod wheel control, and knobs for Reverb, Release, and Tightness. Reach for epic cinematic depth within seconds, without hunting through dozens of menus.
60 Musicians, 3 Microphone Signals
At its heart, Epic Strings features a full, 60-player symphonic string section recorded in AIR Studios’ iconic Lyndhurst Hall. Spitfire gives users rich control through three microphone zones:
- Close: captures crisp detail and clarity
- Room: blends tree, ambient, and outrigger mics for natural spatial depth
- Stretch: a stretched, ambient version of Room that introduces cinematic, synth-like atmosphere
These signals can be easily mixed to sculpt soundscapes from intimate clarity to massive, reverberant epicness.
Versatile Articulations, Instant Inspiration
With just 11 carefully chosen articulations, Epic Strings offers a polished toolkit:
- Live (combining longs/shorts)
- Long, Short
- Short Ostinato, Short (Octave)
- Long (Slow), Long Con Sordino (with mute)
- Long Octave, Long Con Sordino Octave
- Short (Octave)
This curated set supports expressive orchestration while minimizing complexity. The Live preset, especially, encourages creativity—no keyswitching required. Experimentation is encouraged, whether drafting initial ideas or building full orchestral setups
User-Focused Features That Matter
Several thoughtful design choices make Epic Strings stand out:
- Efficient File Size: The entire library is compact (~2.4 GB), ideal for those with limited storage or internet speed
- Dedicated Plugin: Runs independently of Kontakt via the Spitfire Audio Player—saving on resources and load times
- Intuitive Workflow Controls: With real-time modulation and dynamics adjustment, writers can stay in the moment—making creativity fast and fluid.
- Customizable Mic Mixer: Blend the three mic positions to suit any production context, from tight mixes to widescreen soundtracks.
Where Epic Strings Shines
Epic Strings thrives in scenarios demanding cinematic presence with accessible workflow:
- Film, TV, and Game Scoring: Create powerful themes, emotive cues, and cinematic foundations in minutes.
- Trailer and Hybrid Production: Lean into the Stretch signal for atmospheric textures that blend orchestral and VST elements.
- Songwriting & DIY Production: Ideal for independent musicians wanting lush string layers without overwhelming plugin menus.
Importantly, its energetic and characterful essence sets it apart from DAW defaults—Spitfire’s polish comes through in immediacy and clarity
How It Compares
Compared to Intimate Strings, Epic Strings offers a much larger ensemble sound—balanced with high energy rather than gentle subtlety. BBC Symphony Orchestra Core provides more depth and articulations but at a much steeper price and complexity. Albion One offers breadth across orchestral palettes but demands more intricate layering and memory.
Epic Strings is the perfect middle ground: cinematic depth, affordable pricing (~€29/USD), and speedy setup .
Real-World Feedback
Users appreciate its focused, cinematic flair:
- “Miles away from your DAW standard strings… sound wise excellent”
- “A great place to start… once I get the hang of my mod‑wheel, will sound even better”.
Reviewers like Sweetwater highlight its balance of power and efficiency: “11 articulations and three mic signals… impressive array of possible sounds”.
Who Should Use It?
Epic Strings is suited for:
- Composers and producers needing quick, cinematic orchestration
- Songwriters wanting string grandeur without orchestral complexity
- Students and hobbyists seeking polished results on modest setups
Its balance of sonic richness and streamlined design means it suits both entry-level users and seasoned professionals.
In Summary
Spitfire Audio’s Originals: Epic Strings is a stellar example of smart instrument design. It offers:
- A lush 60-player ensemble captured in one of the world’s best rooms
- Three mic positions for versatile spatial control
- A curated set of 11 articulations, including expressive Live patches
- A clean, efficient plugin with workflow-enhancing controls
All at a wallet-friendly price, Epic Strings delivers cinematic sound, immediate playability, and professional quality—making it an essential creative tool for any modern composer.
Final Takeaway
If you need high-impact strings—without the complexity of full orchestral libraries—Spitfire Audio’s Originals: Epic Strings is your ticket to cinematic, instantly playable sound. It’s big-hearted, finely captured, and refreshingly simple. Your next epic composition is just a click away.
