Berlin Strings
Special Bows 1
Unlock new textures with Special Bows 1—a dedicated collection of unconventional articulations and playing styles.
From sul tasto’s subtle warmth to sul ponticello’s icy edge, these non-standard techniques can evoke singular moods
and inspire your compositions in unexpected ways.
With 8 first violins, 6 second violins, and 5 violas—all captured in situ with multiple mics, for a vivid,
realistic soundstage—Special Bows 1 can add unexpected nuance and depth to your arrangements. For even more
striking results, pair it with the celli and basses of Special Bows 2. Together, they’re anything but your
typical string section.
Highlights
About the playing techniques
The unusual playing styles in Special Bows 1 can be used to evoke
specific moods and achieve surprising expressive effects.

New colors for your strings
Special Bows 1’s extended timbral palette can be used alone, paired with Special Bows 2,
or combined with Berlin Strings or Symphonic Strings to create a comprehensive, adaptable
ensemble of uncommon depth.
Like all products in the Berlin Series, Special Bows 1 was recorded at Berlin’s Teldex
Scoring Stage with all players seated in their traditional orchestral positions. Multiple
mic placements (Decca Tree, AB omni, a choice of spots, and surround) ensure a balanced,
spatially coherent sound that gels beautifully with other Orchestral Tools collections.
Specifications
- Kontakt version: Works with Kontakt 5.5.1 full (Please note: Kontakt versions bought after Mar 23, 2021 can be upgraded to SINE for a support fee)
- 24 bit / 48 KHz patches
- System requirements SINE:
- Mac OS 10.13, i5, 4 GB RAM (16+ GB recommended)
- Windows 10, Intel Core i5 or similar (Windows 7 is not officially supported)
- Interfaces: VST, AU
Red Room Audio – Palette – Orchestral FX
Synthwave Anthems
Native Instruments - GEORGE DUKE SOUL TREASURES
GH Ultimate Pop Vocals
iamhill - Nobody Wants To Be My Friend
Audio Imperia - Flourish Telekinesis
Spitfire Audio – Spitfire Symphony Orchestra Discover
Native Instrument - Big Bams
Deep House Vocals
Native Instruments – Low End Strings Library
CineSamples - Randys Prepared Piano
House Vocal Sessions
Vocal Future Pop
Magic Tropical Pop
Native Instruments - Action Strikes
Sound Yeti – Ambition
Native Instruments - Ethereal Earth
Future RnB Vol 3
Fluffy Audio Rinascimento
Orange Tree Samples - Evolution Indie Rock
Cymatics – 808 Essentials
Heavyocity – Novo Pack 03 Synthetic Strings
1 Million Sample Packs | Audiosed Lifetime Access
Sonokinetic – Watchmaker
Sam Thomas Music - Sound of Love Lost
Modern Afrobeats
Vienna Symphonic Library - Synchron Concert D-274
XPERIMENTA Kantele
Ergo Kukke - Handpan
Serum Trance Essentials Volume 1
Sample Logic - Modern Animated Percussion
Heavyocity - Damage Rock Grooves 2
Fluffy Audio Simple Opera Singer Kontak
Native Instruments - Balinese Gamelan
Hayve – Heavy Bits
Slate and Ash Choreographs
Native Instruments - Session Guitarist - Strummed Acoustic 2




I was blown away by the unique sounds and textures I was able to achieve with this set of special bows. Definitely worth the investment!
The samples in this collection were of excellent quality and provided a unique sound that added depth to my compositions – would definitely recommend!
The Special Bows collection has really enhanced my string compositions, providing a range of unique and inspiring bowing techniques. Overall, I am impressed with the quality and variety offered in this sample library.
The sound quality is top-notch, really impressed with the range of articulations. Would highly recommend to any composer or producer looking to add depth to their orchestral scores.
I am blown away by the realism and expression these bows bring to my compositions – definitely a game changer for my orchestral arrangement.