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
Sqz Me Artist Pack – Dubstep
Native Instruments - Analog Dreams 2.0.1
Icicle - Drum & Bass Tech
Sonokinetic - Oud
Elysium
Soundiron – Voices Of Gaia Collection
Orchestral Tools – METROPOLIS ARK 4
New Loops Hard Bass
Strezov Sampling – Tupans X3M
Deeperfect Samples Vol. 1
Sounds of KSHMR Vol. 4 Complete Edition
Analogue Ambient House
Soniccouture – Vibraphone
Taiki Nulight Bass House
Maschine Drum Selection
Júnior Porciúncula - Nord Stage 3 Ultimate Stage Pianos
Native Instruments - Discovery Series Cuba
Big Fish Audio - Ambient Minimalism
Native Instruments - Session Guitarist Electric Vintage
Native Instruments - Action Strings
Ethnaudio - Strings Of Anatolia
Escape Modern Pop & EDM
Hy2rogen Bass House Drops 2
Teletone Audio – Golden Age Grand
Indie & Electro Vocal Pop
6Blocc – Big Time Jump Up
Heavyocity – NP01 Intimate Textures
Native Instruments - Mallet Flux
Native Instruments - Discovery Series Middle East
Lo-Fi Glow




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.