Krakli S3: A Dive into the World of Vintage String Machines from the 70s and 80s
Welcome to a journey through time to the golden age of synthesizer music! If you’re a fervent admirer of the rich, warm, and distinctive sounds of string machines from the 70s and 80s, then the S3 plugin from Krakli is tailor-made for you. Forget about perfectly clean digital sound – S3 offers an authentic, somewhat “synthetic” timbre that was the hallmark of legendary tracks from the past.
Unlike multipurpose synthesizers, S3 purposefully focuses on reproducing the unique character of vintage string instruments. It’s designed as a complement to StringZ2, another well-known plugin from Krakli that specializes in string sounds. S3 doesn’t try to imitate acoustic instruments; its strength lies in creating thick, voluminous, and dynamic synthetic string parts that are ideal for creating atmospheric pads, leads, and textures.
Key Features and Sound
Distinctive Synthetic Timbre
The heart of S3 is its boldly “synthetic” sound. This isn’t a plugin that strives for a photo-realistic imitation of an orchestra. Instead, it embraces and celebrates the artificial nature of electronic string instruments from the past. The sound of S3 is dense, slightly “grainy,” and has a unique vintage charm that’s hard to find in modern, overly polished virtual instruments.
Modulation and Movement in Sound
One of the standout features of S3 is the availability of extensive modulation options, allowing you to fill the sound with life and movement. The plugin offers various parameters for shaping the timbre, adding vibrato, changing dynamics, and creating evolving soundscapes. This makes S3 an ideal tool for creating atmospheric, slowly unfolding pads or dynamic lead parts that capture attention.
Built-in Effects for the Finishing Touch
To give the sound even more depth and character, S3 is equipped with a set of high-quality built-in effects. They are perfectly chosen to complement the plugin’s main timbre:
- Phaze: Adds a classic phasing effect that enhances the feeling of movement and space in the sound, creating a characteristic “flutter.”
- Ensemble: Simulates the work of old-fashioned chorus effects or ensemble sections on vintage instruments, making the sound much wider, thicker, and richer.
- Echo: A simple but effective echo that helps place the sound in the mix and add a sense of space or create rhythmic repeats.
- EQ: Basic equalizer for correcting the frequency balance, allowing you to easily adapt the sound of S3 to the needs of your mix.
Rich Preset Library
S3 comes with a complete bank of 64 ready-to-use presets. These presets, created by talented sound designers Himalaya, ArtVera, and Rosllow, demonstrate the full range of the plugin’s capabilities – from lush pads to punchy leads and experimental textures. They serve as a great starting point for your creativity or can be used directly in your projects.
Who is this plugin for?
Krakli S3 is a find for producers and musicians who work in the genres of Synthwave, Ambient, Downtempo, Disco, Film Score, as well as for those who want to add a vintage analog feel to their modern tracks. If you’re looking for a plugin that doesn’t just imitate an instrument but conveys its soul and character, S3 is worth your attention.
Conclusion
Krakli S3 is a powerful and at the same time intuitive VST instrument that masterfully reproduces the magic of vintage string machines. Its unique synthetic timbre, flexible modulation capabilities, and thoughtful set of built-in effects make it a valuable addition to the arsenal of any musician who appreciates the warmth and character of classic electronic sound. Discover new sound horizons with S3!
