The Crow Hill Company Releases ARCANE STRINGS

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The Crow Hill Company has announced the release of ARCANE STRINGS, a new sample-based virtual instrument for macOS and Windows. This library features amateur string players to achieve an arcane, primitive, dislocated, microtonal, loose, and sometimes savage sound. It is designed for media composers who want to add a characterful imprint to their drama scores or gain extra bite in their existing string collections.

A Different Approach to Sampling

ARCANE STRINGS takes a unique approach to sampling. It includes about 40 minutes of performance per pitch centre, so users won’t hear loops in the long notes. The library features four dynamic layers, which is unusual for a characterful library. It also includes up to seven round robins and 19 articulations or playing styles.

Three Mixable Partials

The instrument’s GUI offers three mixable ‘partials’ instead of traditional mic positions. The MICROTONAL [7] partial is the most neutral signal, intimate and warmer sounding. The MACROTONAL [8] partial has less post production, offering more sense of scale and width. The INTENSE [9] partial is a more processed sound, closed mic’d, compressed, and with hyping EQ.

Articulations and Playing Styles

ARCANE STRINGS includes 19 articulations. Highlights include RUSTY LONGS, ASHEN LONGS, OSCILLATIONS, STORM TREMS, BREATHS, GASPS, STRIKES, ARCANE STRIKES, and PLUCKS. The OSCILLATIONS sync to host tempo but are looser around the meter for a more natural sound. STRIKES feature up to seven round robins and include the sounds that happen after hitting a strike.

Effects Macros

The library also includes four specially curated effects macros. These are CASSETTE, a unique tape effect; FREQ DISTORTION, designed with a combination of LPF and clipping; LPF/HPF, for controlling searing brightness; and SPLOSH, a reverb effect.

Pricing and Availability

ARCANE STRINGS is available now with an Early Access offer of £109.00 GBP until midnight BST on September 1, 2026. After that, it will rise to its regular price of £149.00 GBP. The library comprises 6 GB of uncompressed audio (compressed lossy to 3 GB) and supports AAX, AU, VST, and VST3 plug-in formats. It is compatible with macOS 12 through to 15 (Apple Silicon and Intel) and Windows 10 through to 11. Installation and activation require The Crow Hill App, available for free from The Crow Hill Company website.

For more information, visit the dedicated ARCANE STRINGS webpage or watch the official walkthrough video with co-founder Christian Henson.

👍 Pros

  • ✓ Unique raw and characterful sound
  • ✓ Four dynamic layers for expression
  • ✓ Three mixable partials for sound shaping

👎 Cons

  • ✗ May not suit traditional orchestral needs
  • ✗ Requires The Crow Hill App for installation

 

More info: The Crow Hill Company | ARCANE STRINGS