Pocket Strings
Key Features
- Three focused string techniques covering sustained lines, short ostinatos, and plucked accents
- Live classical string recordings designed for compact cinematic writing rather than full-template orchestration
- Independent double bass control for adding octave weight beneath cello-range material
- Blendable vintage synth layers based on restored Yamaha CS-80 and ARP Solina sources
- Glass EQ tonal control for pushing fundamentals forward or pulling them back into dreamier textures
- Curated algorithmic and granular reverbs for moving between clean ensemble space and more stylized score colors
Description
Pocket Strings is a compact orchestral string instrument from The Crow Hill Company, built around live cinematic string recordings reinforced by vintage synth layers. It focuses on immediate writing rather than deep orchestral programming, with a small control set that can move from natural ensemble parts to hybrid score textures.
The core library covers three essential techniques: Long, Short, and Pluck. Crow Hill also includes independent double bass control, blendable synth layers from restored Yamaha CS-80 and ARP Solina sources, Glass EQ tonal shaping, curated reverbs, and modulation tools for adding movement without building a large template.
That makes Pocket Strings especially useful for sketches, cue writing, and producers who want convincing string color without managing a full multi-gigabyte orchestral library. The Shorts and Plucks are the most rhythm-ready side of the instrument, while the Longs and synth mixer make it easy to build drones, pads, and emotionally ambiguous beds.
Distribution runs through Crow Hill's account and app workflow, so the download should point users to the official product page instead of a mirrored installer. As of August 1, 2026, the live Crow Hill product page shows the WooCommerce price as $0.00, and the add-to-cart flow routes users to account registration for checkout.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does Pocket Strings run in Kontakt?
No. Pocket Strings is a standalone Crow Hill instrument delivered through the company's own account and app system. It loads as a plugin in AU, VST, VST3, and AAX formats rather than as a Kontakt library.
What makes Pocket Strings different from a full orchestral string library?
It narrows the workflow to three core techniques and a small set of performance controls. That makes it faster for sketching and hybrid production, but it is not intended to replace a deep multi-articulation scoring library.
What are the synth layers for?
The synth layers let you blend the recorded string section with classic Yamaha CS-80 and ARP Solina-style color. They are useful for modern media cues where a natural string part needs more width, body, or vintage character.
