Runa: Free Edition
Key Features
- Kobyz-inspired folk string library licensed for the free Kontakt Player.
- Sustain and Staccato articulations with True Legato and Re-bow Legato behavior.
- Three dynamic layers and velocity-sensitive performance for expressive lead lines and drones.
- Twenty snapshots that move from natural bowed-string colors into cinematic processed textures.
- Keyswitch workflow for switching performance styles without leaving the instrument.
- NKS and Komplete Kontrol compatibility through Native Access registration.
Description
Runa: Free Edition is a Kontakt Player folk string library built from the kobyz, a two-string Central Asian bowed instrument with a rough, resonant voice. Wavelet Audio framed this edition as a playable scoring tool rather than a timed demo, with the same atmospheric identity as the larger Runa library.
The free edition focuses on two core articulations, Sustain and Staccato, with True Legato and Re-bow Legato for expressive melodic movement. Three dynamic layers, twenty snapshots, velocity response, and keyswitching give it enough range for lead lines, drones, and dark folk textures.
Its strength is character rather than neutral orchestral polish. The tone can sit forward as a haunting solo color, widen into a droning bed, or move into more processed snapshots when a cue needs an ancient string source with modern cinematic weight.
Because it is licensed for the free Kontakt Player, it installs through Native Access and works with NKS-compatible hardware and software. The tradeoff is that users need to complete Wavelet Audio's account/cart flow before the library appears in their Native Instruments setup.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does Runa: Free Edition work in Kontakt Player?
Yes. Wavelet Audio states that the library is licensed for the free Kontakt Player and can also be used in the full retail version of Kontakt. It requires NI Kontakt 8.1.0 or newer.
How is Runa: Free Edition installed?
The official page uses a Free Add To Cart checkout flow, then the library is registered through Native Instruments Native Access. Users should expect to need a Wavelet Audio checkout/account step and a Native Instruments account.
What is the difference between Runa: Free Edition and Runa: Elder Scoring Strings?
The free edition includes two important articulations and twenty snapshots. The full Runa: Elder Scoring Strings library adds more articulations, more snapshots, deeper controls, and advanced features.
What kind of sound does the kobyz bring to the library?
The kobyz is a two-string bowed instrument associated with Central Asia, with one string for melody and one for resonance. In this library it gives lines and drones a rough, overtone-rich tone that suits cinematic, dark folk, horror, and atmospheric writing.
