EastWest announces Hollywood Strings 2 - Pre-orders get a free copy of String Machine

EastWest has announced the long-awaited sequel to Hollywood Strings. In a pivot from recent large sound-scape releases like Hollywood Orchestra and Hollywood Fantasy Orchestra, EastWest has created what they say is their most nuanced and intimate string library yet, recording a tight 21-piece group in EastWest Studio 2 – smaller room, same production team, no less cinematic.

Here's what they say:

Hollywood Strings 2 provides all the essential articulations, including legato, detache, pizzicato, staccato, spiccato, marcato, col legno, and even rare textural styles like flautando, each with up to four dynamics, ensuring an unparalleled level of expressiveness and realism. From the delicate intimacy of pianissimo to the commanding authority of fortissimo, and everything in between, articulations are captured with exacting detail by an extensive array of microphones, giving composers unprecedented control over the performance and sound of the strings.

Every instrument is mic'd closer than ever before, capturing the grit, depth, and air of every note in the finest detail possible. Users can independently control 3 separate close mic positions (including mics attached directly to the instruments), plus main, mid-field, and surround mics. Hollywood Strings 2 is even Atmos-ready to create Atmos mixes in DAWs that support it. Epic arrangements are impressive, but there's more to strings than scale alone... and while its predecessor is indeed epic, Hollywood Strings 2 goes even further, molding itself to any task.

New Strings, New Room & A Rich History

Hollywood Strings 2 was recorded in EastWest's own Studio 2, home to classic themes from The Beverly Hillbillies, Hawaii Five-O, and the soundtracks to Encanto and A Star is Born. The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Green Day, Weezer, and Metallica have also recorded in Studio 2 for its tight and punchy sound.

It's only fitting that these strings suit cinematic metal or heavy rock as well as they would an epic film cue. Even for those who already own every available strings library, Hollywood Strings 2 will bring the intimacy that no other collection offers.

EastWest

YouTube.com/watch?v=19VJP6bR7Sc

Produced & Engineered by Doug Rogers and Nick Phoenix

Doug Rogers and Nick Phoenix have produced many sample libraries and virtual instruments together for over three decades, including Hollywood Choirs, Hollywood Orchestra Opus Edition, Hollywood Fantasy Orchestra.

To capture the same cinematic quality as the original Hollywood Strings, but with more granular control than any other string library, Rogers and Phoenix engaged Award-winning sound engineer Shawn Murphy, one of the most prolific sound engineers and mixers in the history of film. His over 500 credits include Jurassic Park, the Star Wars Franchise, the Indiana Jones franchise, Titanic and many other feature films. Murphy has won numerous BAFTA, EMMY, and GRAMMY Awards, including most recently a GRAMMY for Best Engineered Classical Album in 2023. This cooperation results in Hollywood Strings 2's clear, clean, dry sound that effortlessly lends itself to any genre.

EastWest

Availability & Pricing

Hollywood Strings 2 will be released on April 25, 2024, as a standalone purchase for $399 (or included in every ComposerCloud+ subscription).

Preorders, which qualify for a free copy of String Machine, are available here.