Spitfire Audio has teamed up once again with Abbey Road to release Abbey Road Two: Iconic Strings.
Abbey Road Studio Two: The Sound Of History
Iconic is an understatement when reviewing the importance of Studio Two at Abbey Road. Most people know it via The Beatles and it features heavily in Peter Jackson’s new film ‘Get Back’. However, its reach is far beyond the Fab Four.
From Oasis to Frank Ocean to composers such as Alexandre Desplat to Kazuma Jinnouchi, Studio Two has a rich heritage. For the first time, producers and composers without keys to the Abbey Road complex will be able to feast on this timeless sound.
The Famous Signal Path
Sam Okell delivers a selection of modern and vintage microphones through Abbey Road: Two Iconic Strings. Inspired by the Iconic Studio Two recordings, the vintage mixes were recorded using the REDD desk. Then the parallel compressions from the RS124, which were all passed through the J37 tape machine.
Refined over 90 years of innovation, the signal path is crucial. From the vintage J37 tape machine to the wide ranging microphones, this is the first time the sought-after signal path has been made available in a virtual string instrument.
Fans of Abbey Road should not be left disappointed. Spitfire Audio has made a habit of carefully capturing the true essences of spaces such as Studio Two. Sounds were recorded using the vintage REDD desk, parallel compression from the RS124 and all passed through the J37 tape machine.
Abbey Road Studio Two: Iconic Strings Editions
Iconic Strings comes in two editions, a Core version and a Professional version. The Core edition covers the essential microphone mixes, one vintage and one modern, whereas the Professional edition offers a broadcast level of 12 signals.
The 12 Signals found inside The Professional edition, feature four world-class mixes, two vintage and two modern, and eight mic positions allowing composers the chance to customise their sound even further, a deep dive into Abbey Road Studios’ mic cupboard.
Classic microphones included are the very same Neumann u47s, KM54 and M50s used on those iconic sessions from the 60s and many more.
Both editions allow composers access to the Studio Two Echo Chamber, an effect well known for the part it has played in the classic productions from the studio’s history.
The Arranger
The Arranger is a tailored approach to writing with an ensemble. It gives composers newfound freedom to control the instrument ranges within the string ensemble, helping them to arrive at a more nuanced performance.
Another intrinsic part of Iconic Strings is the all-new legatos programming. These legates represent a significant step forward in quality and realism.
Both editions (Core and Pro) include Slurred legato and a Performance legato (including Slurred, Alt Attacks and Fast Runs).
The Performance legatos offer an intuitive and expressive playing experience, allowing for more emotive lines while being highly detailed and versatile. In addition, Iconic Strings Professional features a Portamento legato, which offers a detailed expressive transition.
Abbey Road Two: Iconic Strings is out now.
Pick it up for £249 for the Core version or £449 for the Pro version.
For more information visit the Abbey Road Two pages:
Core:
https://www.spitfireaudio.com/shop/a-z/abbey-road-two-iconic-strings/
Pro
https://www.spitfireaudio.com/shop/a-z/abbey-road-two-iconic-strings-professional/