Olafur Arnalds Stratus by Spitfire Audio

by Spitfire Audio · $299

Overview

Ólafur Arnalds Stratus is a dynamic new instrument that adds depth and colour to music, featuring intricate polyrhythmic piano performances.

Key Features

  • Eight piano/synth matrix layers
  • Custom interface
  • Tempo sync
  • Polyphony control
  • Algorithmic polyrhythmic piano engine
  • ADSR controls
  • Effects range
  • Randomize function
  • Evolve function
  • Quantize input
  • Straight piano layer
  • Low note priority
  • 3 straight piano presets
  • L/C/R signal options
  • Warped synth content
  • Mercury engine integration
  • Nov 2020 update released
  • 9 new synth matrixes
  • Analog synths and processing
  • Pseudo-random sequencer

Technical Specifications

Library Size
15.2 GB GB
Mic Positions
8
Plugin Formats
VST3, AU, AAX
Standalone
Yes

Ideal Use Cases

  • Film composers seeking unique, evolving textures for underscore and atmospheric scenes.
  • Electronic music producers looking to generate complex, generative melodic and rhythmic patterns.
  • Sound designers needing abstract, layered sounds for game audio or experimental projects.
  • Contemporary classical composers exploring algorithmic composition and intricate piano-based soundscapes.
  • Ambient artists crafting deeply immersive and slowly shifting sonic environments.

Included Presets

  • Rhythmic Waves - 8th Long 01
  • Rhythmic Waves - 8th Long 02
  • Rhythmic Waves - 8th Long 03
  • Rhythmic Waves - 8th Long 04
  • Rhythmic Waves - 8th Short 01
  • Rhythmic Waves - 8th Short 02
  • Rhythmic Waves - 8th Short 03
  • Rhythmic Waves - 8th Short 04
  • Rhythmic Waves - 16th Long 01
  • Rhythmic Waves - 16th Long 02
  • Rhythmic Waves - 16th Long 03
  • Rhythmic Waves - 16th Long 04
  • Rhythmic Waves - 16th Short 01
  • Rhythmic Waves - 16th Short 02
  • Rhythmic Waves - 16th Short 03
  • Rhythmic Waves - 16th Short 04
  • Rhythmic Attacks - 8th Long 01
  • Rhythmic Attacks - 8th Long 02
  • Rhythmic Attacks - 8th Long 03
  • Rhythmic Attacks - 8th Long 04

Insights from Real-World Use

Strengths

  • actual recordings
  • constantly being generated when you have it in randomized
  • different concept
  • great matrix capabilities
  • source of inspiration
  • game changer

Weaknesses

  • Spitfire's UI again leaves a lot to be desired
  • hard to believe that couldn't be represented somehow in the top icon
  • interfaces ignore a ton of conventions
  • basic and helpful info is just not provided
  • very niche library
  • piano samples are not good

Tone: artsy, ethereal, fresh

Review Snippets

  • Stratus is an atmosphere generator for immersive musical experiences, distinct from traditional piano libraries.
  • Stratus distinguishes itself by using actual recorded performances, not MIDI sequences.
  • I bought it and I like it a lot, but I think Spitfire's UI again leaves a lot to be desired. Why are so many of the wave icons along the top the same? Each column has a different playback sequence and I find it hard to believe that couldn't be represented somehow in the top icon. Even the second mat
  • For those considering this, you should be aware that this is a very niche library. The matrix capabilities are great, but the piano samples are not…
  • https://www.spitfireaudio.com/olafur-arnalds-stratus?gad_source=1 · https ... Spitfire audio soft piano is pretty good and it's free. Future-Today-. • 2y
  • Stratus is unique among virtual piano libraries, utilizing a very different concept.
  • Stratus is absolutely great. Normally, when I'm making music, I focus on the front layer first and then deal with the back layer. But with this plugin, it’s like my brain decided to go on a vacation! Suddenly, I’m all about the back layer, and my front layer turns into a total wild card. It's a blas
  • For those considering this, you should be aware that this is a very niche library. The matrix capabilities are great, but the piano samples are not…
  • https://www.spitfireaudio.com/olafur-arnalds-stratus?gad_source=1 · https ... Spitfire audio soft piano is pretty good and it's free. Future-Today-. • 2y
  • The randomized feature continually generates fresh and evolving sounds.
  • Stratus by Spitfire Audio & Olafur Arnalds. I've used this as an extension ... 2Spectrasonics' Omnisphere 3 review: Still a must-have plugin · 3Best
  • Stratus by Spitfire Audio & Olafur Arnalds. I've used this as an extension ... 2Spectrasonics' Omnisphere 3 review: Still a must-have plugin · 3Best

Frequently Asked Questions

What host or player is required to use Olafur Arnalds Stratus?
Olafur Arnalds Stratus requires the Spitfire Audio plugin as its host/player. It also requires Kontakt Player (v5.6.8 or later).
Is Olafur Arnalds Stratus a sampled or modeled piano?
Olafur Arnalds Stratus is a hybrid instrument featuring recordings of polyrhythmic patterns and textures performed by pianos triggered by algorithms.
What is the library size and disk space required for installation?
The library size for Olafur Arnalds Stratus is 15.2 GB, and it requires 15.20 GB of disk space.
What platforms are compatible with Olafur Arnalds Stratus?
The plugin is compatible with Mac OS 11, 12, or 13 (Intel and Apple Silicon/ARM) and Windows 10 or Windows 11 (64-bit).
What genres and use cases is this instrument best suited for?
It is ideal for film scoring, ambient, sound design, and songwriting, particularly in genres like film/scoring, ambient, electronic, and contemporary music.
Does it have NKS compatibility?
Yes, Olafur Arnalds Stratus is NKS Compatible.
What are the minimum system requirements for RAM and CPU?
It requires a minimum of 8GB RAM. For Mac, a 2.8GHz i5 minimum quad-core CPU and for PC, an Intel 2.8 GHz i5 (quad-core) or AMD Ryzen 5 is required.

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