Spitfire Audio Olafur Arnalds Stratus (Digital product)

Ólafur Arnalds Stratus is a groundbreaking virtual instrument created in collaboration with BAFTA-winning Icelandic composer and producer Ólafur Arnalds. This versatile, multidimensional tool bends space and time through an intricate network of polyrhythmic piano performances, offering a unique and evocative sonic experience.

At its core, Stratus features a sophisticated MIDI-driven system where two identical self-playing grand pianos perform interlocking rhythmic patterns, creating complex polyrhythms that evolve dynamically based on your input. This innovative approach allows composers and producers to explore new musical landscapes filled with rich harmonic textures and evolving atmospheres.

The instrument is organized into eight multi-layered piano and synth matrixes, each with five Z-axis layers, offering a wide palette of sounds and rhythmic variations. These matrixes include:

• Rhythmic Waves: Tempo-synced rhythms with smooth attack and swell.
• Rhythmic Attacks: Tempo-synced rhythms with a pronounced attack.
• Looped Rhythms: Tempo-synced rhythmic loops.
• Swarms: Non-tempo-synced, atmospheric cluster textures.
• Synth Matrixes: Looped rhythms and swarms with a synth-based character.

Stratus offers extensive control and customization, including tempo sync, input quantization, polyphony settings, and a rich suite of effects. The Randomize and Evolve functions allow for generative and ever-changing patterns that spark creativity and inspiration.

Recorded in Ólafur Arnalds’ Reykjavik studio, the instrument captures the warm, intimate sound of his Yamaha DU1E3 felt-dampened pianos using vintage KM83 and Coles microphones paired with pristine Millenia preamps. This meticulous recording process preserves the full dynamic and tonal range, resulting in an expressive and organic sound.

Key features:

• Collaboration with BAFTA-winning composer Ólafur Arnalds.
• Two self-playing grand pianos performing polyrhythmic patterns.
• Eight multi-layered piano and synth matrixes with five Z-axis layers each.
• Advanced MIDI scripting for evolving rhythmic interplay.
• Extensive customization including tempo sync, quantize, and effects.
• Randomize and Evolve functions for generative sound design.
• Recorded with vintage microphones and high-end preamps in Reykjavik.
• NKS-ready for seamless Native Instruments hardware integration.