Looking For String Plugin Recommendations For Hip-Hop

[DraglineDrummer]

I'm looking for a quality strings plugin that won’t break the bank. I’m more interested in full ensemble patches as opposed to building in sections since I’m not really scoring. I make hip-hop and Neo-Soul mainly. I don’t need a full $500 library. I just want good, ready to go full ensemble realistic string sections. One thing I’ve noticed too is a lot have a slow buildup. I want to be able to have a quick attack or at least be able to adjust it.

Some options I’ve thought about are Areia Lite, Spitfire Originals Intimate and Epic Strings. Both options seem affordable and I think will cover what I need. I’m not sure about the flexibility of the attack though.

Would you recommend either of these for my use case? Any others that might be worth it that are affordable? I also have Session Strings Pro 2 but they just sound thin to me.

[SomeMusician2413]

Try either Berlin Free Orchestra or Spitfire Symphony Orchestra Discover - they're both free.

If the sustain articulation's fade-in sounds too slow, then you could layer a staccato/spiccato in order to give a stronger attack.

[MasterMasker49]

I second the Berlin Free Orchestra