Included here are instructions on downloading, setting up and playing the Bowed Strings Reaktor Ensemble for the Motion Synth, as well as two demonstrations of the ensemble in action.

The downloadable .ens file (compressed as a ZIP file) is referred to as a 'Reaktor ensemble', and can be loaded into the FREE Reaktor Player sound synthesis program created by Native Instruments (or the complete version of Reaktor]]).

By running Reaktor Player (or Reaktor) on your laptop/desktop computer and loading this .ens file you will be able to play the sound demonstrated in the demo videos below.

The Bowed Strings Reaktor Ensemble is designed to work with the Multi-Key version of the Motion Synth App, in conjunction with the Motion Synth Grip.

Both Reaktor Player and Reaktor (paid version) can be loaded as a VST or AU into your preferred multitrack software (e.g. GarageBand OSX, Ableton, Logic, Pro Tools, Cubase, Reaper) allowing you to play and record the Bowed Strings Reaktor Ensemble directly within your multitrack software.

Demo 1:

Demo 2:

1. Download and install the FREE Reaktor player to your laptop/desktop (unless you already have the full version of Reaktor installed).
   1. Reaktor player will allow you to play the .ens file for 30 mins before needing to relaunch the player again. There is no limit on how many times you can relaunch.
   2. Both mac and PC are supported.
2. Launch Reaktor player and complete any configuration popups.
3. If you don't already have the Bowed Strings Reaktor Ensemble, download the file here: Bowed Strings Download.

1. Unzip and launch the downloaded Bowed Strings Reaktor ensemble file.
2. Setup a Wireless or cabled connection between your iPhone or iPod touch and the computer running Reaktor player (or Reaktor).
3. Within Reaktor Player, check your MIDI input settings at FILE > Audio and MIDI Settings > MIDI > INPUTS (see image below).
   1. Make sure the MIDI input from the Motion Synth is “on” (most likely via 'Session 1' that was created in the MIDI Network Setup dialog if you are using a WiFi connection).
4. Select factory Preset 5 in the Motion Synth App.
5. See the Bowed Strings - How to Play section below as a guide for use.
6. By default the Bowed Strings Reaktor Ensemble has the “Basic Eastman Bass” snapshot loaded, but you can select a different sound in the Snapshot dialogue (see image below).
7. Please note: This Reaktor ensemble is cpu intensive (typically ~40-50% on a 2012 Macbook Pro).

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Videos, diagrams, and notes on playing the Bowed Strings instrument sound are available below.

Here is an example of the playing techniques described below being used in combination:

Download a .pdf and .png of the diagrams here: Diagram Instructions for Bowed Strings

• Up-Down or Left-Right Motion controls volume and & intensity.
• Like a bowed instrument, you need to move in order to produce sound.
  

• Up-Down Orientation Change controls vibrato, with the direction of vibrato control dependent upon the octave zone you are in.

• The keys on the Key Screen trigger notes (monophonic, no polyphony) with legato style re-triggering.
• Forearm Rotation controls pitch glide time.
  • Hold down two keys simultaneously to glide from the first to the second note. Rotate your forearm to point your thumb down to increase the glide time. Rotate your forearm to point your thumb up to decrease the glide time.
    

• Octave Control via octave zones in the Up-Down axis.

Note: In order to utilise pizzicato control as explained in the video below you need to import this extended version of preset 5:

• Bowed Strings Preset with Pizzicato Control

• Visual animation for use with Preset 5 (Bowed Strings, Processing)