Publisher: Fracture Sounds
Website: fracturesounds.com/product/trails
Format: KONTAKT
Size: 11.39 GB
Explore the creative legacy of violinist and composer Alexander Parsons, represented in his collection of sound palettes and string textures. In addition to unique string compositions created by Alexander, the library contains synthesizer samples and a rare Faulkner Dulcichord table piano from his collection. All these elements can be processed using a dedicated granular patch developed specifically for this library.
More details
About the library
In collaboration with composer Alexander Parsons, a violinist with a background in electronic music, Trails reflects his textural approach to composition. The library includes solo strings—violin performed by Alexander himself—along with other instruments from his collection. Long and short string textures are ideal for layering, creating tension and adding movement, while our signature atmospheric layers seamlessly blend acoustic and electronic elements. Trails includes a Layer Blends patch with 28 carefully selected synth sounds and a newly developed granular engine, offering limitless possibilities for modifying and combining sounds. Designed as a composer’s toolset, each articulation is created for use in professional soundtracks, with intuitive controls for even the most complex functions. Trails is the ideal library for creating expressive documentaries, small-scale dramatic productions, or any project requiring a rich and versatile palette of textures and atmospheres.
Textures for Solo Strings
This library includes sixteen textures for solo violins and cellos performed by Alexander Parsons and cellist Joe Zeitlin, recorded in a dry studio for maximum sound shaping possibilities. Using a granular engine, along with lo-fi, delay, reverb, and 16 layers of ambience, Alexander transforms original string recordings into evolving textures with limitless creative potential—what Alexander calls Trails.
Synthesis Engines
The granular engine, inspired by Alexander Parsons’ personal workflow and the experience of Fracture Sounds, transforms the library’s sounds into evolving textures. Reverse, modify, and adjust recordings, or be instantly inspired by one of 57 carefully curated presets. Over the years, Alexander has amassed a personal collection of analog synthesizers and modular effects, using their samples to create sounds for his soundtracks. For maximum playability, all synthesizers are integrated into the Layer Blends engine, allowing you to mix and manipulate up to three samples using the modulation wheel. The library, containing 28 unique synthesizer sounds, offers 546 possible combinations, which can be further refined using the available controls.
Rare Piano
One of the highlights of Alexander’s extensive instrument collection is a rare Faulkner Dulcichord—a single-string table piano prized for its delicate, distinctive tone. For added flexibility, the Dulcichord features Color and Timbre Shift controls for adjusting brightness and tone, as well as an Extended Range switch to expand its natural capabilities.
Artist Profile
Alexander Parsons is a composer and performer with a diverse background in television, film, and concerts. He has worked on series for Netflix, Amazon, and Channel 4, including “Grayson’s Art Club” and “Black Power: A Story of British Resistance.” Alexander is a violinist with a Master’s degree in composition, and his experience in electronic music and DJing across Europe shapes his unique approach to music creation.
Articulations:
• Emergence—a long, gentle decay.
• Flickers – Long decays with a soft tremolo.
• Divergences – Long decays “moving” away from the center note.
• Ricochet – The shortest string articulation, great for fast playing.
• Short Convolutions – Very short, dynamic convolutions.
• Sturters – Repeated and random ricochets.
• Reflexions – Long decays with folk-style twists.
• Deviations – A sibilant harmonic texture with an emphasis on bow noise.
• Mix – Each performance was recorded using multiple close-up and room microphones and combined into a single, broadcast-ready mix. The original mix can then be combined with three atmospheric layers created by the Fracture Sounds team and Alexander Parsons.
