I was surprised when I first heard Friktion. Yes, of course there are a few other similar instruments out there, but Firktion’s interface is unbeatable. Just put in a little effort and it will sound like a real string instrument. Let’s look at this amazing plug-in.
Ok, what is Friktion?
Friktion is a physical modeling string instrument from Reason Studios. In other words, instead of relying on gigabytes of samples, Friktion is a synthesizer that actually models real string instruments. With clever control keys you can easily play it in a way that simply sounds real. Whether it’s a violin or an imaginary space harp is up to you.
With its synthesizer workflow, Friktion can sound like the string instruments you love or entirely new ones yet to be invented. All the important aspects of sculpting a realistic string sound are within reach, but the controls go beyond what’s possible in the real world. With a few clicks you change the instrument shape and size, or make the strings buzzy and metallic—creating a new instrument that still sounds decidedly real and is expressive to play.
reasonstudios.com
Friktion is an extension, so you need a host to run this instrument. You can run Friktion in Reason Studio or in any DAW, but you need Reason Rack plug-in VST (includes in Reason Full and Lite versions). Or you can just buy a subscription and get access to all of Reason’s instruments and effects ($19.99/month). Personally, I prefer to buy an instrument rather than rent it.
How much is it?
$99. You can also pay the cost of the instrument within 10 months: Rent-to-Own – $9.99.
Are there any analogues?
There are some great instruments out there that sound as good as Friktion. For example:
Audio Modeling SWAM (360 Euro)
Expressive E – Arche (119 Euro)
To show you the possibilities of Friktion, I tried to reproduce a famous classic composition from the Baroque era (Antonio Vivaldi – Sptring).
Buy Friktion: https://www.reasonstudios.com/shop/rack-extension/friktion/