Auddict — Auddict has rteleased Royal Viol viola da gamba library for Kontakt (full version). The intro is 60% off. Expiry: Unknown
TL;DR: Auddict’s Royal Viol — a dedicated viola da gamba library for Kontakt — is available at $200 as part of a 60% off intro launch deal. This is one of the few dedicated viol sample libraries on the market, and intro pricing typically steps up once the launch window closes. → Get Royal Viol at Auddict
What Is Royal Viol by Auddict?
Royal Viol is a Kontakt instrument library built around the viola da gamba, a fretted, bowed string instrument from the Renaissance and Baroque periods. Auddict — a UK-based developer known for detailed, performance-oriented sample libraries — has sampled the viol across multiple articulations and dynamics to give composers a realistic, playable version of the instrument inside Kontakt. The full version of Kontakt is required; it is not compatible with the free Kontakt Player.
Key Features
- Dedicated viola da gamba sampling — focused entirely on the viol’s characteristic tone, distinct from modern cello or viola
- Multiple articulations — covers sustained bowing, short strokes, and ornamental techniques native to period playing styles
- Dynamic layering — multiple velocity layers for natural expression across soft and loud passages
- Round robin sampling — reduces the machine-gun effect typical of repeated notes in sampler-based instruments
- Kontakt scripting interface — provides in-library controls for playability and mix integration
Who Is It For?
- Film and media composers — the viol is frequently requested for period drama, documentary, and fantasy scoring where modern strings would sound anachronistic
- Baroque and early music producers — working in authentic historical styles where the viol was a primary ensemble instrument
- Sound designers and ambient producers — the viol’s unique tonal character and harmonic overtones suit texture-building and experimental composition
- Kontakt library collectors — producers building out a historical/world instruments toolkit who want an instrument not commonly covered by mainstream library developers
Pricing & Deal Details
| Regular Price | Deal Price | You Save |
|---|---|---|
| (post-intro) | $200 | 60% off intro |
This is a launch intro offer — 60% off the regular price for a limited window. Auddict does not run frequent blanket sales; their discounts tend to cluster around new-release intro periods, making this window the most predictable entry point for a new library. Once the intro ends, the price is expected to rise to full retail.
Price verified at publication. Check the link for current availability.
Alternatives at a Glance
| Name | Price | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Spitfire LABS (various) | Free | No dedicated viol; closest tones from early string packs, no scripted articulations |
| 8Dio Adagietto | ~$49–$79 | Chamber strings focus, modern instruments, not period-authentic |
| Best Service Era II | Varies | Broader Renaissance ensemble coverage, less viol-specific depth |
Royal Viol is the better pick when you specifically need a playable, articulation-rich viola da gamba. The alternatives cover broader historical or chamber contexts but don’t offer dedicated viol sampling at this level of focus.
FAQ
Q: Does Royal Viol require the full version of Kontakt? A: Yes. The full version of Kontakt is required. It is not compatible with the free Kontakt Player.
Q: Is there an expiry date on the intro deal? A: No confirmed end date has been announced. Intro pricing typically steps up without advance notice once the launch window closes.
Q: What is the difference between a viola da gamba and a cello or viola? A: The viola da gamba is a Renaissance/Baroque instrument with frets, six or more strings, and a softer, more reedy tone than the unfretted modern cello or viola. It requires separate sampling and is not interchangeable with modern string libraries.
Q: What format is Royal Viol delivered in? A: It is a Kontakt-format library (.nki). Check the official site for download size and activation details.
Get the Deal
Royal Viol is currently available at $200 — 60% off what the price will be once the intro period closes. For composers working in historical or period styles, dedicated viol coverage at this price point is uncommon.
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