The piano, reimagined
Fusing the power of technology with the organic beauty and emotion of the piano, Stratus is a vast, dynamic new instrument that will add depth, movement and colour to your music. Made in collaboration with BAFTA-winning Icelandic composer and producer Ólafur Arnalds, this versatile, multidimensional tool bends space and time through an intricate network of polyrhythmic piano performances. Awe-inspiring patterns and atmospheric clouds of harmonic refractions swell and die away at your fingertips, unfolding based on what you play and instantly sparking new ideas.
Instantly playable and easy-to-use, Stratus is presented in a bespoke interface made up of eight multi-layered piano and synthesizer matrixes, each offering a unique sonic experience — plus detailed customisation options and mind-blowing warped sounds, offering a full spectrum of emotion.
- You can buy now and download any time
- Students & educators save 50%
- Download user manual
- Includes Kontakt Player (free download)
- Compatible with NKS
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Spitfire Audio App required
Listen to Ólafur Arnalds Stratus
Look Again - Homay Schmitz
Trailer Music - Homay Schmitz
Trailer Music - Homay Schmitz
A Dark Tale - Oliver Patrice Weder
Togetherness - Oliver Patrice Weder
Stratosphere Part I - Christian Henson
Stratosphere Part II - Christian Henson
Diogenes - Louis Rugg
Reservoir - Toby Gale
Spheres - Christian Henson
Writing Modern Trailer Music
Ólafur Arnalds Reveals The Story Behind Stratus
A spectrum of emotion
In our fourth collaboration with renowned composer Ólafur Arnalds, we bring you a brand new, multidimensional instrument, based on his acclaimed software: sophisticated midi algorithms programmed to trigger a mix of straight and syncopated rhythmic patterns of notes, on two identical self-playing pianos. Spitfire has used this model to create a highly intuitive and interactive tool enhanced with unique features, while recording full performances to capture the profoundly emotional, organic nature of the pianos themselves — instantly adding echoes of movement to anything you play, and pushing you to explore new possibilities.
Instant musicality
Stratus makes it easy to create nuanced piano-based music from the most simplistic of arrangements. Designed to help you write music or finish that track or score, hold down a note or a chord and lose yourself in unique, inspiring clouds of harmonic refractions and rhythmic performances as they swell, evolve and die away at your fingertips. Whatever the mood you are trying to create, it offers a whole spectrum of emotion, derived from user input — from intimate loops, swells and textures to intricate rhythms falling like rain, and dreamy, expansive soundscapes.
Detailed customisation
While specially curated by Ólafur, you control how these combinations of harmonic elements develop — both by what you play, and with extensive built-in customisation options, as well as a comprehensive range of effects. The four piano-based matrixes capture the stunning organic sounds of Ólafur’s pianos, panned across the stereo field to give a true representation of the pianos in their space, seamlessly blended into one, while the four synthesiser matrixes employ the same technology to create similar patterns, with stunning tempo-locked rhythmic loops made using Olafur’s Korg PS-3100, and dreamy swarm-like textures from his Juno-60. The Randomise bar features experimental controls to further randomise Stratus’ behaviour, taking advantage of the library’s generative nature. Stratus’ versatility lends itself to solo compositions, as well as adding texture and unpredictable elements to orchestral libraries, and complementing the libraries in our acclaimed Ólafur Arnalds series.
Bespoke interface featuring eight 8x8 matrixes complete with five Z-axis layers
- Rhythmic waves: tempo-synced rhythms with a gradual attack/swell
- Rhythmic attacks: tempo-synced rhythms with a strong attack
- Looped rhythms: tempo-synced loops
- Swarms: non tempo-synced swarm-like textures
- Synth matrix: looped rhythms
- Synth matrix: swarms
- Synth matrix: swarms
- Synth matrix - looped rhythms shorts 1
- Synth matrix - loaded rhythms shorts 2
Extensive built-in customisation options
- Tempo-sync
- Quantise on input
- Polyphony - select how many voices are triggered at once
- Straight piano overplay - play straight piano on top of evolving patterns
- Low note priority, for added stability to bass lines
- ADSR and a comprehensive range of effects
- Randomise and evolve functions
- Three straight piano presets with left, centre and right signal options
- Warped synth content, presented in our mercury synth engine
- NKS ready
Stratus works by taking a single note and repeating it according to a curated rhythm, splitting the rhythm between the two self-playing pianos while at the same time relocating the note up or down the octave based on a curated level of randomness, that chooses whether or not the octave should jump. Where our Evo Grid technology is triggered by note range, the Stratus matrix works by voice groups — dependent on the order in which you play the notes, and how many you play.
Ghost in the machine
After suffering acute nerve damage following a car accident that left him unable to play with his left hand, Ólafur was motivated to develop intelligent custom software that could trigger self-playing, semi-generative ‘ghost’ pianos — his ‘robot writing partners’, and after spending two years experimenting with programmer Halldór Eldjárn to painstakingly perfect this technology, he incorporated it into his live show — playing an electronic keyboard on stage while his two identical pianos accompanied him to create a cascade of complementary notes and patterns, with each performance unique to each audience. The Stratus pianos also play an integral part in the sound world of his acclaimed 2018 record, re:member.
Captivated by this stunning fusion of emotive organic physicality and the ingenuity of electronic innovation, we spent several weeks at Ólafur’s studio in Reykjavik capturing these unique-sounding Yamaha DU1E3 felt-dampened pianos in their natural habitat. Rather than sampling single notes, we made full recordings of multitudes of polyrhythmic patterns and textures performed by both pianos, triggered simultaneously by algorithms, carefully curated in collaboration with Ólafur. Recorded close using vintage KM83 and Coles microphones and pristine Millenia preamps, we have retained the beautiful resonances, and full dynamic and tonal range of his distinctive sounding pianos, brought to life by stunning technology.
The making of Stratus was my way-over-the-top way of getting over a writer's block I had been suffering from. The excitement and thrill of creating something so unlike what I'd done before sparked countless new ideas.
Ólafur Arnalds
Ólafur Arnalds
Ólafur Arnalds is a BAFTA-winning Icelandic composer and producer, known for pushing the boundaries of music with his unique blend of organic and electronic soundscapes. Always a keen experimenter and innovator, with musical foundations as both a heavy metal drummer and pianist, Ólafur develops chamber strings and piano arrangements with effects, loops, beats, and his own innovative, custom-built software. Based in Reykjavík, Iceland, Ólafur’s approach to sound and composition has inspired a new generation to enjoy and create modern neoclassical music.
Since his debut album, Eulogy for Evolution, in 2008, he has steadily gained recognition worldwide, both as a BAFTA-winning composer (Broadchurch, Wayne McGregor’s Dyad 1909) and as a touring solo artist, releasing on neoclassical label Erased Tapes and receiving huge acclaim for his 2018 release, re:member. He regularly collaborates with other musicians — as part of experimental techno duo Kiasmos, and releasing a series of piano and synth improvisations with fellow musician Nils Frahm.
New update – November 2020
Our November 2020 update brings with it 9 new synth matrices giving users an extra compliment to the synth side of the library's palette. Olafur curated all nine matrices himself, using all analogue synths, recorded through analogue processing (tape echos and delays) via Olafur's Studer desk and all made using the pseudo-random curated sequencer that feeds the piano and the existing synths in the library. All synths represent a different rhythm, all curated by Olafur to fit perfectly with each other, and able to be randomised in the matrices for endless possibilities. The 9 new synth matrices are made up of 3 Looped Rhythms matrices, 1 waves matrix and 5 swarms matrices.
Stratus engine
The bespoke Stratus interface is designed for the selection and playback of samples on a per-voice basis, offering a huge number of curated combinations of patterns with a few simple clicks on each Matrix, as well as Randomise and Evolve options which produce ever-changing patterns. Add effects using the FX page and assign these to the Quick FX bar for easy access. Quantise and synchronise options ensure your chosen patterns fit effortlessly into your composition.
Tech specs
macOS requirements
PC requirements
File size
Kontakt Player version
What's Included
Instruments
- 01a Matrix - Rhythmic Waves
- 01b Matrix - Rhythmic Attacks
- 02 Matrix - Looped Rhythms
- 03 Matrix - Swarms
- 04 Synth Matrix - Looped Rhythms
- 05 Synth Matrix - Swarms
- 06 Synth Matrix - Looped Rhythms Shorts 1
- 07 Synth Matrix - Looped Rhythms Shorts 2
01A Matrix - rhythmic waves
8ths
- Rhythmic Waves - 8th Long 01
- Rhythmic Waves - 8th Long 02
- Rhythmic Waves - 8th Long 03
- Rhythmic Waves - 8th Long 04
- Rhythmic Waves - 8th Short 01
- Rhythmic Waves - 8th Short 02
- Rhythmic Waves - 8th Short 03
- Rhythmic Waves - 8th Short 04
16ths
- Rhythmic Waves - 16th Long 01
- Rhythmic Waves - 16th Long 02
- Rhythmic Waves - 16th Long 03
- Rhythmic Waves - 16th Long 04
- Rhythmic Waves - 16th Short 01
- Rhythmic Waves - 16th Short 02
- Rhythmic Waves - 16th Short 03
- Rhythmic Waves - 16th Short 04
01B Matrix - rhythmic attacks
8ths
- Rhythmic Attacks - 8th Long 01
- Rhythmic Attacks - 8th Long 02
- Rhythmic Attacks - 8th Long 03
- Rhythmic Attacks - 8th Long 04
- Rhythmic Attacks - 8th Short 01
- Rhythmic Attacks - 8th Short 02
- Rhythmic Attacks - 8th Short 03
- Rhythmic Attacks - 8th Short 04
16ths
- Rhythmic Attacks - 16th Long 01
- Rhythmic Attacks - 16th Long 02
- Rhythmic Attacks - 16th Long 03
- Rhythmic Attacks - 16th Long 04
- Rhythmic Attacks - 16th Short 01
- Rhythmic Attacks - 16th Short 02
- Rhythmic Attacks - 16th Short 03
- Rhythmic Attacks - 16th Short 04
02 Matrix - looped rhythms
8ths
- Looped Rhythms 8th - 01 (90BPM)
- Looped Rhythms 8th - 01 (120BPM)
- Looped Rhythms 8th - 02 (90BPM)
- Looped Rhythms 8th - 02 (120BPM)
- Looped Rhythms 8th - 03 (90BPM)
- Looped Rhythms 8th - 03 (120BPM)
- Looped Rhythms 8th - 04 (90BPM)
- Looped Rhythms 8th - 04 (120BPM)
- Looped Rhythms 8th - 05 (90BPM)
- Looped Rhythms 8th - 05 (120BPM)
- Looped Rhythms 8th - 06 (90BPM)
- Looped Rhythms 8th - 06 (120BPM)
- Looped Rhythms 8th - 07 (90BPM)
- Looped Rhythms 8th - 07 (120BPM)
- Looped Rhythms 8th - 08 (90BPM)
- Looped Rhythms 8th - 08 (120BPM)
16ths
- Looped Rhythms 16th - 01 (90BPM)
- Looped Rhythms 16th - 01 (120BPM)
- Looped Rhythms 16th - 02 (90BPM)
- Looped Rhythms 16th - 02 (120BPM)
- Looped Rhythms 16th - 03 (90BPM)
- Looped Rhythms 16th - 03 (120BPM)
- Looped Rhythms 16th - 04 (90BPM)
- Looped Rhythms 16th - 04 (120BPM)
- Looped Rhythms 16th - 05 (90BPM)
- Looped Rhythms 16th - 05 (120BPM)
- Looped Rhythms 16th - 06 (90BPM)
- Looped Rhythms 16th - 06 (120BPM)
- Looped Rhythms 16th - 07 (90BPM)
- Looped Rhythms 16th - 07 (120BPM)
- Looped Rhythms 16th - 08 (90BPM)
- Looped Rhythms 16th - 08 (120BPM)
03 Matrix - swarms
Swarms 01 - subtle long
- Swarms 01 - Subtle Long 01
- Swarms 01 - Subtle Long 02
- Swarms 01 - Subtle Long 03
- Swarms 01 - Subtle Long 04
- Swarms 01 - Subtle Long 05
Swarms 02 - busy long
- Swarms 02 - Busy Long 01
- Swarms 02 - Busy Long 02
- Swarms 02 - Busy Long 03
- Swarms 02 - Busy Long 04
- Swarms 02 - Busy Long 05
Swarms 03 - subtly dynamic long
- Swarms 03 - Subtly Dynamic Long 01
- Swarms 03 - Subtly Dynamic Long 02
- Swarms 03 - Subtly Dynamic Long 03
- Swarms 03 - Subtly Dynamic Long 04
- Swarms 03 - Subtly Dynamic Long 05
Swarms 04 - busy dynamic long
- Swarms 04 - Busy Dynamic Long 01
- Swarms 04 - Busy Dynamic Long 02
- Swarms 04 - Busy Dynamic Long 03
- Swarms 04 - Busy Dynamic Long 04
- Swarms 04 - Busy Dynamic Long 05
Swarms 05 - subtly dynamic short
- Swarms 05 - Subtly Dynamic Short 01
- Swarms 05 - Subtly Dynamic Short 02
- Swarms 05 - Subtly Dynamic Short 03
- Swarms 05 - Subtly Dynamic Short 04
- Swarms 05 - Subtly Dynamic Short 05
- Swarms 06 - Busy Dynamic Short 01
- Swarms 06 - Busy Dynamic Short 02
- Swarms 06 - Busy Dynamic Short 03
- Swarms 06 - Busy Dynamic Short 04
- Swarms 06 - Busy Dynamic Short 05
Swarms 07 - attack long
- Swarms 07 - Attack Long 01
- Swarms 07 - Attack Long 02
- Swarms 07 - Attack Long 03
- Swarms 07 - Attack Long 04
- Swarms 07 - Attack Long 05
Swarms 08 - attack short
- Swarms 08 - Attack Short 01
- Swarms 08 - Attack Short 02
- Swarms 08 - Attack Short 03
- Swarms 08 - Attack Short 04
- Swarms 08 - Attack Short 05
04 Synth matrix - looped rhythms
- Synth - Looped Rhythms 01 (90BPM)
- Synth - Looped Rhythms 01 (120BPM)
- Synth - Looped Rhythms 02 (90BPM)
- Synth - Looped Rhythms 02 (120BPM)
- Synth - Looped Rhythms 03 (90BPM)
- Synth - Looped Rhythms 03 (120BPM)
- Synth - Looped Rhythms 04 (90BPM)
- Synth - Looped Rhythms 04 (120BPM)
- Synth - Looped Rhythms 05 (90BPM)
- Synth - Looped Rhythms 05 (120BPM)
- Synth - Looped Rhythms 06 (90BPM)
- Synth - Looped Rhythms 06 (120BPM)
- Synth - Looped Rhythms 07 (90BPM)
- Synth - Looped Rhythms 07 (120BPM)
- Synth - Looped Rhythms 08 (90BPM)
- Synth - Looped Rhythms 08 (120BPM)
05 Synth matrix - swarms
- Synth - Swarms 01
- Synth - Swarms 02
- Synth - Swarms 03
- Synth - Swarms 04
- Synth - Swarms 05
- Synth - Swarms 06
- Synth - Swarms 07
- Synth - Swarms 08
06 Synth matrix - looped rhythms: shorts 1
- Synth - Looped Rhythms Shorts 1 - 01 (90BPM)
- Synth - Looped Rhythms Shorts 1 - 01 (120BPM)
- Synth - Looped Rhythms Shorts 1 - 02 (90BPM)
- Synth - Looped Rhythms Shorts 1 - 02 (120BPM)
- Synth - Looped Rhythms Shorts 1 - 03 (90BPM)
- Synth - Looped Rhythms Shorts 1 - 03 (120BPM)
- Synth - Looped Rhythms Shorts 1 - 04 (90BPM)
- Synth - Looped Rhythms Shorts 1 - 04 (120BPM)
- Synth - Looped Rhythms Shorts 1 - 05 (90BPM)
- Synth - Looped Rhythms Shorts 1 - 05 (120BPM)
- Synth - Looped Rhythms Shorts 1 - 06 (90BPM)
- Synth - Looped Rhythms Shorts 1 - 06 (120BPM)
- Synth - Looped Rhythms Shorts 1 - 07 (90BPM)
- Synth - Looped Rhythms Shorts 1 - 07 (120BPM)
- Synth - Looped Rhythms Shorts 1 - 08 (90BPM)
- Synth - Looped Rhythms Shorts 1 - 08 (120BPM)
07 Synth matrix - looped rhythms: shorts 2
- Synth - Looped Rhythms Shorts 2 - 01 (90BPM)
- Synth - Looped Rhythms Shorts 2 - 01 (120BPM)
- Synth - Looped Rhythms Shorts 2 - 02 (90BPM)
- Synth - Looped Rhythms Shorts 2 - 02 (120BPM)
- Synth - Looped Rhythms Shorts 2 - 03 (90BPM)
- Synth - Looped Rhythms Shorts 2 - 03 (120BPM)
- Synth - Looped Rhythms Shorts 2 - 04 (90BPM)
- Synth - Looped Rhythms Shorts 2 - 04 (120BPM)
- Synth - Looped Rhythms Shorts 2 - 05 (90BPM)
- Synth - Looped Rhythms Shorts 2 - 05 (120BPM)
- Synth - Looped Rhythms Shorts 2 - 06 (90BPM)
- Synth - Looped Rhythms Shorts 2 - 06 (120BPM)
- Synth - Looped Rhythms Shorts 2 - 07 (90BPM)
- Synth - Looped Rhythms Shorts 2 - 07 (120BPM)
- Synth - Looped Rhythms Shorts 2 - 08 (90BPM)
- Synth - Looped Rhythms Shorts 2 - 08 (120BPM)
Pianos
- Stratus Piano - Centre
- Stratus Piano - Left
- Stratus Piano - Right
Warps
- Amends
- Beauty Calls
- Bouncer
- Chamber
- Choir of Fifths
- Choir of Fourths
- Comes and Goes
- Deep Down Under
- Dream Station
- Drifting Waves
- Dusty Tape
- Enter The Void
- Ethereal Calls
- Fading Lights
- Falling Apart
- Fuzz Do Wah
- Ghosting Box
- Granular Piano
- Grated Keys
- Harmonic Friends
- Healing Pad
- Hooter Pad
- Midtown Mall
- Mondo Bass
- Moon Ship
- Muffled Echoes
- Opening Theme
- Pulse Wave
- Random Access Memory
- Ring On
- Scyfer
- Sub Bass
- The Aquatic Life
- When The Angels Cry
- Wobble Brigade
FAQs
WHY DO I NEED THIS PRODUCT?
Olafur Arnalds Stratus is a groundbreaking innovation made in collaboration with BAFTA-winning Icelandic composer Ólafur Arnalds, fusing the power of technology with the organic beauty and life of the piano – creating an entirely new kind of instrument. For the professional, this instrument will deliver a new element to your compositions, full of emotion, movement and depth. For those starting out, this also an out-of-the-box creative tool to inspire your writing, offering a vast selection of unknown, stunning textures and polyrhythmic patterns from simply holding down a few notes or chords. A collection of unique and beautiful sounds to inspire and transform your music, as well as a fantastic starting block for anyone looking for a tool that will spark new ideas.
WHAT PRODUCTS DOES THIS WORK WELL WITH?
Olafur Arnalds Stratus works well with all of the products in our Olafur Collection: Olafur Arnalds Composer Toolkit, Olafur Arnalds Evolutions and Olafur Arnalds Chamber Evolutions, recorded and curated to co-exist within the same sound world. It also complements Albion Tundra & Albion NEO — two progressive orchestral based libraries, designed for creating modern cinematic music.