Engine Audio Qanun (Digital product)

Authentic Oriental Plucked Strings

Qanun is a sample library that captures one of the defining instruments of Middle Eastern music. The qanun is a delicate wooden psaltery with 63 to 84 strings, documented since the 10th century and still central to both traditional and modern music of the region. The library was created by Syrian multi-instrumentalist Bassam Ayoub, who also shaped the Arabic Oud and Arabic Percussion libraries. 22 articulations, multiple velocity layers and up to 16 round robins preserve the character and nuance of the instrument.

Microtunings and Expressive Control

The articulations are divided into performed and freely playable variants and are complemented by integrated microtunings, which are essential for the Maqam tradition. The Engine Player offers a wide selection of oriental and historical tunings, each in two variants with a freely selectable root note. Keyswitches switch playing styles in real time, Latch (stays active) and Hold (active only while held) modes add expressive control, and MIDI song keys in the upper range trigger short phrases that demonstrate the instrument.

Who It Is For

Qanun is the right choice for composers and producers who need an authentic oriental plucked string instrument inside their DAW. It works in classical Middle Eastern music as well as in film scoring, pop, hip-hop and EDM, where its distinctive tone adds colour and depth.

Technical Parameters

• Software Type: Virtual instrument (sample library)
• Host: Engine Player 1.5.2 or higher
• Plug-in Formats: AAX, AU (macOS), VST3, Standalone
• Operating System: macOS 11 or newer, Windows 10 or newer
• Hardware: Apple Silicon or Intel, 4 GB RAM (more recommended)
• Download Size: 580 MB
• License: Full version, activation via a Best Service account