Spitfire Audio
Daniel James takes a First Look at Spitfire BBC Symphonic Orchestra
Spitfire BBC Symphonic Orchestra by Daniel James
Spitfire Audio released BBC SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA — the most fundamental orchestral package the sound specializing British music technology company has ever created.
Orchestral samples have become an essential component of modern scoring, and the range of libraries available is vast, what if a single product could become the universal starting point for a generation of composers? Clearly, this is the taxing compositional question that Spitfire Audio has successfully sought to address with BBC SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA.
Strings
BRASS
WOODWINDS
PERCUSSION and Final Thoughts
Guitar
Review of FINK – SIGNATURES: A Definitive Acoustic Guitar Toolkit with Signature Sound
There’s something about the sound of an acoustic guitar that just speaks to our soul. Whether it’s a delicate fingerstyle piece or a hard-hitting bluegrass jam, the acoustic guitar always finds a way to touch our hearts. In this review, we’ll be taking a closer look at FINK – SIGNATURES: A Definitive Acoustic Guitar Toolkit with Signature Sound.
Review of FINK – SIGNATURES: A Definitive Acoustic Guitar Toolkit with Signature Sound
FINK’s SIGNATURES library is a hefty (8.83GB) collection of beautiful guitar tones, designed to breathe emotive Finkness into our music, including sweet vocals.
The library includes a range of different guitars, from acoustics to electrics, each with its own unique sound. There are also a number of different amp models to choose from, allowing you to get the perfect tone for your track.
With so many different options available, you’re sure to find the perfect sound for your next project. If you’re looking for a way to add some extra emotion to your music, be sure to check out FINK’s SIGNATURES library. This library is full of character and sonic depth and offers a range of classic and signature playing styles.
Acoustic Guitars Toolkit
This toolkit has been carefully curated to inspire both composers and songwriters, guitarists and non-guitarists alike. It is an instantly playable collection that lends itself to a range of compositions, from intimate indie scores to acoustic pop tracks, and beyond.
The aim of this toolkit is to provide a starting point for your creativity, with a selection of high-quality sounds that can be used in a variety of ways. We hope that you will find it to be a valuable resource and that it will help you to create beautiful music. Thank you for choosing this toolkit.
Acoustic guitars have long been a staple of popular music, and their unique sound has made them one of the most versatile and beloved instruments. Creativity and passion are at the heart of every great performance, but having the right tools can make all the difference.
Signatures is a new acoustic guitar library that captures the instrument’s essential character and sonic depth. Three distinctive guitars offer a range of classic and signature playing styles, from delicate to punchy.
The library also includes a variety of guitar-based percussive loops and hits, soothing vocals, and contemplative pads. Whether you’re looking to add a touch of emotion to your music or create something truly unique, Signatures is an invaluable toolkit for any guitarist or producer.
From delicate arpeggios to cascading delay-soaked licks, the Fink Soundbank for Helix will help you add a new dimension to your sound. These emotive sounds are complemented by a range of guitar-based percussive tempo-synced loops and hits, soothing vocals, and versatile pads.
Made in collaboration with award-winning producer, composer and songwriter Fin Greenall, aka Fink, this toolkit has been carefully curated to inspire both composers and songwriters, guitarists and non-guitarists. So whether you’re looking for that perfect hook or just wanting to add some atmosphere to your tracks, the Fink Soundbank is sure to have something for you.
FINK – SIGNATURES is an extremely well-crafted and versatile library that offers a great value for the price. The sounds are detailed and have a very high quality, making them ideal for use in professional productions.
Acoustic Guitar Merges Into Signature Sound
Acoustic guitar is one of the most popular instruments in the world, and for good reason. Its versatility and rich, full sound make it perfect for a wide range of genres, from folk to rock to country. However, capturing its complexities in a sample library can be difficult. Signatures is a new acoustic guitar toolkit that aims to provide users with the most realistic and detailed sound possible.
The library includes three distinctively different guitars, each recorded in microscopic detail. From delicate plucked notes to punchy muted strums, Signatures offers a wide range of classic and signature playing styles. In addition, the library also includes a wealth of one-shots, harmonics, and other special effects. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, Signatures is an essential tool for anyone looking to add the perfect acoustic guitar sound to their tracks.
These emotive sounds are complemented by a range of guitar-based percussive tempo-synced loops and hits, soothing vocals, and contemplative pads.
Made in collaboration and performed by producer, composer and songwriter Fink, this toolkit has been carefully curated to inspire both composers and songwriters, guitarists and non-guitarists alike — an instantly playable collection that lends itself to a range of compositions, from intimate indie scores to acoustic pop tracks, and beyond. The result is a lush sonic palette that will bring new life to your music.
In addition, the library is extremely easy to use and comes with a wide range of presets that make it simple to get started. Overall, FINK – SIGNATURES is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality sound library that won’t break the bank.
About FINK
Fin Greenall started as a DJ and producer before developing his signature guitar-based folk and blues inspired sound. Growing up in Bristol’s thriving ‘90s music scene, Greenall signed to legendary label Kickin’ Records and subsequently with Ninja Tune, releasing the critically acclaimed record Fresh Produce, and DJing worldwide.
A renowned guitarist, producer, songwriter and artist, Fink has been an in-demand collaborator for various established artists, including writing and recording Amy Winehouse’s earliest demos, as heard on her posthumous record, Lioness. Fink’s Sort of Revolution also featured a collaboration with John Legend on the track Maker, with Fink having co-written two tracks on Legend’s album Evolver, leading to three prestigious BMI awards.
Fink has penned seven critically-acclaimed studio albums, leading to numerous film and advertisement placements, as well as extensive world tours. His record Perfect Darkness (2011) included Yesterday Was Hard On All Of Us, with a live version of the track featuring in the Oscar-nominated film, Selma.
Warm Shadow was later prominently featured in The Walking Dead, with Justin Vernon & Colin Stetson teaming up to remix the track, resulting in a collaboration with Colin Stetson on blues side project Sunday Night Blues Club, Vol. 1. The studio album Hard Believer included the hit Looking Too Closely, which has over 30 licences to TV and film and over 100 million streams.
2017 marked the beginning of Fink’s collaboration with renowned producer Flood, culminating in the release of both his blues side project and studio albums Resurgam (2017) and Bloom Innocent (2019). After putting out his acoustic best-of record It Isn’t Until It Is, 2022 sees Fink’s first foray into film scoring with production work on a major gaming soundtrack.
Conclusion
FINK – SIGNATURES is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality sound library that won’t break the bank. The library includes three distinctively different guitars, each recorded in microscopic detail.
From delicate plucked notes to punchy muted strums, Signatures offers a wide range of classic and signature playing styles. In addition, the library is easy to use and comes with a wide range of presets that make it simple to get started. If you’re looking for an acoustic guitar sound that will add new life to your music, FINK – SIGNATURES is the perfect toolkit for you.
Fink is a true master of the acoustic guitar, and this is on full display in his live performance at JRS recording studio. He effortlessly switches between three different guitars, each with its own distinct sound, and his playing is captured in stunning detail.
Every note is clear and precise, and the range of styles he employs is simply breathtaking. From delicate to punchy, his playing is always precise and emotive. The addition of his soothing vocals and contemplative pads create a truly captivating experience that is sure to please any fan of acoustic guitar music.
Granular Synthesis
Polaris Review: A Modern String Orchestra Imitating Classic Synth Sounds
Polaris, the latest sound library from Grammy-nominated composer, electronic music pioneer & technologist Brian Transeau, AKA BT, is a mesmerizing aural innovation.
Polaris tastefully pairs the worlds of synthesis and orchestra to take your scores into 2022 and beyond. This sophisticated yet eclectic sound library offers massive multi-layers of organic string orchestral recordings, performed by London’s top-tier players at AIR Studios resampled using an array of classic and rare synthesizers.
Polaris Review: A Modern String Orchestra Imitating Classic Synth Sounds
Polaris is a modern string orchestra with classic synth sounds. It features a massive multi-layering of complex synth sounds made accessible, as well as endless customization sounds using the eDNA engine. The all-new Granular Engine provides even more sonic possibilities.
There are 129 articulations, including 94 articulations from the original string performances, 35 layered ‘Synergy’ patches for use in the eDNA engine, and 421 presets created by BT himself and the Spitfire Team. The noise sources were recorded by BT himself for an authentic experience.
It may appear strange to simulate a synth using an orchestra, but Polaris is fantastic. There is something special about the sound of a well-played acoustic guitar. It exists in that space where massive pads meet massive strings, gliding electrical signals meet sliding fingers, and the wobble of vintage circuits meets the organic nature of wood and catgut.
I love this. The sound of an acoustic guitar is like no other; it is at once both natural and artificial, familiar and strange. When played well, it can transport me to another place entirely. It is the sound of my favorite memories and the sound of my deepest yearnings. It is the sound of home.
There’s something about certain sounds that just instantly catches your attention. It could be a particularly resonant note in a song or how a particular sound seems to cut through the noise of everything else around you.
Whatever the case may be, there’s no denying that certain sounds have the power to immediately grab your attention and hold it captive. And that’s precisely what Polaris does so well.
Massive multi-layered organic string orchestral recordings, resampled with a wide range of vintage and rare hardware samplers and synthesizers, including Fairlight, EMU E-II, and others.
Hardware Sampler
A hardware sampler is a piece of electronic music equipment that allows users to record and playback digital samples. Unlike software samplers, which are programs that run on computers, hardware samplers are standalone devices.
This means that they can be used without a computer, making them ideal for live performances. Hardware samplers typically have a keyboard and other controls that allow the user to playback the recorded samples.
IF you are interested in resampling I would hight recommend watching the Junkie XL video below:
Effects – Shaping Sound
They may also have onboard effects, such as reverb and echo, that can be applied to the sampled sound. In addition, many hardware samplers allow the user to resample, or record, new sounds from external sources, such as turntables or other instruments. This makes them versatile tools for creative sound design.
Polaris Resampled Content
Polaris exists in that space where massive pads meet massive strings, gliding electrical signals meet sliding fingers, and the wobble of vintage circuits meets the organic nature of wood and catgut.
I love the way that synthesizers can create new sounds while still retaining a sense of musicality, and I love the way that they can be used to create both complex compositions and catchy hooks.
Software Synthesizers like Polaris are truly one of the most versatile instruments out there, capable of producing almost any sound imaginable. From the gentle strains of a simple melody to the pulse-pounding bass of an EDM track, synthesizers have the ability to transport us to another world entirely. Whether you’re a seasoned producer or a bedroom musician, there’s a synthesizer out there that’s perfect for you.
And Polaris is the perfect example of a modern synthesis that retains a sense of musicality.
The result is an ever-evolving, organic soundscape that is at once classic and modern. The use of classic and rare samplers gives the music a timeless quality, while the inclusion of organic and synth samples gives it a contemporary edge.
The result is a sound that is both familiar and new, and which will appeal to fans of all genres. BT, Spitfire, and their team of sound artists have created something truly special with this album, and it is sure to be appreciated by fans of all kinds of music.
There’s no doubt that the topic of synths and guitars sounds epically cinematic and thoroughly engaging. However, I often wonder about the constant reinvention of sample libraries and rompler-based virtual instruments and how they jostle for space in such a crowded market. One thing that stands out to me is the increasing focus on melody creation software, which aims to provide musicians with more intuitive and creative tools for composing and arranging music. These software programs are designed to streamline the process of creating unique melodies and harmonies, offering a more user-friendly and interactive experience for musicians. As a result, the competition among developers to create the most innovative and user-friendly melody creation software is fiercer than ever. It will be interesting to see how this trend continues to evolve and influence the landscape of music production in the future.
Perhaps in the same way that we’re never done with making synths or building new guitars, then we’ll never be done with sampling another orchestra. The thing is, at what point do these sample libraries and virtual instruments begin to lose their luster? I’m not sure if anyone has the answer, but it’s something to think about. Regardless, it’s clear that the market for these products is always changing and that there’s always something new on the horizon. So, if you’re looking for a fresh take on the classic sound of an orchestra, Polaris is definitely worth checking out.
AIR Lyndhurst Hall
In today’s film industry, it’s all about creating a unique soundscape that captivates audiences and immerses them in the story. To that end, this library features an eclectic mix of sounds performed by some of London’s top contemporary players.
From the heart-pounding action of a battle scene to the emotional intensity of the sensitive drama, this collection has everything you need to take your score to the next level. Recorded at the renowned AIR Lyndhurst Hall, this library captures the future of blockbuster scoring.
So if you’re looking to create an unforgettable experience for your audience, this is the perfect resource for you.
Transformed & Synthesised Outside Reality
Polaris is a powerful new synth that offers a unique take on sound design. The three parts of the synth – the organic Strings Orchestra, Classic synths, and Vintage Resampling – can be combined to create a wide range of sounds.
The eDNA engine also allows for further experimentation and customization. With its flexible sound design capabilities, Polaris is perfect for a wide range of musical styles.
The eDNA interface is an incredibly powerful tool for music producers and sound designers. With its ability to play and pair two sound sources from the 129 articulations available, it opens up a whole new world of possibilities for creating custom sounds.
The interface also allows you to manipulate, layer, and blend sound with FX, gates, and much more, giving you the freedom to create a truly unique sound that fit your music. Whether you’re looking to add some extra spice to your tracks or completely change the way they sound, the eDNA interface is sure to take your music to the next level.
By tastefully combining the worlds of synthesis and orchestra, Polaris creates sounds that are at once familiar and otherworldly, catchy, and unforgettable.
In short, Polaris is the perfect tool for scoring movies, video games, and TV shows set in the future. So if you’re looking to take your music into the next decade, look no further than Polaris.
Polaris Presets
BT is one of the most prolific and innovative electronic music producers of our time. His new preset included in Polaris pays homage to his signature sound while also pushing it into new territory. The result is a collection of 421 expertly crafted presets that are perfect for any producer looking to create modern, cutting-edge music.
From pulsing basslines to soaring melodies, the BT presets has everything you need to get your next track started on the right foot.
Conclusion
In Polaris, BT has created a unique sound library that pairs the world of synthesis and orchestra in a way that is both fresh and exciting. With its massive multi-layer recordings of an orchestra, Polaris is perfect for creating blockbuster scores that immerse audiences in the story. Additionally, Polaris’ powerful eDNA engine allows for further sound design experimentation, giving producers and sound designers the freedom to create truly unique sounds.
If you’re looking for an orchestral sound library that goes beyond the ordinary, Polaris is definitely worth checking out. This innovative new product from Grammy-nominated composer and electronic music pioneer Brian Transeau (AKA BT) offers a mesmerizing mix of synthesis and orchestra recordings to take your scores into the future. Whether you’re working on film or video game music, Polaris is sure to add sophistication and intrigue to your compositions.
Rating: Five out Of Five
There’s something about certain sounds that just instantly catches your attention. The first time I heard the sound library Polaris, I was immediately seduced by its magnitude and power. Performing with Polaris is an incredibly exhilarating experience. The sheer size and force of the sound waves are truly awe-inspiring.
What’s even more impressive is that Polaris is able to create such a massive sound without any sort of physical interaction. It’s purely electronic, yet it has the ability to move people in a way that few other things can. That’s what makes Polaris so special to me.
If you’re looking for an orchestral sound library that goes beyond the ordinary, Polaris is definitely worth checking out. This innovative new product from Grammy-nominated composer and electronic music pioneer Brian Transeau (AKA BT) offers a mesmerizing mix of synthesis and orchestra recordings to take your scores into the future.
This powerful instrument Polaris features a massive multi-layering of complex synth sounds, making it accessible for musicians of all levels. With the eDNA engine, you can endlessly customize your sound, and with the all-new Granular Engine, you can explore even more sonic possibilities.
With 129 articulations, including 94 original string performances and 35 layered ‘Synergy’ patches, this instrument is capable of creating a wide range of sounds. In addition, there are 421 presets created by BT himself and the Spitfire team, ensuring that you’ll always have something new to explore. For those who want to add an extra layer of texture to their music, Polaris also comes with a library of FX and gates.
Polaris is the perfect tool for scoring movies, video games, and TV shows set in the future. So if you’re looking to take your music into the next decade, look no further than Polaris.
I give Polaris five out of five stars.
Review
Heirloom: The Emotional Ensemble with a Beautiful Human Touch
There’s something special about Heirloom. They carry with them a sense of history, emotion, and personal connection that can’t be found in anything else. In the same way, Heirloom is an emotional ensemble with a beautiful human touch.
Heirloom: The Emotional Ensemble with a Beautiful Human Touch
A contemporary composition toolkit was formed by Keaton Henson, creator of the modern scoring sound kit Heirloom with a beautiful human touch to complement your unique sonic fingerprint.
This sound library features delicate strings, woodwinds, inspiring piano, and guitars captured in London’s stunning Church Studios. Inherently contemporary and perfect for emotive writing, this sound library is the audial equivalent of the worn-away seat of your father’s favorite chair.
Keaton Henson
Heirloom is a composition toolkit from renowned artist Keaton Henson, with sounds inspired by the mind, heart, and soul. It’s a unique modern score music collection for use with Reason 10 that includes beautiful human touches to enhance your sound fingerprint.
The strings, raw woodwinds, a stirring piano, and melancholy guitars are all captured in London’s stunning Church Studios, where Adele, The XX., Nick Cave, and the Bad Seeds have left their mark.
Heirloom Recording Space
The recording quality is pure and broad in nature, making them suitable for more emotive scoring. With sounds that may be combined into any composer’s signature sound palette and compliment without overpowering, this enormous character offers limitless inspiration. For composers seeking a versatile and dynamic approach, the vast array of sounds provided by these recordings can be easily integrated into their existing compositions. Additionally, the precision and clarity of the recordings allow for seamless blending with other musical elements, enhancing the overall depth and richness of the sound palette. In a review of ujam virtual pianist vogue, the versatility and expressive nature of these recordings were highly praised, further solidifying their value in the world of professional music production. The ability to customize and manipulate the sounds to fit various musical styles and genres makes these recordings an invaluable resource for composers and producers alike.
Recording studios are considered sacred ground by all musicians. The Church is a magnificent, historic church in north London whose stone walls and stained glass have reverberated with prayers and some of the finest music ever written for 170 years.
Playing a part in musical history that includes Adele, Bob Dylan, Radiohead, Florence + the Machine, and Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds is what it’s like to record at Church Studios today.
Spitfire Audio has introduced Heirloom, a highly innovative scoring toolkit developed by renowned artist Keaton Henson. Heirloom is a tiny, personality-rich, and for lack of a better word, dusty variety of cinematic instruments.
Heirloom is extremely inspiring, combining as it does such unique instruments that will broaden your palette.
The Heirloom library is in keeping with Spitfire Audio’s high-performance show time and again, but it has hidden depths. Heirloom exudes individuality from every note thanks to the careful selection of instrument, ensemble size, and articulation.
Heirloom is ideally positioned to express sentiments that are difficult to convey, whether it’s about complex existential concerns, the human condition, or aging.
The library’s oddities are what make it beautiful. You’ll notice human moments while between the notes, which will stop you in your tracks. During a performance, the natural sounds of players and their instruments. You’ll hear the subtle creak of a musician’s chair, or the breathy sigh of a vocalist between phrases. These small details add a layer of intimacy and humanity to the music that is often missing in more polished recordings. The library’s unique quirks and imperfections are what give it its charm and character. And when combined with 8dio’s emotional choir library, the result is a truly moving and immersive musical experience.
Heirloom Instruments
Heirloom features 8 string players (3 violins, 2 viola, 2 cello, 1 bass), woodwind including a Contrabass Clarinet, and Tubax, an achingly beautiful Piano (the beating heart of the library), and Guitar. All intimately recorded by the highly talented Fiona Cruickshank at London’s atmospheric Church Studios.
Conclusion
Heirloom is a library of unique, modern scoring sounds, created to enhance your sonic fingerprint with a beautiful human touch. Inherently contemporary and perfect for emotive writing, this sound library is the audial equivalent of the worn-away seat of your father’s favorite chair.
Heirloom was developed by renowned artist Keaton Henson, and includes delicate strings, woodwinds, an inspiring piano, and guitars captured in London’s stunning Church Studios. The recording quality is pure and broad in nature, making them suitable for more emotive scoring. With sounds that may be combined into any composer’s signature sound palette and complement without overpowering, this enormous character offers limitless inspiration.
The instruments themselves and what they have to offer can influence how Composer composes. For example, the contrabass clarinet is whisper-quiet to spiteful rasp being nothing short of magical. This is a fantastic set of instruments for any collection. Another home run from Spitfire Audio!
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