Impact Soundworks
Review of Tokyo Scoring Strings The Only Japanese Studio Sound from Impact Soundworks
Tokyo Scoring Strings is a very beautiful sounding library. The sound quality is fantastic and it’s one of the most expressive libraries on Kontakt.
Impact Soundworks released Tokyo Scoring Strings, a new sample library from Impact Sounds. This innovative flagship orchestral string library will allow composers worldwide to access some classic sound effects that have been associated with one of Japan’s top session string ensembles and are heard on countless video game or anime soundtrack recordings!
Japanese music has a long and rich history, and over the centuries various instruments and styles have emerged. One of the most unique and arresting aspects of Japanese music is the mix of traditional Japanese instruments with Western orchestral strings.
This juxtaposition of old and new creates a sound that is both novels and deeply rooted in tradition. The result is a fascinating fusion of East and West that has captivated listeners around the world. For anyone interested in exploring Japanese music, this intriguing blend of sounds is well worth seeking out.
Legendary Sound City Studio
This release promises a unique orchestral string sound created by a Japanese session string ensemble. The library was recorded by Japan’s top recording engineer, Mitsunori Aizawa, at the legendary Sound City Studio.
The first in this series provides an authentic Japanese studio feel while also providing unique prospects for future libraries as they continue their dedication to capturing distinctive regional styles from around our globe.
The sounds of Koichiro Muroya Strings
Tokyo Scoring Strings is a groundbreaking release from Impact Soundworks, featuring the sounds of Koichiro Muroya Strings. This is the first sample library that sets out to capture and make Japan’s distinctive studio sound available to composers around the world: an instantly recognizable mix of traditional Japanese instruments and orchestral strings.
Traditional Japanese music is known for its unique sound, which is created by a mix of traditional Japanese instruments and orchestral strings. The result is a sound that is both haunting and beautiful, and which has been captivating audiences for centuries.
One of the most iconic aspects of traditional Japanese music is the use of the koto, a zither-like instrument with thirteen strings. The koto is believed to have originated in China, and it was introduced to Japan in the seventh century.
Since then, it has become an essential part of traditional Japanese music, appearing in both solo and ensemble pieces. Other traditional Japanese instruments include the shakuhachi (a bamboo flute) and the taiko (a type of drum). These instruments are often used to create a melancholy and introspective feel, which is in contrast to the more celebratory sounds of Western classical music.
The first significant difference between Japanese and Western instruments is that they are often recorded in large groups, making them more challenging to play. The library contains recordings of five-string sections: Violins I, Violins II, Violas, Cellos, and Contrabasses. The total of players recorded is 8, 6, 4, 4, and 3, respectively.
This reliance on quantity can be both an advantage for performance because it gives players abundant amounts of time with their instrument (as opposed to just five minutes), but also poses some problems when trying to track down certain numbers or sections within your music library since each recording covers such a wide area!
Orchestral String Sound
The term orchestral string sound can be used to describe the sound produced by a group of string instruments playing together. The tone of the orchestra will depend on the specific instruments involved, as well as the size and type of ensemble. For example, a symphony orchestra typically features a larger number of players than a chamber orchestra, and the sound will be fuller and richer as a result.
The addition of violins, violas, and cellos can also contribute to the overall sound of the orchestra, creating a more lush and mellow tone. In general, orchestras strive to create a balance between the different sections so that each instrument can be heard clearly. This gives the music a sense of cohesion and allows the listener to appreciate the beauties of each individual instrument.
The second major difference between Japanese and Western instruments is the way in which they are played. Western instruments are often played with a great deal of vibrato, which gives them a more expressive sound. In contrast, Japanese instruments are typically played with less vibrato, resulting in a more restrained tone. This difference can be heard clearly in the recordings of Tokyo Scoring Strings.
The final major difference between these two styles of music is the use of vibrato. Western instruments typically use vibrato to add expression and color to the sound, while Japanese instruments typically don’t use vibrato at all. This gives traditional Japanese music a more restrained and introspective feel, in contrast to the more celebratory sound of Western classical music.
The library contains recordings of five-string sections: Violins I, Violins II, Violas, Cellos, and Contrabasses. The total of players recorded is 8, 6, 4, 4, and 3, respectively.
This reliance on quantity can be both an advantage for performance because it gives players abundant amounts of time with their instrument (as opposed to just five minutes).
This also poses some problems when tracking down specific numbers or sections within your music library since each recording covers such a vast area!
Contrast Through Smaller Ensemble Sizes
The acoustic space afforded by these reductions means there is only so much sound coming towards them before they must react quickly enough; this focus goes hanamid-mai, a unique compositional approach that lets them pull out different colors from their instrument as opposed to just playing loud or soft.
Tokyo Scoring Strings are five independently-recorded sections of strings (Violins 1, Violin 2 and etc.) in a typical Japanese ensemble size used for small or large productions alike.
These recordings were made at the renowned legendary Sound City Studio recording studio by Mitsunori Aizawa, who has been known as one of Japan’s best engineers when it comes to stringed instruments!
Japanese Session String Ensemble
The Japanese session string ensemble is a type of musical group that is traditionally composed of three string instruments and a percussion instrument. The ensemble typically consists of a shamisen, a koto, and a fiddle, along with a taiko drum. The music of the Japanese session string ensemble is characterized by its use of pentatonic scales and its focus on melody over harmony. The ensemble often performs pieces that are improvised or based on traditional folk tunes.
The Japanese session string ensemble originated in the Edo period when musicians would gather together to play music for their own enjoyment. Over time, the music of the ensemble became more formalized, and it began to be performed at religious ceremonies and public events. Today, the Japanese session string ensemble is a popular form of traditional Japanese music, and there are many different groups that specialize in performing this type of music.
The Tokyo Scoring Strings library has a comprehensive set of articulations, dynamics, and legato types that can be customized to your preference. In addition, there are four variable legato speeds to choose from, allowing for agile and expressive writing in both traditional scoring or rock & pop productions.
Tokyo Scoring Strings Detail
Tokyo Scoring Strings is the first sample library that sets out to capture and make Japan’s distinctive studio sound available to composers around the world: an instantly recognizable mix of traditional Japanese instruments and orchestral string sound.
The first significant difference between Japanese and Western instruments is that they are often recorded in large groups, making them more challenging to play.
This reliance on quantity can be both an advantage for performance because it gives players abundant amounts of time with their instrument (as opposed to just five minutes), but also poses some problems when trying to track down specific numbers or sections within your music library since each recording covers such a vast area!
Tokyo Scoring Strings are five independently-recorded sections of strings (Violins 1, Violin 2, etc.) in a typical Japanese ensemble size used for small or large productions alike.
All come to life also to the delicate nuance, distinctive sound, and superb detail preserved by the deep editing as you expect from industry-standard string libraries.
The focused studio spaces define the vibe of Tokyo Scoring Strings features Japanese ensembles equally qualified to record world-famous Japanese productions. Now available as your Kontakt virtual instruments with remarkable sound.
These recordings were made at the renowned Sound City recording studio by Mitsunori Aizawa who has been known as one if Japan’s best engineers when it comes to stringed instruments!
The Tokyo Scoring Strings library has a comprehensive set of articulations, dynamics, and legato types that can be customized to your preference. In addition, there are four variable legato speeds to choose from. It allows for nimble and expressive writing in both traditional scoring and rock & pop productions.
A comprehensive set of articulations, dynamics, and legato types is important for any musician. Articulations help to shape the sound of a note, and dynamics add interest and variation. Legato types give musicians the ability to create smooth, connected phrases. By having a variety of articulations, dynamics, and legato types at their disposal, musicians can more easily create the sounds they envision.
While some musicians may be able to get by with a limited palette of articulations, dynamics, and legato types, others will find that a broader range is essential. For instance, a jazz musician may need a wider range of articulations to create the complex rhythms and sounds of their style. A classical musician may need a greater variety of dynamics to express the full range of emotions in a piece.
The Tokyo Scoring Strings library provides a comprehensive set of articulations, dynamics, and legato types that can be customized to your preference, making it an essential tool for any musician.
Tokyo Scoring Strings Content
Tokyo Scoring Strings is a great new sound from Impact Soundworks. This is the first sample library that sets out to capture and make Japan’s distinctive studio sound available to composers around the world: an instantly recognizable mix of traditional Japanese instruments and orchestral strings.
- 24-bit / 48kHz recordings (downmixed from 96 kHz)
- Four mic positions: close, room, decca, surround
- Mitsunori Aizawa’s personal board mix
- Sustain senza vibrato, con vibrato, molto vibrato
- Up to 5 dynamic layers per articulation
- Spiccato, staccato, staccatissimo, and spiccato secco
- Legato bowed & slurred, with 2x RR (up/down bow)
- Portamento bowed & slurred
- Tremolo, harmonics, trills (whole-tone, half-tone)
- Long & short decrescendo & sforzando
Impact Soundworks have paid particular attention to delivering outstanding legato as well as the agility and crisp short notes that are such strength of smaller Japanese string sections.
Mix and Mics
Each division was recorded in situ: though each was recorded separately. They were positioned accurately in the physical space, so no panning is required to produce the fitting ensemble sound.
When it comes to audio recordings, fidelity refers to the accurate reproduction of the sound. The term is usually used in reference to musical recordings, and the quality of the recording can have a significant impact on the listener’s experience. A high-fidelity recording will sound clear and true to the original performance, while a low-fidelity recording may be muffled or sound distorted.
The majority of commercially released recordings are made at a 44.1 kHz sampling rate, which is considered standard fidelity. However, some labels are now releasing recordings made at a higher 96 kHz sampling rate. While these recordings provide superior fidelity, they require more storage space and may not be compatible with all playback devices. Ultimately, the decision of whether to release a high- or low-fidelity recording is a financial one, as higher-quality recordings require more time and resources to produce.
All recordings were captured at 24-bit, 96 kHz fidelity, and downsampled to 48 kHz using the most pristine conceivable resampling algorithm.
Tokyo Scoring Strings Articulations
All of the articulations below are genuine, one-of-a-kind recordings, not remakes or edits of previous samples!
- Arco (Sustain) – 5 dynamics, 3 vibrato levels (senza, con, molto)
- Bowed Legato – 3 dynamics, 2x rr
- Slurred Legato – 3 dynamics, 2x rr
- Bowed Portamento – 3 dynamics
- Slurred Portamento – 3 dynamics
- Rebow – 3 dynamics, 5x rr
- Staccato – 5 dynamics, 6x rr
- Staccatissimo – 5 dynamics, 6x rr
- Spiccato – 4 dynamics, 6x rr
- Crisp (Secco) Spiccato – 2 dynamics, 6x rr
- Sforzando – Dotted eighth & dotted quarter lengths, 3x rr
- Decrescendo – Dotted eighth & dotted quarter lengths, 3x rr
- Pizzicato – 3 dynamics, 4x rr
- Tremolo – 4 dynamics
- Trills – 2 dynamics, whole tone & half tone
- Releases – natural, excited, and staccato
- Harmonics
It’s hard enough keeping up with an entire orchestra, but if you’re playing solo? It becomes even more challenging!
Luckily Impact Sounds made sure their product would suit either situation by including both styles in each one they make. They are allowing you not only to play like your favorite orchestral musician or create emotional moments on your composition with ease, thanks to these fantastically crafted strings.
Emotional moments are key in any great composition. They are what make the listener feel something, whether it be happiness, sadness, love, or anger. Without these moments, a composition can feel flat and lifeless. So how does one go about creating an emotional moment? There are a few things to keep in mind. First, the music should support the emotions you are trying to convey.
The melody, harmony, and rhythm should all come together to create the desired feeling. Second, the lyrics should be evocative and meaningful. They should paint a picture in the listener’s mind and touch their heart. Lastly, the performance should be heartfelt and honest. The musician must believe in what they are playing and conveying in order to make the listener believe.
Tokyo Scoring Strings is the first library that sets out to capture the distinctive Japanese studio sound and make it available to composers around the world. This library was recorded in situ, with each instrument mic’d in its own space for an accurate ensemble sound.
Tokyo Scoring Strings Team Japan
Impact Soundworks is proud to partner with an incredible team of musicians and collaborators in Japan. These artists bring their creative vision for the project, which will result in a musical experience like no other!
- Koichiro Muroya Strings, led by Koichiro Muroya. The most in-demand session ensemble in all of Japan. Their exquisite playing can be heard on many of your favorite soundtracks.
- Mitsunori Aizawa, Japan’s top engineer, is responsible for mixing and recording hundreds of world-famous scores.
- Sound City, is an incredible recording space with over 60 years of history. This choice of the studio gives Tokyo Scoring Strings a tighter, more focused sound that lends itself extremely well to more agile playing and mixing with external reverb.
- Renowned anime & film composer Masaru Yokoyama, brought his experience recording scores around the world through his companies Plugnote and MiracleBus.
- Crypton Future Media and SonicWire, a Japanese distributor have helped with the project from the very beginning.
Sound City is an incredible recording space with over 60 years of history. The studio has been the birthplace of some of the most iconic albums of all time, including Nirvana’s Nevermind, Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours, and Tom Petty’s Full Moon Fever. In recent years, the studio has undergone a renaissance, thanks to the efforts of owner Dave Grohl.
Grohl has painstakingly restored the studio to its former glory, and he continues to attract top talent to its walls. The result is a truly unique space that captures the magic of its rich history while also remaining at the forefront of the music industry. Sound City is a must-visit for any music lover.
There are five independently recorded parts in Tokyo Scoring Strings (Violins 1, Violins 2, Viola, Cello, Bass) in a typical Japanese ensemble size (8/6/4/4/3) suitable for small and large productions alike.
Lookahead Mode
Not only has the library’s script engine been overhauled with a groundbreaking new “Lookahead Mode”. You can perform your arrangement in an expressive and nuanced way. This new instrument allows for expressive and nuanced performances with minimal MIDI editing. Making it a great option for musicians who want to create their own unique sound on the instrument.
I Am In Love?
What’s not to love? The sound of this instrument included in the flagship orchestral string library is beyond beautiful. From the rich, layered samples that give you everything from vibrato sounds and layer effects in one package.
Deeply sampled playing techniques of orchestral string sound featuring Japanese strings give you more dynamic control over your string samples. This enables effortless control over dynamics, dynamic range, vibrato intensity, bowing style, and more.
With new scripting innovations like the Lookahead Mode, you can create natural-sounding phrases with minimal editing of MIDI information. This is great for composers who need control over their instruments but don’t have time to be expert programmers in every situation!
Flagship Orchestral String Library
I am very impressed with this library’s capabilities! This is a great fit for Japanese soundtracks, Film Score & Trailer, and western scores that require incredible agility and expressiveness. In addition, I highly recommend it to most composers and future musical heroes who realize virtually any score.
Finally, the best part is that Impact Soundworks will continue adding content for free as long as possible! So if there was ever a time when you wanted access to high-quality string samples… That’s right now.
Tokyo Scoring Strings is the answer to any composer’s dreams of having a world-class strings library in their arsenal. It’s also perfect for those who’ve never used such an instrument before because it has everything from deep-sampled playing techniques and expressive scripting that will take care of all the work of creating the perfect sound for you.
When we think they can’t top themselves, Impact Soundworks relapse with another fantastic innovation. This time a Japanese session string ensemble on their already Quite Distinctive Product line-up!.
The range between short note combinations makes it easy for any playing style or level of mastery. If you’re looking for an orchestra sound that can be used in a variety of ways, this is the one to get!
Conclusion
Tokyo Scoring Strings is an excellent addition to any library and will undoubtedly be helpful for all sorts of compositions. They’re not limited to just movie soundtracks or anime themes, as they could also fit well with anything from jazz, rock & roll, or even heavy metal! Its versatility makes it a fantastic product by Impact Soundworks that is sure to be among your favorites.
I’ve enjoyed using this library because the sound presence and moderate ambiance are unique compared to overseas libraries that I usually use. Unlike other libraries, it has a wide range of sounds to cover many genres. It isn’t only valid for epic music and rock and pop tunes.
Rating: Five Out Of Five Stars
You’ve just found another stellar string library! This library is one-of-a-kind. The first time I played this passage, it was like a bolt of electricity shot through my fingers and into the strings.
The output is an unadorned version that does not repeat unnecessarily verbatim; however, some accents or dynamic markings have been added for effect to make it sound more creative than simply word-for-word transcriptions.
Tokyo Scoring Strings is a magnificent sounding library. The sound quality is fantastic, and it’s one of the most expressive libraries on Kontakt.
Every time they come out with a new product, I’m always excited and curious about what it will bring next; we all know Impact Soundworks makes some fantastic products, and Tokyo Scoring Strings doesn’t disappoint!
The library is so much more than I ever could’ve imagined. It does seem like a magical place, and it’s perfect for people who love to compose and produce. This makes it ideal for musicians who want to create their unique sound on the instrument and shows how much attention to detail they put into this product.
Tokyo Scoring Strings is a beautifully recorded string library that will be a valuable addition to any composer’s toolkit. The recordings are pristine, and the instruments have a lovely richness and depth of sound. The library features a wide range of articulations, allowing for a great deal of flexibility in how the strings can be played.
The legato recordings are particularly stunning, and the long sustain samples give the strings a gorgeous vibrato. In addition, the library includes a number of special effects, such as bowed Harmonics and Rushes. These add an extra layer of interest to the sound, and can really help to bring a composition to life. Tokyo Scoring Strings is an impressive string library that is sure to find a place in many composers’ toolkits. The sounds are beautiful and the playing is wonderfully expressive, making it perfect for a wide range of compositions.
Expert Guides
Review of Charisma Volume 1: Featuring Elizabeth Zharoff’s Dazzling Vocal Phrases
If you’re looking for a way to add some color and personality to your project, Charisma Volume 1 is the perfect solution. This library features over a hundred vocal phrases in multiple keys and provides instant cinematic experiences. Written and performed by opera singer Elizabeth Zharoff, this library is sure to give your project the edge it needs.
Review of Charisma Volume 1
Charisma Volume 1 will help you inject emotion and expression into your music! This powerful tool can create an instant emotional response in listeners. 111 wordless phrases are included in 10 categories, plus 15 playable atmosphere sounds.
You’ll be able to find the perfect sound for any moment, with multiple dynamic and vibrato levels. Plus, it’s searchable by tempo, vowel, mode, key & meter!
Elizabeth Zharoff, a vocalist and vocal coach known for her performances in Opera, approaches every style and kind of singing with enthusiasm and joy. Elizabeth Zharoff has sung in 18 languages across the world for over ten years, recorded for approximately 20 video games, and voiced an AI assistant. She is a renowned vocal coach who was founded as an opera singer.
Because of Elizabeth’s curiosity about neuroscience-backed emotional impact through singing, Impact Soundworks was immediately drawn to her quest: the ties between the body, mind, and voice. That is why Impact Soundworks teamed up to develop a vocal phrase collection covering a wide range of interests in order to provide that uplifting energy to projects of many types.
111 Wordless Phrases
Picking the right mood, key, and meter for your song can be the difference between a hit and a flop. But with so many options to choose from, it can be tough to know where to start. Luckily, there’s a simple trick that can help you find the perfect line for your song in seconds.
Just select your mood, key, and meter, and the perfect line will appear. It’s as easy as that! So next time you’re struggling to find the right words for your song, remember to ick your mood, key, and meter first. You’ll be glad you did.
The phrase library was recorded in four keys, giving you maximum versatility in your productions. The phrases can be searched via functional parameters such as tempo, vowel, and mode, so you can easily find the sound you’re looking for. The library is also organized by genre, so you can quickly find the right sound for your project.
Whether you’re looking for a specific tone or just want to browse through the options, the phrase library is a great resource for all your production needs.
Charisma is a powerful and emotional collection of wordless phrases, perfect for trailers, film scores, and other epic productions. Featuring categories like Arabian Nights, Classical Elegance, Climactic Drama, Epic Trailer, Horror, In Awe, Lulls, Mournful, Open Seas, and Verismo, this library is sure to add an extra layer of depth and feeling to your music. With so many options to choose from, Charisma is the perfect way to add an extra bit of drama and emotion to your music.
The library’s phrases are complemented with single note samples to give melodic lines greater flexibility and breadth, including “Ah” and “Oo” vowels with light and strong vibrato at two volumes. Also included are 15 playable ambiance sounds that use Elizabeth’s voice to create hybrid sound design elements morphing and changing.
About Elizabeth Zharoff
Meet the vocal expert, Elizabeth Zharoff. Elizabeth performed 17 languages in major cities throughout Europe, Asia, Canada, and the United States. She studied music and voice at Oberlin Conservatory, Berklee College of Music, and the Curtis Institute of Music. Elizabeth has a truly modern profession, combining voice and digital technology. She has produced videos and composed music for over 50 video games, as well as being the voice of an emotionally complex AI assistant.
The Charismatic Voice
The Charismatic Voice is a popular YouTube channel created by singer and voice teacher Elizabeth Zharoff. Elizabeth’s passion for singing and teaching is evident in every video, and she has quickly gained a devoted following among vocal enthusiasts of all levels. In her videos, Elizabeth covers a wide range of topics related to singing, from breath control and vocal technique to performance tips and song interpretation.
She also offers private voice lessons via Skype, and her students have gone on to achieve success in a variety of musical genres. Elizabeth’s ultimate goal is to help her viewers find their own unique voices and reach their full potential as singers. With her passion, knowledge, and charisma, there is no doubt that she will continue to inspire and educate people from all over the world
The Charismatic Voice is emerging as one of the most trusted vocal social media influencers and educators to date! Elizabeth Zharoff, an international opera singer, envisions reaching more people and educating others on all things vocal.
Charisma Volume 1 Credits
- Instrument Concept & Design: Andrew Aversa
- Phrase Writing & Performance: Elizabeth Zharoff
- Kontakt Scripting: Mario Krušelj
- Editing: Elizabeth Zharoff, Kent Kercher
- Art: Paulo Nunes
Conclusion
The Charisma Volume 1 library features over a hundred ready-to-use, versatile vocal phrases recorded in multiple keys by opera singer and founder of YouTube’s The Charismatic Voice, Elizabeth Zharoff.
The phrases are easily searchable to infuse your project with color and personality quickly, written and performed by Elizabeth herself. The library is a great resource for all your production needs, with categories like Arabian Nights, Classical Elegance, Climactic Drama, Epic Trailer, Horror, In Awe, Lulls, Mournful, Open Seas, and Verismo. Charisma is the perfect way to add an extra bit of drama and emotion to your music.
Elizabeth Zharoff is an international opera singer with a passion for teaching, and her YouTube channel The Charismatic Voice is quickly gaining a devoted following among vocal enthusiasts of all levels. Charisma Volume I is just the beginning for Elizabeth – with her passion, knowledge, and charisma, there is no doubt that she will continue to inspire and educate people from all over the world about vocal performance.
If you’re looking for a way to add some extra emotion and drama to your music, Charisma Volume I is the perfect resource. With over a hundred ready-to-use vocal phrases recorded in multiple keys by Elizabeth Zharoff, it’s easy to find the right phrase to fit your project.
Rating: Five Out of Five Stars
Charisma Volume 1 is the perfect way to inject some personality into your music. With 111 wordless phrases in 10 thematic categories, it’s easy to find the right sound for any mood or style.
Single note patches with “ooh” and “ahh” provide a range of expression, while 15 playable atmosphere sounds give you, even more, sonic possibilities. Multiple dynamic and vibrato levels let you customize each sound to match your own unique style. And with searchable tempo, vowel, mode, key & meter information, finding the right phrase is fast and easy.
If you’re looking for music that will transport you to another world, look no further than Charisma Volume 1. This phenomenal album features wordless phrases in the style of Arabian Nights, Classical Elegance, Climactic Drama, Epic Trailer, Horror, In Awe, Lulls, Mournful, Open Seas, and Verismo. Each track is expertly crafted and will take your breath away.
Whether you’re looking for background music for a dinner party or something to set the mood for a romantic evening, this album is sure to please. So don’t wait any longer, purchase Charisma Volume 1 today!
Virtual Instrument Library
Tokyo Scoring Strings: Orchestral String Library for Impact Soundworks, Recorded at Sound City
Tokyo Scoring Strings is a library of orchestral strings, recorded at Sound City. This incredible recording studio has over 60 years of history and was the place where Nirvana’s “Nevermind” album was mixed. The string section features different sections for violins, violas, cellos, and double basses with close mics as well as ambient room sounds. This release is promising a distinctive orchestral string sound delivered by a Japanese session string ensemble an excellent fit for small and large productions.
Distinctive Orchestral String Sound
Tokyo Scoring Strings is the new upcoming flagship orchestral string library from Impact Soundworks, which is available for pre-order. The company recorded the top Japanese session string ensemble in independently recorded sections.
Muroya Strings
This is the unique sound of Muroya Strings, Japan’s top session string ensemble, which has been heard on many world-famous anime and video game scores. The sound was recorded in the famed SoundCity Studio by Japan’s top recording engineer, Mitsunori Aizawa.
Incredible agility, vibrant vibrato, and enough deeply-sampled playing techniques to realize almost any music. Many of your favorite scores have featured their exquisite playing.
Who created Sound City Studio?
The legendary sound city studio is an incredible recording space and recording studio that was created in 1969 as a result of artists looking to create music outside of the major studios. In 1969, the artist Neil Young had been recording at a major studio and wanted to make something different.
This led to Young and his producer taking over Hollywood’s Ocean Way Studio, renaming it to Sound City and Neil Young Projects. When Sound City closed its doors in 2011, it had produced over 150 gold albums and recorded countless great musicians.
Sound City Studio sounds like nothing else on earth
One of these musicians was Dave Grohl who recorded his first album with Nirvana here in 1988. The recordings made there were so incredible that many of them still stand up today.
In 2013, Grohl directed a documentary called “Sound City” which told the story of this studio and its importance. In 2015, Grohl created an album with many big names to celebrate Sound City’s legacy.
The choice of the recording studio has helped Tokyo Scoring Strings develop a more focused sound that is well suited to faster playing and mixing with external reverb.
What makes Japanese string music so distinctive?
The sound of Japanese string music is fascinating and highly individual. Smaller ensembles played in specialized recording studios are more nimble, and meticulousness can lead to breathtaking precision.
The versatility, power, and nuance of Japanese ensembles make them capable of delicate nuances and sweeping emotional displays that can move audiences to tears. This is the first time I’ve heard an original composition with this influence in it. For many of us who have admired Japanese music for years, this sound has long been a source of inspiration, but it’s remained out of reach for most composers outside of Japan.
Tokyo Scoring Strings Features
- Easy control over dynamics, dynamic range, vibrato, and legato speed from the front page
- Tokyo scoring strings orchestral string library Impact Soundworks recorded at sound city
- Highly playable and expressive legato (including poly legato)
- Three playback modes: real-time, balanced, and lookahead
- Total Articulation Control Technology (TACT) version 3: easily create any mapping you want using key switches, velocity, midi CC, pedals — to fit your personal workflow
- Deep editing for power users, including legato transitions, sample offsets, and much more
- NKS compatible
- CONSOLE FX rack & mixer
Tokyo Studio Strings includes a well-rounded set of articulations recorded in superb detail. Impact Soundworks has paid particular attention to the legato, especially in comparison to bigger Japanese string sections, as well as agility and clarity in shorter notes.
You’ll have no trouble coming up with grandiose, sweeping melodies and delicate legato lines, as well as jagged, agile phrases.
Tokyo Scoring Strings Pre-Order
The Tokyo Scoring Strings library is a collection of top Japanese session strings recorded at Sound City, with close mics and ambient room sounds. Now available for Pre-Order, with a final release later this year.
Requires KONTAKT 6 Player OR Full Version
Virtual Instrument Library
Kageyama Taikos – A Sound Library That Will Change The Way You Hear Percussion
Kageyama Taikos
The most expressive Taiko drum library ever made. This is the perfect, versatile sound for any project and genre!
Taiko drums have been heard in recent years far beyond the borders of Japan. The deep yet crisp sound they produce can be found featured on recorded and live music around the world, making them an international phenomenon that’s not going away anytime soon!
Impact Soundworks is known for its high-quality, detailed sample libraries, and its Studio Drum Sessions library is no exception. These drums have been recorded in an intimate studio setting, resulting in a sound that is both versatile and realistic.
One Global Nation Under a Groove – Kageyama Taikos
Every drum in the set has been captured in great depth, providing users with a wealth of options for articulations, dynamics, and variations. The result is a library that can be used in any style of music, from rock to jazz to classical. With its wide range of sounds and comprehensive collection of features, the Impact Soundworks Studio Drum Sessions library is sure to be a valuable addition to any musician’s toolkit.
Taiko drums have been an essential part of traditional Japanese music for thousands of years. Their deep, resonant, yet crisp sound is unmistakable, whether played solo or as part of a massive ensemble. In the last century, their prominence has risen far beyond the borders of Japan, appearing in major film & television scores, video game soundtracks, and international events.
Impact Soundworks wanted to devote a sample library entirely to taiko, with several accompanying percussive instruments, played by a master to open up as many options for inspiration as possible. Taiko drums are traditionally made from wood or animal skin, which gives them their unique sound.
The size and shape of the drum also affect the sound, with larger drums producing a deeper, more resonant tone and smaller drums generating a higher-pitched sound. In addition to the standard taiko drum, there are also tenor taiko (played with two sticks) and bass taiko (played with one stick).
No matter what type of taiko drum you use, they all produce an unforgettable sound that will bring your music to life.
You will be able to hear Impact Soundworks’ new series of taiko drums in a variety of settings, from solo performances and epic orchestral works. These detailed recordings have been captured with an intimate studio sound that shines equally well for both traditional tunes or those you’ve dreamed up yourself!
- Chudaiko: 18-inch mid-sized drum; crisp edge, rich resonant center
- Odaiko: 32-inch large drum; deep, booming sound with a dry edge, rich central wash
- Shimedaiko: “Tightened” drum; higher register to soar over other percussion
- Okedo (1.5 and 1.4): “Barrel” drum; heavy attack and clear definition
- Atarigane (Low and High): Played with a mallet; clear, metallic sound
- Hyoshigi: Wood blocks; full, resonant sound
The power and presence of Japanese drums, recorded with a focus on authenticity. Kageyama Taikos shines in traditional music but can be equally at home wherever your imagination takes it: pop or rock; jazz fusion—it’s a versatile performance that features master percussionist Isaku Kageyama playing eight distinct solo instruments.
Kageyama Taikos features the dynamic performance of master percussionist Isaku Kageyama on eight distinct drums, each sampled with a variety of playing techniques.
Blend Kageyama Taikos with Other Drums
As a drummer, I’m always on the lookout for new ways to improve my sound. And one of the best ways to do that is by using Kageyama Taikos. These Japanese drumsticks are some of the best in the business, and they’re perfect for helping you get that big, powerful sound.
But if you really want to take your drumming to the next level, I would also highly recommend mixing Kageyama Taikos with Toontrack’s EZdrummer 3. This software is an absolute powerhouse, and it will help you create drum tracks that are second to none. Trust me, if you’re serious about taking your drumming up a notch, then you need to check out Kageyama Taikos and Toontrack’s EZdrummer 3. You won’t be disappointed!
Conclusion
Taiko drums are some of the most iconic and recognizable instruments in the world. They have been used in traditional Japanese music for centuries, and their deep, resonant sound is instantly recognizable. In recent years, taiko drums have become increasingly popular outside of Japan, appearing in film & television scores, video game soundtracks, and international events.
Impact Soundworks created a sample library dedicated entirely to taiko drums, played by a master drummer to provide a wide range of possibilities for inspiration. The result is a powerful and versatile collection of sounds that will add a unique dimension to any musical project.
Japanese drums, or taiko, have a long and distinguished history. Used in religious ceremonies and rituals for centuries, they are now beloved by audiences all over the world. Thanks to their power and presence, taiko are perfect for a wide range of music genres, from traditional Japanese music to epic orchestral works. On Kageyama Taikos, master percussionist Isaku Kageyama showcases the versatility of taiko with eight different solo instruments.
From the rumbling o-daiko to the sharp shime-daiko, each drum has its own unique sound and personality. Whether you’re looking for energetic rhythms or tranquil melodies, Kageyama Taikos has something for everyone. So let your imagination run wild and discover the endless possibilities of Japanese drums.
This is a sound library that will change the way you hear percussion. It features master percussionist Isaku Kageyama playing eight distinct taiko drums, each sampled with a variety of playing techniques. These drums have a deep, rich sound that can be found in recordings and live music around the world.
Kageyama Taikos is available now for the introductory price of $79 (MSRP: $99) through the Impact Soundworks web store. It runs in the FULL version of Kontakt 6 to take full advantage of its latest effects and features.
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