Kontakt Hub
Sawmill a Kontakt Hub/Divergent Audio Group New Releases
Sawmill a Kontakt Hub/Divergent Audio Group New Releases
Kontakt Hub did release a new virtual library and put several on existing libraries on sale.
Sawmill
Sawmill is an instrument inspired by the supersaw sound. In a broad sense, it doesn’t try to emulate the classic supersaw sound but I think it’s interesting how layering detuned saw oscillators turns a static sound into a moving texture. I have been wondering how would it sound if you detuned other parameters, not just pitch. For example, you could also detune filters, LFO frequency, effects etc…
WAVEFORMS
Sawmill is not your standard sample library. It is an advanced and powerful synthesizer with sampled oscillators. There are 32 waveforms, generated mostly with a modular analog system and vintage analog synthesizers.
The samples are fairly long to capture bits of analog drift and tiny electronic imperfections which makes it sound more alive. Each sample has been looped by hand without any additional processing, to preserve as much of the original flavor as reasonably possible.
The waveform selection is focused mainly on different variations of saw, but it also includes other basic shapes, as well as some fancy waveforms you can generate in a modular by mangling the oscillator with rectifiers, ring modulators, inverters and the like, all in the analog domain.
Sawmill includes the nearly complete palette of what Kontakt has to offer in signal processing: full range of filter types, classic effects, different types of envelopes, LFOs with various shapes and frequency modulation.
SEQUENCED MODULATOR
Additionally, there are several innovative functions. There is a sequenced modulator, which is a crossover between a step sequencer and an LFO – you can program a value pattern and shape it to the LFO waveform.
There are six patterns which can be combined and/or patched to different parameters, like pitch or filter cutoff. In fact, any parameter can be automated using MIDI CC.
There is a pitch glide function with adjustable acceleration curve. And then there is the advanced multi-arpeggiator, which is like having a stack of eight arpeggiators, which you can sequence or combine in different ways to create complex note patterns out of a simple chord.
DETAILS
- 7 oscillator stack with all parameters editable individually for each oscillator
- 32 sampled oscillator types, analog, and vintage digital
- 2574 hand looped samples (2.75 GB unpacked – open wav)
- 107 presets in snapshot format
- Multi-arpeggiator with 8 arp patterns to combine
- Step sequencer and LFO crossover modulator with 6 editable waveforms
- A comprehensive set of 32 scales to choose from so the arp can be locked to precise musical notes
- 35 filter types
- 105 Snapshots
- 49 Page User Guide
- Kontakt 5.8.1 or newer (full version) – Not Kontakt Player
The instrument is equipped with 4 LFOs, 5 envelopes, a standard set of Kontakt’s effects (chorus, flanger, phaser, delay) and a full palette of Kontakt’s filters and different distortion types, all of which should by multiplied by 7, as each oscillator has a separate set.
There’s also an advanced multi-arpeggiator, which can run several patterns simultaneously and a rather unique step-sequenced modulator (a step sequencer, where you can define sweep curves between steps). In the end, it can go well beyond the standard supersaw sound.
SOUNDS
There are 32 oscillator waveforms to choose from. Mostly different flavors of saw and other spiky waveforms as those work best with layering. Oscillator waveforms are tagged by source:
Modern analog – generated with an eurorack modular system, based on Intellijel Dixie and Doepfer A-110-4 oscillators, first being triangle core and the second sine based (sine waveform is not a derived from other waveforms by waveshaping). There are several saw flavors processed by different
filter types, where the cutoff is modulated loosely by pitch CV. Besides regular shapes there are numerous exotic shapes, generated by mixing and
processing regular waveforms, using ring modulators, rectifiers, logic modules etc., all in the analog domain.
Vintage analog – generated with Sequential Circuits Six-Track synthesizer, which has a neat feature of mixing three basic waveforms. There are three basic waveforms: saw, pulse and triangle and two mixed waveforms: saw + triangle and saw + pulse. There are also two versions of saw processed with tuned Moog type low pass filter. Tuned means that I used an oscilloscope to manually tune the cutoff for each semitone, so the waveform shape is consistent over the whole set. This synthesizer is also the source of noise oscillator.
Vintage string machine – that’s a single pulse waveform recorded from1979’s Siel Orchestra, which had a solo mode being basically a single oscillator out. This set doesn’t cover the whole 84 semitones, lowest and highest octaves will be derived by pitching the samples in Kontakt.
Early mini clone – generated with a eurorack oscillator, being the clone of the early design of Minimoog model D using no integrated circuits. This set includes Mini’s trademark ‘sharktooth’ waveform and the only rectangle shape available (not exactly rectangle if you look at it).
Vintage digital – two extra waveforms, generated with Casio CZ-3000, a unique phase distortion synthesizer.
Virtual Instrument Library
Mosaic Tape – Preset Playthrough | Heavyocity
Mosaic Tape – Preset Playthrough
From altered strings and gritty keys to tuned percussion and vocal pads, Mosaic Tape showcases the cinematic possibility of creative tape processing — transforming traditional sources into moving, complex textures, dripping with grit, warmth, and personality.
Check out some of Heavyocity’s favorite presets from this dynamic instrument, designed to create signature sounds for modern scoring cues.
Mosaic Tape by Heavyocity includes motivating rhythmic and arpeggiated presets plus a large variety of excellent playable snapshots with superb sonic character. It is the fourth Mosaic release and once again it is a top-grade instrument. Mosaic Tape is for any professional composers or producers who are working Ad, film, and gaming scores. I would recommend getting it to present the demand for the lo-fi vibe from your customers.
From altered strings and gritty keys to tuned percussion and vocal pads, Mosaic Tape showcases the cinematic possibility of applying creative tape processing to a variety of sources. And with over 100 expertly-crafted snapshots, Mosaic Tape is ready to inspire: re-envisioning the musical effect of tape as modern composition and sound design tool.
Pricing and Availability
And for a limited time, Heavyocity is offering Mosaic Tape for $99 (reg. $119). In addition, owners of other Mosaic Series instruments will receive an additional 20% off. Offers end October 19, 2020.
Kontakt Hub
Vagabond Crystal by Atom Hub
Vagabond Crystal – Magical Sound of Caves, Crystals, and Inner-Solitude
After some months, another Atom Hub release is here! This time, bell-like kind od sounds attracted my attention. Then, somehow, the idea of caves, underground locales and fictional fauna and flora started emerging in my mind – and that became the course Atom Hub took. What you see is the result.
Sparkling and sustained sound of metal and glass. Atmosphere and soundscapes of a fictional underground, fauna, and locales. Magical sounds of caves, crystals, and inner solitude.
Vagabond Crystal by Atom Hub offers the beautiful sound of carefully sampled real items and instruments, as well as unusual and original sound design.
The Vagabond Crystal sample library was created by Mato Huba (Atom Hub) to utilize the sounds of bells, glass, and metal objects. Various items were used and sampled: A singing bowl, Tibetan bells, a little gong, wine glasses, a dish cover, water, rocks, a synthesizer, plus hardware and software effectors. The idea was to pay homage to crystal, shiny sounds and soundscapes and… caves. Yes, these sounds, their long sustains, and sparkle instantly bring up images of caves, and of descent into their eerie depths, in Mato Huba’s mind.
Mato wanders through their stony halls, corridors, and galleries, and admire the silent beauty of Mother Nature’s work of art. Stalagmites and stalactites, like statues, guard the returning echoes of water drops dripping from wet, cold walls and ceilings. An underground river is taking me far away from the surface. Time is standing still in the darkness, eyes don’t see. Imagination comes to life. Mato becomes a crystal who wanders through the dark, like a vagabond without a home.
Vagabond Crystal Features
- 16/24 bit / 44,1 kHz wav format
- 889 MB installed
- 78 basic original patches (Bells, Pads, FX, Organic)
- 90 derived single patches
- 90 derived multi patches
- mostly up to 6 round robins per sample set
- Flanger, Chorus, Phaser, EQ, LFO, Stereo, Cabinet, Drive, Limiter, Delay, Reverb, Attack, Release controls
- Kontakt 5.8.1 and above full version required
Right out of the box, at your disposal are many presets ranging from clean bell-like types of sound to unheard, eerie evolving soundscapes. Dark and dreamy at the same time, Vagabond Crystal will take you away and ignite a spark of your inspiration.
Pricing and Availability
Right now, the sample library is available exclusively on Kontakt Hub for an intro price of £16.80 (r.p. £24.00) for six upcoming days. You are welcome to visit the page and learn more about the instrument.
Bass
Folio Bass 1.1 by Channel Robot Review
Folio Bass by Channel Robot Review
In today’s review, we are looking at Folio Bass Version 1.1 (Affiliate Link) by Channel Robot is a Kontakt Library ROMpler steered at Bass sounds.
Installation
You need download after purchase Folio Bass from your Kontakt Hub user account. With Version 1.1 you need to download 4 files, unpack them. You need the FULL version of Kontakt v5.8.1 or above. is required. The library is not for the free Kontakt Player. I used the Kontakt 6 Full Version for reviewing.
Authorisation is needed, to authorize the kontakt library you need to:
- Open Kontakt and navigate to the folder you just created using the Browser (Press F1 to display the Browser)
- Double click on Folio – Bass.nki, Folio – Bass should open and you should see a window where you can enter the serial you receive while purchasing the library
- When you entered the correct number you will need to save the Folio – Bass instrument to store the authorization on disk
Sound
This special Kontakt library developed from an initial idea to release over a span of two years. Channel Robot started with let’s produce a Bass ROMpler with 100 sounds and after two years a Bass ROMpler with 300+ sounds was released. A brief time later updated to Version 1.1.
Version 1.1 update includes:
- New Snapshots
- New Arp presets
- A new parameter track in the arpeggiator – likelihood, making every sequence into an ever-changing melodic output.
There are many onboard effect tools you can use to mangle and shape the sound and performance. When you leave the Kontakt shell and use additional 3rd party effect plugins this library becomes an outstanding source for sound design task you have to deliver against.
Folio Bass performs two layers concurrently, you can select (see below) from different categories: Analog, Smooth, Synth, Gritty, New Synth, Alternate, Modeled, Scapes or Cycles. After selecting the two voices you would use the Gate and Arp and effect Tabs to further shape the sound that you are looking for. I would recommend starting with the fine snapshots Channel Robot included.
User interface & Usability
The bass powerhouse Folio Bass includes well known and classic synthesizer controls, like envelopes and filters, and these add to the abilities Folio Bass when you want to shape, mangle and sculpt your bass sounds. Folio Bass includes unique quad gates and sequencing arpeggiator to produce exciting polymorphic outcomes.
The UI is laid back and using colors that work well for me. You have the options to switch between the tabs to unleash the effects and additional features. Dive into the Gate, Arp, and other Tab, there is so much more than a two-voice ROMpler.
Rating: Four out of five stars
Channel Robot’s Folio Bass Version 1.1 (Affiliate Link) is an excellent sounding dual voice ROMpler full of more than 300 instruments. Folio Bass is best when you need to reach for a Bass line, works wonder in sound design and is excellent as a background bed (combined with effects) for many scores or when you need to add some emotion and drive to a scene.
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