Synthetic Shadows by 8Dio Review
Many starting sound designer and composers are looking for a good across the range Hybrid library. Synthetic Shadows offers hundreds of cinematic effects from several different categories. The library is a perfect fit to be utilized in your work on the score, trailer or sound design. When you are just starting in this business this library is your companion in your musical career ahead.
8Dio’s Synthetic Shadows is a product resulting from a recent 8Dio acquisition. Synthetic Shadows was initially designed and recorded by 8Dio producer, Sergey Zubarev (The Last Haven). The Last Haven did release Hybrid Scoring Bundle earlier which has now become part of the 8Dio family. Together with 8Dio, the library has been harmonized and enhanced and also got some additional content plus the familiar 8Dio interface used by all current Hybrid libraries. 8Dio did send a review copy with no strings attached.
Installation
After purchase 8Dio will send you the codes that you can use to download the library through the 8Dio download tool. Do a batch resave after the download and installation are finished in Kontakt (Full version required), and you are ready to use the library. The Full Retail version of Kontakt 5.6+ required and this library is not compatible with free Kontakt Player.
Sound
8Dio’s Synthetic Shadows is a large collection of hybrid scoring tools, including Downers, Risers, Boomers, Pulses, Droppers, Strikers, Growls. The original content was made entirely with analog and digital synths to augment your existing compositions.
Besides the 20 presets that are curated and ready for scoring you get Bass, Brass, Drums, Hits, Leads, Pianos, Plucks, Strings, Textures, Transitions, Winds and more. All sounds and instruments come with a dominant and nice synthetic touch.
Effects
Hits: Boomers, Echo Hits, Tonal Boomers
Transitions: Downers, Risers Gritty, Risers Soft. Whooshes
Additional: Ambiences, Assorted FX, Droppers, Growlers
Drums
Four Master Drumkits: Kicks, Snares, Hi-hats, Toms, Cymbals
Orchestra
Brass – Sustain & Stacatto, Unpitched Percussion, Strings – Sustain & Stacatto, Winds – Sustain & Stacatto
Synths
Bass Bursts, Breath Analog Ensemble – Sustain & Stacatto, Breath Analog Ensemble – 2 Bar & 4 Bar Arcs, Leads, Evolving Textures, Analog Pianos – Amber, Chrome & Sapphire, Analog Ensembles – Sine, Triangle, Square & Saw, Pluck, Decaying Plucks, Short Basses, Sustained Plucks
Synthetic Shadows contains 9GB and 7600+ samples; you need for installing the library at least 10 GB of free HD space.
User interface & Usability
It follows the design of 8Dio’s hybrid libraries interface. I am not a big fan of the interface, however, after using so many hybrid libraries, I find myself assimilated and can use it quickly and efficiently.
Rating: Five out of five stars
Synthetic Shadows for me is a surpassing hybrid library for anyone who is starting to work with hybrid scores. If you are already well geared up with hybrid sounds you find here some unusual ones you are not finding in this completeness in other libraries.
