Review: Sample Logic Synergy Virtual Instrument

Mar 18, 2009 5:55 PM

Whereas Sample Logic A.I.R. and The Elements focused on specific sound components, Synergy takes a homogenous approach while expanding the synthesis capabilities. It features more customizable sounds and controls, a customizable arpeggiator, a gater and a chord generator. The main menu contains amplitude envelope attack and release controls, as well as more than a dozen options for effects and resonant filters.

Sound banks break into 295 ambient soundscapes, 54 basses, 55 drum kits and world-percussion ensembles, 269 dynamic and transitional impacts, 173 arpeggiated and multisynchronized instruments, 57 pads and 270 tempo-synced rhythms. Those are further subdivided by genre, timbre or mood. Under rhythms, for example, you can choose from action-packed, movie-style sequences and world rhythms; distorted and electronic breaks; thin “tops-only” loops; and pop, hip-hop and vocal-morphed phrases.

Elsewhere, deep-rooted basses and sub wobbles, serene spiritual textures, haunting environments, multisampled ethnic and tribal instruments, gated angelic voice layers, dramatic pianos and majestic organs tickle your ears — sometimes fusing synthetic and organic material indistinguishably.

Unlike conjured construction kits, material from the entire disc works interchangeably, perfect for creating your own layers. Many of the factory multis have unique mod-wheel controls, such as volume balancing for rhythmic and arpeggiated elements and filtering/sculpting of multi-instruments and -effects. Deep and expressive programming characterizes Synergy.

$299

At a glance: 18 GB collection of more than 1,200 instruments and multis aimed at experimental dance and evocative soundtrack work. Native Instruments Kontakt Player 2 in stand-alone or Audio Units, VST, RTAS, DXi plug-in formats.www.samplelogic.com

Want to use this article? Click here for options!

Acceptable Use Policy blog comments powered by Disqus