ONE-SHOTS
Apr 1, 2004 12:00 PM, By Robert Hanson
CYCLING '74 CYCLES: SUSTAINED ENCOUNTERS
SONIC TEXTURES
It's really difficult to do much to reinvent of the idea of the sample library, but the folks at Cycling '74 are certainly giving it a shot. Cycles: Sustained Encounters is a collection of dense, moving soundscapes provided on one audio CD (for easy auditioning) and one DVD, which contains 24-bit WAV versions of the same files at 44.1 and 48 kHz. Sure, you have dozens of sample collections with the requisite section of “superscary” interludes and cheesy horror-movie moments that generally clock in at no more than 15 seconds and really don't go anywhere. With Cycles, you get more than a hodgepodge of twisted machine sounds and deep reverb-drenched pulses: You get real development and substance. All of the pieces, which can stretch on for longer than a minute, provide excellent textures and atmospheres for any type of music that leans to the darker side of life. The sound quality is top-notch, and each file takes full advantage of the stereo field.
Product Summary
CYCLING '74
CYCLES: SUSTAINED ENCOUNTERS > $99
At a glance: Lengthy atmospheric samples. Both 24-bit WAV files and an audio CD provided.
Contact: tel. (415) 974-1818; e-mail info@cycling74.com; Web www.cycling74.com
BIG FISH AUDIO CLICK.
LOOP LIBRARY
Every area of musicianship has its rites of passage. For guitar players, it might be memorizing every conceivable chord inversion or the pentatonic scale. And for the electronic crowd, it might be mastery of the coveted 64th note and the ability to add the right amount of stutter and glitch to your productions. If, however, you just want to cut to the quick, check out Click. This two-CD audio, WAV and Acid collection is chock-full of cool loops that sometimes hint toward drum 'n' bass and at other times point toward Autechre. The files are arranged into themes such as Cinematic Clicks, Jazz Clicks or Lo-Fi Clicks. A few of the selections felt a bit half-baked whereas others seemed to jump out of the speakers. But on the whole, Click. would be an excellent resource for rounding out a production with some truly modern-sounding percussion elements.
Product Summary
BIG FISH AUDIO
CLICK. > $99.95
At a glance: Two-CD set of glitch-inspired loops.
Contact: tel. (800) 717-3474; e-mail info@bigfishaudio.com; Web www.bigfishaudio.com
BIG FISH AUDIO BLISTER PAK
ELECTRONIC DRUM SAMPLES
Are those factory Redrum samples in Propellerhead Reason getting a little old? Well, if you're into just about any genre of electronic music, Blister Pak will have something for you. The two-CD package comprises one audio disc with an opening demo track and a second disc that includes both audio and data partitions; the latter includes all of the sounds as 16-bit WAV files. Basically, if you don't feel like you have enough drum sounds, this is the cure. For instance, the package includes 640 kicks, 532 snares and 400 hi-hats. Also present is a collection of sounds that are technically short, rhythmic loops but still work as one-shot samples — perfect for glitchy IDM tracks or for some quick stutters on a hip-hop track. Generally speaking, the sounds vary from classic drum-machine-style fare to some heavily processed clicks and thwacks. Each of the samples sounds essentially uncompressed, leaving users plenty of headroom for some dynamic flair. From crunchy industrial tracks to downtempo jams, Blister Pak will have you covered.
Product Summary
BIG FISH AUDIO
BLISTER PAK > $99.95
At a glance: Nearly limitless collection of vintage and modern electronic drums.
Contact: tel. (800) 717-3474; e-mail info@bigfishaudio.com; Web www.bigfishaudio.com
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