ONE-SHOTS
Aug 1, 2006 12:00 PM, By Jason Scott Alexander
DIGIDESIGN HYBRID
ECO-FRIENDLY SOUND ENGINE
Hybrid is a sample-accurate RTAS synthesizer for Pro Tools 7 that combines classic-analog and modern-wavetable synthesis in a sleek and tweakable interface. Each part of the dual-part synth engine is composed of two multifunction oscillators and a third “classic” oscillator (saw, square and triangle) with noise generator and suboscillator. For the two main oscillators, you can choose from seven modes: sawtooth sync, sawtooth cross-modulation, multi (seven saws stacked in unison), square sync, square cross-modulation, PWM and wavetable. There are 100 wavetables ranging from warm spectral, atmospheric, formant and FM harmonics to evolving resonant and vector sweeps, metallic grains and brittle bell tones — each with as many as 64 crossfading single-cycle waveforms to choose. Each part features four envelopes, three LFOS and a rich multimode 4-pole filter with upwards of 23 filter types and combinations. A blend of the third oscillator and noise generator can be used to modulate the frequency of the filter for some really crazy effects, while the filter-saturation algorithm provides true overdrive — not harsh distortion — for a naturally warm glow on bass and leads that scream through with fat subharmonics. Hybrid provides extremely snappy envelope response, thunderously dense bass and a silky tone completely free of aliasing. I loved the performance-oriented morphing controls (similar to those on the Clavia Nord Lead 3) that allow you to assign numerous knobs and faders to any of four groups, while the dual 16-step sequencers are highly flexible for kicking each part into trance-gated motion through nine playback options. The 256 presets vividly demonstrate Hybrid's extensive insert and master effects, including some wonderful surprises for a synth plug-in such as pitch shift, bit reduction, tube limiter/compressor and more.
DIGIDESIGN
HYBRID > $249
At a glance: High-definition synthesizer that combines the warmth of classic analog waveforms with digital wavetables. RTAS for Mac OS X or Windows XP systems running Pro Tools 7 or higher.
Contact: www.digidesign.com
BIG FISH AUDIO CHILL
ICED-OUT BEATS
Global warming got you feeling a little hot under the collar this summer? Chill is a fantastic collection of laidback grooves and beats perfect for kicking it in the shade. Arranged into 34 construction kits sorted by tempo and key, more than 2.5 GB of material comes on the DVD in Apple Loops, REX and WAV formats. Kits typically contain a bass loop or two; two or three drum loops and fills; scratch loops; synth and vocal one-shots; an occasional vocal hook; and guitar, flute, Rhodes/keys and synth loops. Kit loops go for one to four bars with tempos ranging from 60 to 110 bpm — the majority between 70 and 90 bpm. An extra folder holds more than 70 MB of bonus drum, flute and guitar loops to augment the kits. Drawing from jazz, hip-hop, dub, funk, soul, ambient and pop influences, the vibe of this collection is unquestionably downtempo, but not overly loungy. The unique blend of sounds could flourish in sauntering hip-hop and steamy R&B as easily as Top 40, electro-acoustic rock, IDM or trip-hop. The playing is top-notch and inspiring throughout, with a wonderful mixture of hi- and lo-fi live acoustic studio recordings and sequenced electronic parts within the kits. You'll find vintage electro drum-machine and acoustic beats side by side, ready-made for creating great fusion tracks. The grooves can be solid or casually loose, but always perfectly in the pocket with a head-bobbing laziness. I particularly liked the trippy-psych feel of the softly processed electric guitars and Rhodes piano phrases, while the trilled flute lines dance around with fantastic presence and breathiness. Chill truly refreshes mellow productions.
BIG FISH AUDIO
CHILL > $99.95
At a glance: More than 2.5 GB of relaxing fusion-inspired downtempo beats and construction-kit elements in Apple Loops, REX and WAV formats.
Contact: www.bigfishaudio.com
SONIC REALITY MIROSLAV REFILL GOLD BUNDLE
ORCHESTRAL MANEUVERS
The good folks at Sonic Reality have taken what was originally the legendary $4,000 Miroslav Orchestra and Choir series and customized it for Propellerhead Reason 3 users, but for a fraction of the price. Weighing in at 14 GB across six DVDs (also available individually for $199 each), the bundle includes Solo Strings, String Ensembles, Brass, Choir, Percussion and Keys and Woodwinds volumes. Recorded in the Dvorak Symphony Hall in Prague, each instrument is captured in its true spatial positioning and presented as NN-XT presets and Combinator patches. In fact, each volume features its own custom-themed Combinator interface with easy access to crucial performance parameters. For instance, the brass Combinators have controls for variable dynamics, tonguing, air control and articulation through the manipulation of simultaneous note lengths. Most presets are not looped, instead relying on reasonably long samples for ultimate realism. But when demand calls for a longer sound, the looped presets feature meticulously edited loop points. Standouts include the solo violin, viola, cello and contrabass, each featuring exquisite performance articulations such as legato, staccato, pizzicato, tremolo, detache and more. You can quickly whip up an intimate-sounding small hip-hop string ensemble from this volume alone, but the full String Ensembles disc features true 11- and 24-violin sections. The clarinet and flute have some of the most natural-sounding multisampled flutters and legatos I've ever heard, and I love the finely detailed key releases of the pristinely captured harpsichords. Bonus material includes player noises such as talking, breaths, rustling, sniffs, coughs, warm-up, etc. Whether you're an orchestral sample-library aficionado or are simply finding Reason's Orkester disc growing long in the tooth, the Miroslav samples will truly impress, either soloed or arranged into full-orchestral context.
SONIC REALITY (DIST. BY IK MULTIMEDIA)
MIROSLAV REFILL GOLD BUNDLE > $699
At a glance: Exquisite-sounding orchestra and choir multisamples for Reason 3.
Contact: www.ikmultimedia.com
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