SMASHING THE KEYS
3 September 2014
Most virtual keyboard instruments are pretty standard, they replicate and add effects to a sampled instrument. However, this new library of instruments is a slightly bent version of that. Sample Logic’s new Cinematic Keys mutilates the traditional collection of piano/synth sounds. Literally, they smashed pianos to pieces and recorded the sounds! It’ll be an amusing and seriously interesting collection to use.
It’s also HUGE! 850+ traditional and mutilated Instruments & Multis derived entirely from recordings of keyboard instruments, in 44.1kHz/24-bit. Which weighs up as 8GBs of psycho-acoustic sampled melodic and percussive instruments, but it uses these instruments to enter into the morphed world of score-ready hybrid sound design, all powered by Kontakt Player.
Sample Logic has thrown standard performance and recording techniques out the window to create the instruments included in this collection. The library consists of not only Grand and upright pianos, harpsichords, Wurlitzer electric pianos, and toy pianos as standard multi-sampled instruments, but also adds strummed, plucked, picked, and e-bow techniques, just to name a few. Sample Logic found ways to manipulate the sound of each of the included instruments to create something unique.
The bread and butter of CK is in the inclusion of a massive collection of samples derived from the destruction of an upright piano and three toy pianos, all recorded in a huge multi-car garage, the result of which was unique organic acoustic treatments. The pianos were dismantled and destroyed using an assortment of wrecking tools from a sledgehammer, scythe, and machete, to a blowtorch, and way beyond, creating a “out of the box” sound.
New Interface
The new collection is a major enhancement to the Kontakt interface. Control eight real-time audio effects, displayed in a tiled interface right from the home screen of all the instruments. The interface also includes a bypass ArpeggiGator, Triggers with 64 preset effects, and an LFO section to make things wobble. Topped off with the Step Animator engine, first introduced in Arpology. The Step Animator allows for sequencing and arpeggiating of sounds over time on a per step basis.
New FX Animator
Building on theStep Animator, Sample Logic has now included an all new FX Animator for all audio effects, allowing them to be modulated and sequenced in real-time, creating new possibilities for creative effecting of sounds. The FX Animator also contains up to 150 unique presets. All effect modulation can be made on a per-step basis, and steps can each have different durations, or be synchronized with the Step Animator, bringing even more power to the Animator system.
Features include:
- “Step Animator™” technology for incredible sequencing
- “FX Animator” for real-time effect automation
- “Triggers” – 48 unique effect chains
- “LFO” section to make things wobble
- “Wave” – additive synthesis engine
- “Multi Script Macros” (knobs & buttons) for real-time sequencing of instrument parameter controls
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Cinematic Keys includes nearly 850 instruments & multis and a 8.05 GB compressed sample library using Kontakt’s lossless sample storage compression. All samples are delivered at 44.1kHz/24-bit. Requires Kontakt 5 Player (Free) or Retail version (sold separately) Version 5.3.1 or higher
Compatibility
- Stand-alone
- VST
- Audio Units
- RTAS (Pro Tools 9 + 10); AAX Native (Pro Tools 10); 64-bit AAX plugins (Pro Tools 11)
- CoreAudio
- ASIO
- WASPI
For more info visit: www.samplelogic.com/products/cinematic-keys
Price & Availability
Pre-order from the website before September 8th for US$275, with a normal recommended retail price of US$349.99
Excerpts from Press Release
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