2012 | KONTAKT | SOUNDIRON | 3.70 GB

Cymbology is a massive percussion effects library built around bowed cymbals and gongs. We captured 20 unique cymbals, in all shapes, sizes, alloys and varieties, from crashes and splashes to gongs, bells, trashes and even a stack of spent WWII Howitzer artillery shells. We explore the classic bowed cymbal effect in exquisite detail, with dozens of variations for each cymbal, from short stabs to long tortured wails and everything in between. These often sought-after dramatic scoring and sound design fundamentals are perfect for setting dark moods, striking bold transitions, building stingers, weaving soundscapes and manipulating in any number of ways to evoke sonic images both dark and light.

Not content to leave it there, we experiment with dry ice on the cymbal surfaces. The results are just as wildly varied as the bowed articulations, but these squeals, hisses, screeches, drones, screams, rumbles and wails are an entirely different flavor. We recorded both sets of sustaining and short cymbal effects in two wide microphone positions, up close for full detail, presence and clarity without room coloration and out in a large hall, for a rich, lush and naturally spacious reverb ideal for epic and orchestral scoring.

Next, we created a collection of extraordinary melodic tuned percussion instruments from the most tonally pure and musical raw material within the library. Each tuned percussion preset has a unique and complex sound, with flowing overtones, broad warmth, clear highs and massive low end, with flavors ranging from darkly harmonic to pure and crystalline. Lastly, we designed over 1 GB of ambient instruments. You'll find a spectacular array of pads, drones, synths, swirling dreamscapes, nightmarish hellscapes and complex evolving textures.

We've programmed the library with obsessive attention to detail and unmatched playability. You'll find our usual front panel controls with full automation support on all critical parameters, plus multi-effects chain controls and our custom convolution reverb system. The tuned percussion presets include our powerful Uberpeggiator system and several of the ambience presets also include our dual-layer selection and real-time cross-fading system to allow an endless range of creative possibilities.

We've also included our Multi-Flo LFO control matrix, with independent pitch, volume and pan LFOs with rate and depth control for each, as well as 3 filter modes. All 6 modules can be run and tweaked simultaneously and independently. Try out our new Multi-Layer-Builder Utility, allowing you to import up to 3 different cymbal sets on the fly and assign them to independently movable and blend-able key-ranges, with real-time pitch and volume controls for each layer. You'll also find Time-Stretch and Lite versions of all core bowed and frozen cymbal presets.