HTT (Human Touch Technology) has announced the Darbukator series for ethnic and Middle East percussion and released four Windows VST Instruments for ethnic sounds, including two freebies. The two commercial releases are the first of a 10-part series - the plan is to cover all the popular rhythms from the Middle East and North Africa by 2010.

HTP1 Darbukator Maksoom ($150)

HTP1 Darbukator Maksoom is a virtual Darbuka player featuring 24-bit mastered sounds. Maksoom is the most popular rhythm in the Middle East. It has wide variety of styles and HTP1 covers them all plus other styles like Baladi and Sonbati. Sagat, hand claps and Riq styles included.

• Virtual professional Darbuka player.
• 4 simultaneous instruments.
• 4 stereo outputs.
• More than 40 styles of playing.
• More than 350 loops carefully programmed.
• Free playing style will give different results every time.
• Single screen for all functions with quick assistance.

HTP2 Darbukator Oriental Beats ($150)

HTP2 Darbukator Oriental Beats is an ethnic freestyle player featuring 24-bit mastered sounds.

• Free style playing with Darbukator engine.
• 4 simultaneous instruments.
• 4 stereo outputs.
• 11 popular North African styles.
• More than 40 styles of playing.
• More than 400 loops carefully programmed.
• Mix and match styles gives endless possibilities.
• Grouped instruments included (6 Dofs - 4 Doholas).
• All keys are compatible in different instruments.
• 50 to 200 BPM with no loss.

Styles included: Ayoob, Malfof, Wahda, Saaidi, Karashi, Nobi, Bamby, Sonbati, Jerk, Rumba and Zafa.

HTP Darbukator Lite (Free)

HTP Darbukator Lite is a free ethnic freestyle player featuring 24-bit mastered sounds. It includes all the features of the HTP series with 4 single instruments from 4 styles.

Features:

• Darbukator engine freestyle player.
• 4 different styles (single instrument).
• Doholla - Jerk.
• Doff - Rumba.
• Darbuka - Nubian.
• Riq (Tambourine) - wedding.
• All the features of the retail modules (stereo output only).

HTT-Sika Oriental Scale (Free)

HTT-Sika Oriental Scale provides an easy and fast way to change scales with the ability to record scale changes. It includes 8 sampled instruments:

• Oud
• Kanoun
• Accordion
• Sax
• Violin
• Trumpet
• Turkish trumpet
• Nay

A simple effect processor is also included.