Rhythmic Robot Audio have released Snaps'n'Claps PRO, a revised and extended version of their Snaps'n'Claps fingersnap and handclap generator.

Like the original Snaps'n'Claps, it allows the user to dial up single or multiple fingersnap and handclap samples which are carefully round-robined to maintain a natural feel. However, the PRO edition takes control over the source samples to a higher level, giving the user sliders for the proportion of low, medium and high-pitched snaps or claps within each "cluster" of sounds; the timing spread of each cluster, from loose to tight; the precise number of snap or clap components in each cluster; and their spread across the stereo sound-field.

Snaps'n'Claps PRO also grants control over fine-tuning, tuning randomization, and filtering of the sound clusters (high- and low-pass) to enable the sounds to seat better in a mix. The intended result of these controls is that extremely naturalistic, organic clap and snap sounds can be generated (though the controls can also be creatively abused if the user wishes).

The underlying samples were recorded completely dry in an anechoic chamber, and comprise multiple samples from a variety of hand-sizes in order to provide the most authentic "group" clusters possible. The instrument is controlled from one simple, intuitive user interface, and features a small memory footprint.

Features:

• Finger snaps and handclaps sampled individually and combined in user-defined proportions via high, medium and low pitched faders.
• Precise control over cluster timing, from tight to loose.
• Precise control over cluster density, from single snaps or claps to large groups.
• Precise control over cluster spread in the stereo field, from narrow to wide.
• High- and low-pass filters for sculpting the sound to fit the mix.
• Pitch adjustment and pitch randomization controls take the natural variation of the sounds even further.
• Simple, intuitive UI and small memory footprint.

Price: £8.95. It requires Kontakt 4.2.3 or later to run (including Kontakt 5, all versions). It does not work with Kontakt Player.