Soundiron releases Bamblong 2.0 with Update Sale & Demo-writing contest (Plus 20%-30% Off 7 Kontakt libraries through May 1st)

24th April 2013 - KVR Audio News

Soundiron has released a version 2.0 update for the Bamblong ethnic tuned percussion library for Kontakt.

The redesign adds a full custom user interface, advanced arpeggiation systems, environment and FX reverb impulse loading and deep performance-shaping controls.

Bamblong is on sale through May 1st, 2013, for $39 (Normally $49). Six other Soundiron products are also on sale for 20%-30% off during the "B" Sale through May 1st:

Bamboo Collection - $84 (~~$119~~).
Breaker - $27 (~~$39~~).
Bronze Bin - $10 (~~$15~~).
Bizarre Sitar - $27 (~~$39~~).
Bowed Bucket Bass - $19 (~~$29~~).
Bamboo Stick Ensemble - $39 (~~$49~~).

Soundiron is also holding a demo-writing contest for the Bamblong, with the best submission winning the actual authentic 18-piece set of Indonesian Angklung that SI used to record its extensive Angklung tuned percussion library. Two runners-up will receive free a free download copy of the Anklung library as well. All mp3s must be submitted to Soundiron by May 2nd, 2013, and winners will be selected and announced by May 9th.

Bamblong

The Bamblong is a small idiophone similar to a marimba, hand-crafted from sections of carved bamboo and originating from Southest Asia. It is comprised of a row of tuned bamboo logs that serve as resonance chambers, each ranging between 1.5 – 2.5 inches in diameter and 8 – 14 inches in length, with sound holes cut into the top of each one. The actual playing surface for each log is a thin bamboo plank suspended on pegs over each bamboo log. When played with recycled rubber bicycle tire mallets, the instrument has a smooth and mellow, yet crisp and clear musical note, with a quick decay.

First, it was captured in a very close, dry setting with a wide pair of large diaphragm mics to capture the full warmth and tonality of each note. This was done to give it a rich, strong presence and allow the Bamblong to work well with reverb or spatializing effect. It was deep-sampled exhaustively, with an average of 20 dynamic velocity layers per note and 10 round-robin variations per dynamic layer. There are also strike and roll articulations using nylon jazz brushes for a raspy effect.

Next, the Bamblong was also recorded in a large glass and stone recording hall for a bright, organic live sound. This "wet" version of the Bamblong is designed for use in symphonic arrangements and blending with other concert percussion. Lastly, it features a selection of sustaining tonal pads and evolving atmospheres crafted from the raw source recordings designed to provide natural accompaniment.

For the new version 2.0, a full-featured custom user interface has been added with a range of fully-automatable performance controls. The included EQ, Reverb and Uberpeggiator meta-arp system are intended to give the new Bamblong v2.0 a whole host of extended musical potential and playability.