9 Soundware has released Drum Key, a collection of presets for the Ultrabeat drum synthesizer within Apple Logic Pro. The drum kits in this sound set are based on two models. Both synthetically executed, one echoes the structurally simple electronic sounds of drum machines, and the other is inspired by the sound of acoustic drum kits. Each is presented in 10 variations. While unorthodox attributes were incorporated in the programming, sonically, they were designed with versatile simplicity in mind, with an emphasis on punch.
9 Soundware says that these instruments were crafted with a non-purist, hybrid approach to sound design. In creating the samples, not only were synthesizers purpose-chosen to create each drum component, some of the sounds were constructed modularly, where the attack and tail portions originate from different sources and mixed. At the instrument level, the sample manipulation capabilities of Ultrabeat were also used to add a further layer of sound shaping.
In addition to bass drums (2), snare drums (2), hi-hats (closed, pedal, and open), toms (low, low-mid, high-mid, and high), a crash cymbal, a ride cymbal, a side stick, and a hand clap, each kit also includes one of four sets of percussion sounds. Each set includes a shaker, a scraper, a reversed cymbal, drumsticks, and 3 types of closed hi-hats (an auto-panned 16th note sequence, LFO-based simulations of repeated 32nd and 64th notes). These sounds are generated by the synthesis component of Ultrabeat and are not based on samples.
The 95 MB download includes 20 .pst files and 300 WAV files.
Drum Key is available now for $29.99 at www.9soundware.com.
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