NAMM 2009EastWest/Quantum Leap announces Quantum Leap Silk Virtual Instrument at NAMM 2009

EastWest/Quantum Leap has announced that it intends to bring the mystique and splendor of sounds from the "Silk Road" to users' workstations with the introduction of Quantum Leap Silk. The Virtual Instrument features a collection of historic and unique string and woodwind instruments from China, Persia and India, and will be making its music industry debut at NAMM 2009 (Booth 6630, Hall A).

All instruments featured in Silk are multi-sampled with extreme attention to detail, offering the maximum in expression. Quantum Leap Silk contains extensive articulations, interval sampling (where appropriate), round robin (alternate samples) and phrases to give the feeling of smooth effortless performance – like silk. Each musician recorded for Silk is a master of his instrument, providing the best and most accurate sound available. Silk also allows users to adapt the instruments using dozens of useful micro tunings in the key of their choice.

"Intended as an extension of Quantum Leap RA, Quantum Leap Silk looks to give users access to rare instruments from across Asia played masterfully by renowned artists," says Quantum Leap Producer Nick Phoenix. "Extensive scripting is employed in Silk along with our PLAY 64-bit (with 32-bit capability) sample engine, offering composers a lot of control over the end result."

Some of the instruments featured in Silk include:

• CHINA: erhu, zhonghu, gaohu, pipa, guzheng, yangqin, sheng, suona low, suona high, dizi low, dizi hi, xiao and bawu.
• PERSIA: electric cello, kemenche, nay, duduk, tar, qanun and 30 piece string section.
• INDIA: dilruba, sarod, tanpura and bansuri.

Pricing & Availability

Silk is available now for Windows and Mac OS X in VST, AU, RTAS and stand-alone formats. It has an MSRP of $595 / €455.