Sound Magic releases Hybrid Harpsichord for Windows and updates Piano One for Mac to v1.01

30th April 2012 - KVR Audio News

Sound Magic has released Hybrid Harpsichord for Windows and updated the Mac version of the free Piano One to version 1.01, which now includes a new runtime library to solve the old runtime library failing to work on Mac.

The Hybrid Harpsichord is based on an instrument built by Kirckman in the 1770s. This rare-seen classic instrument has a single manual with 3 stops, including a lute stop. The Krickman Harpsichord is famous for its unique, high quality sound and although this particular instrument is over 240 years old, it's in surprisingly excellent condition, according to SM.

To make this instrument available to all musicians, SM did careful sampling and used their Hybrid Modeling Technology to bring it to life once again. During the recording session, they used several Brauner VMA microphones, which are often considered to be the best microphones available for this sort of job. They also used API preamps and dCS's Analog to Digital Converters to record it.

Sound Magic Hybrid Modeling Technology offers both the authentic sound of sampling and the playability of Physical Modeling. With over 20 controls on final sound, the Hybrid Harpsichord provides its users with everything they need for a great sounding harpsichord suitable for many different styles of sound. Its NEO Hybrid Modeling Engine reshapes every note to ensure that each successive note sounds slightly different. Although by its very nature the original harpsichord is not sensitive to dynamic changes, Sound Magic has included an optional dynamic response system if users want to add something a little different to your instrument. Accents and crescendos on a harpsichord might have been unheard of in the 1770s, but it might be exactly what musicians are looking for. The NEO Hybrid Modeling Engine also makes the CPU usage of the Hybrid Harpsichord unnoticeable and its 190MB size allows it to run fast - even on an old PC.

Sound Magic has made it easy and convenient to control the 3 stops by using three key switches. Perfect for on-the-go changes.

There are also three microphone positions available and users can mix and match between them any way they want to, in real-time (like a recording engineer).

Another critical feature in Hybrid Harpsichord is its powerful Add-on System. Bringing unlimited extension possibilities to the instrument, each Add-on focuses on solving one specific problem with the aim of a thorough - but quick - solution. Every musician has his/her own needs, their own challenges and the Add-on System is the ideal tool, providing solutions with great precision and flexibility. With the right Add-on, users can even create an electric harpsichord.

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