Best Service have announced the launch of a new sample library that captures a selection of Celtic instruments that have helped shape the sound of traditional Irish music.
Celtic ERA 2 by Eduardo Tarilonte includes performances by outstanding musicians from the Irish music scene, all captured via a high-quality signal chain at Eldana Studios in Spain. There are over 25,000 samples included, covering multiple dynamic layers and providing users with a variety of articulations, round robins, legatos and glissandos. All of the instruments you’d expect to see in such a collection are present, and the company say that a particular highlight is the inclusion of four Bronze Age instruments: Carnyx, Cornu, Dord and War Horns.
What’s Included?
Celtic ERA 2 features a the following collection of 36 traditional instruments, divided into six categories:
- Flutes: Asubio, Galician Ocarina, Folk Low Whistle, Folk Tin Whistle, Folk Whistle, Irish Flute, Low Whistle D, Whistle D, Wooden Low Whistle
- Pipes: Breton Bombarde, Gaida, Galician Bagpipe, Highland Pipes 1, Highland Pipes 2, Scottish Smallpipes, Uilleann Pipes
- Strings: Acoustic Guitars x2 (fingered, plucked and strummed), Irish Bouzouki (fingered, plucked and strummed), Tenor Banjo, Celtic Harps x2, Celtic Zithers x2, Fiddle
- Ancient Instruments: Carnyx, Cornu, Dord, War Horn
- Drums & Percussion: Bodhrans, Scottish Snare Drum, Small Skin Snare, Tom, Bass Drum
- Keys: Concertinas x2
In addition to the samples, the library also includes a collection of MIDI patterns that provide users with some authentic-sounding phrases and patterns.
Compatibility
Celtic ERA 2 runs in Engine Audio’s Engine Player version 1.2.0 or higher, which is supported on PCs running Windows 10 or above, and Macs running macOS 10.15 and higher. VST3, AU and AAX plug-in versions are available.
Pricing & Availability
Celtic ERA 2 is available now, and is currently (8 April 2025) being offered at an introductory price of $€179, reduced from its full cost of $€259. Crossgrade discounts are available to those who already own Eduardo Tarilonte’s ERA libraries.
