Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5/5 Stars
Sample Logic’s original Arpology instrument was reviewed in the September 2014 issue of SOS. Ten years down the line, we now have Arpology X, a direct evolution of the concept but taking advantage of a decade’s worth of progress in UI design, Kontakt’s scripting capabilities, sampling technology and computing power. While aimed firmly at media composers, Arpology X could undoubtedly find its way into any contemporary electronic music context.
The substantial 28GB of sampled instruments spans an impressive breadth of organic and electronic sounds. The blend of up to four of the core sounds can controlled via the X/Y pad but, interestingly, this pad is dual‑mode; you can flip it to also modulate the comprehensive effects processing options by blending four different effects presets. Unsurprisingly, arpeggios form an important part of the feature set. Sample Logic have not pulled any punches here; the step‑based sequencer/arpeggiator available for each individual sound engine is very deep, including the ability to sequence properties on both of the dual X/Y pad systems. There are also ADSR, filter, tuning and other sound‑shaping elements for customising the core sounds in each engine.
The instrument offers a massive selection of presets and a slick, tag‑based browser for finding what you need. Frankly, if you never even peeped under the hood, you could spend endless happy (and creative) hours just exploring these. Sonically, Arpology X is top‑class. Providing you get as far as applying some hands‑on control of the dual X/Y pad, then any of the presets could get you rolling on a new cue; it’s inspiring stuff. If you want to experiment without the deep dive, the very clever randomisation options are most certainly worth exploring. You can choose to let these create you a complete preset from scratch or, thanks to a whole palette of choices to target just specific parameters for randomisation, simply generate variations of an existing sound. Either way, there are endless possibilities. All that said, when you are ready, that deeper dive into the modulation and arpeggiation engines is hugely rewarding and will let you fully exploit the considerable potential of the instrument.
The sounds are of the highest quality and the modulation and arpeggiation makes it a hugely inspiring instrument to play and compose with.
Whether it’s high‑octane rhythmic electronica for action, drama or modern horror, or more subtle movement for a sense of the magical, mysterious or ethereal, Arpology X has something (actually, lots of somethings) to offer. The sounds are of the highest quality and the modulation and arpeggiation makes it a hugely inspiring instrument to play and compose with. Yes, there are plenty of other options for cinematic sound blending but, if you are a media composer always keen for some fresh sonic options — and have the required budget — Sample Logic’s Arpology X is most certainly worth exploring.