Sample Libraries

Continuing the recent tradition for wedding software-instrument front ends to vast sample libraries, Ra is a 14Gigabyte collection of exotic and 'world' instruments with an NI Kompakt wrapper...

Hollow Sun's vintage keyboard sounds go against all the current sample-library trends, being supplied on CD-ROM rather than on dedicated hard drives, and weighing in at Megabytes in size, not Gigabytes. But how do they sound...?

We check out the latest sample libraries on the block: Spatial Awareness, Ghetto Electro, Housematic, Cycles Volume 4: Momentary Incursions.

We check out more sample libraries on the block: Analog Archive ***, Cycles ****, EZ Rollers **** and Notre Dame de Budapest *****

Under review: Toontrack DFH Custome Vintage, Zero-G Analogue Sequencer Loops, Drumdrops Drops In The Bronx Vol. 1,  Loopmasters Origin Raw Power.

German company Yellow Tools started off as sample library developers, but like many others, they've moved into the world of virtual instruments with the lovingly crafted MVI range. We check out all three...

Like Ronseal products, EWQL's Colossus is pretty much as it's described on its container, offering the user a vast 32GB sample collection supplied on eight DVD-ROMs. Size, however, isnt everything — or is it?

Native Instruments' Kontakt has become one of the most popular software samplers since its release in 2002, and the new version, with its many excellent new features, should keep it near the top of the heap.

Midiman/M Audio have come a long way since their days as a MIDI interface company. Now they sell everything from mics to laptop bags — and Key Rig and Drum ∓ Bass Rig are their first foray into software instruments...

Three sample libraries get the aural review treatment from the SOS samplists: Stylus RMX SAGE Expanders***** VSL Opus 2 ***** Drum Werks Volume 5****

Four sample libraries get the aural review treatment from the SOS samplists: AMG Evolved Analog **** Chemical Synths ***** Power FX Cinematic Hip-Hop **** Sample Lab Discography *****

The humble sample CD-ROM is dying out, being replaced by sample collections with a virtual-instrument front-end. Wizoo's first forays into the field combine Latin and Arabic percussion loops with their own Flexgroove virtual-instrument engine...

I am very interested in purchasing Garritan Personal Orchestra as reviewed in the October 2004 edition of ...

Roland's innovative V-Synth can now be reprogrammed with a RAM card, effectively turning it into another instrument. The VC1 card turns the clock back to 1987, perfectly recreating the S&S tones of the Roland D50.

Four new sample collections under review: Apple Jam Pack 4: Symphony Orchestra **** • Sonic Boom Box **** • Downbeat & Leftfield **** • Platinum Essentials *****

Four new Sample Disc collections get the aural treatment from the SOS reviewers: A Fistful Of Drummers 5* • Black Grand 4* • Sounds Of The 70s 4* • Percussive Adventures 5*

Three new Sample CD collections get the aural inspection from the SOS reviewers: The Operating Table **** • Cut'n It Up 3 **** • Drums On Demand Vol 3: Upbeat & Aggressive *****

Featuring the performances of some of the world's best drummers, Drumcore is a software-based cross between a drum library and a custom loop-auditioning interface, allowing you to assemble rhythm tracks fast.

Sample and loop libraries have come a long way from being delivered on a humble audio CD — the most recent trend is to include a specific playback front-end for easy integration with your sequencer.

When it comes to drum sounds, BFD and its XFL expansion pack offer unprecedented levels of detail and flexibility, totalling over 30GB of sample data. Is it overkill, or the rhythm programmer's ultimate weapon?

Appraisals of Sample Lab Drum Fundamentals 4* • Tekniks Blue Shock 3* • Smart Loops Pro Drum Works (Volume One) 4* • Cycles Volume Two: Unnatural Rhythm 4*