Sample Libraries

**** Score = 4 stars. AMG add to their growing Catalyst series of sample libraries with this two CD collection.

**** 4/5. Bardstown Audio has collected together nine classic accordions in this two-CD Giga-format collection, and all are sampled from instruments made in the 1950s, when they were hand-made to high standards.

***** 5/5. Zero-G have reworked the entire contents of their extensive library into a single, three-CD Refill package for use with Reason, providing over 9000 individual samples.

**** 4/5. Da Nu Hiphop Era is a two-CD set (both audio) made up of 27 construction kits.

Score = **** 4/5 stars. Cool Vibes consists of a single GIG file containing 80 patches organised into 16 instruments, each with five stereo placements.

**** Score = 4/5 stars. These 350 rhythmic stereo loops, at tempos between 40 and 180bpm, are designed to be layered behind your own drum programming to add greater depth and ambient interest.

**** Score = 4/5 stars. A combination of melody lines and chordal riffs which evoke the golden age of soul.

**** 4/5 stars. We check out this pair of sampled bass guitar titles from respected German developers Yellow Tools.

3/5 stars. Zero-G continues its range of lower-priced 'Pure' titles with this collection of hip-hop samples of drum loops, scratch loops and turntable tricks...

***** 5/5 stars. What does a talented bass player do after developing wrist problems? If you're Thomas Skarbye, you use the capabilities of GigaStudio to develop the ultimate bass sample library.

Following on from the success of their Xtreme Analog library, Emagic have followed up with two more discs of EXS24 sonic ammunition in the form of Xtreme Digital and Xtreme Hip-Hop.

The sampling world, still reeling from the impact of Garritan Orchestral Strings, faces a full-scale onslaught from a fresh challenger.

Sonic Reality's new Sampletank-format library comes with a free player.

***** Score = 5/5 stars. A choral library with a difference. VOTA aims to provide the composer with the samples needed to recreate the sound of a Hollywood choir.

**** Score = 4/5 stars. To save wading through the stacks of unwanted vinyl at the local charity shop, Big Fish Audio have produced Breakbeat 3, a two-CD set of live drum loops.

**** 4/5 stars. Post Musical Instruments' Grandioso is a sampled piano library, which modestly claims to be "the best sampled piano ever"...

* Score = 1/5. Format: Audio. Over three hours of warm and punchy drumming well suited for modern pop, electronica or hip-hop...

**** Score = 4/5 stars. LOP is a superior, consistently played, musically thorough and sensibly programmed library.

*** 3/5 Stars. Recorded in the Townhouse's stone room, Scottish session drummer Geoff Dugmore bashes his way through some classic rock beats with many variations, intros and fills...

**** 4/5 Stars. A copyright-free collection of conventional, innovative and sometimes downright unusual Hammond licks, fills, riffs, grooves, progressions, slides, growls and funky bass lines all designed to spice up any track.

What does a sample developer do after creating an acclaimed orchestral strings library? Take a holiday? Not if you're Gary Garritan...