Fake real instrument sounds

[Drew Stephenson]

Just giving this a bump again as it's burbled back up into my consciousness and desire and I note that it's also currently on sale: https://www.expressivee.com/63-imagine

Anyone had any direct experience in the interim?

(wish they did a trial!)

[sonics]

Interesting synth and sounds very nice, but I was underwhelmed.

Apart from most of the sounds swimming in effects and reverb (which seems to be standard these days) I didn't hear anything on the demo https://youtu.be/Y6HnP5MfSsU that I can't already do using my AAS products and Kontakt instruments from the likes of 8Dio, Rigid Audio etc.

The use of the controller was the best thing, but that can be used with any software I think.

[resistorman]

Interesting synth and sounds very nice, but I was underwhelmed.

Apart from most of the sounds swimming in effects and reverb (which seems to be standard these days) I didn't hear anything on the demo https://youtu.be/Y6HnP5MfSsU that I can't already do using my AAS products and Kontakt instruments from the likes of 8Dio, Rigid Audio etc.

The use of the controller was the best thing, but that can be used with any software I think.

Concur.

[Drew Stephenson]

I don't have the controller, but I also don't have any other, similar, instruments.

[Guest]

There is Chromaphone as well: https://www.applied-acoustics.com/chromaphone-3/

Also from Plasmonic: https://rhizomatic.fr

[Guest]

As I just realised that there was a Chromaphone 3 I went to the AAS website for an upgrade price: got upgrades to v3 for Chromaphone, String Studio and Ultra Analog and also something called Multiphonics CV-1 all for 30 quid in total.

Can't argue with that!

[Drew Stephenson]

Thanks Bob, will give them a look.

[ManFromGlass]

I think fake real instruments trick the ear best when they aren’t overly quantized and have mistakes inserted. A microtone pitchbend on a note here and there so it is a bit out of tune. A note played too soft or loud. Anything that can imply humanity. The biggest problem I think is that designers strive for sonic perfection in their products.

[resistorman]

My biggest issue with AAS is that they don't support MPE. I have earlier versions that I still use on occasion, but I won't upgrade until my LinnStrument gets full use out of them.

[Martin Walker]

There is Chromaphone as well: https://www.applied-acoustics.com/chromaphone-3/

When watching the above Imagine video I was actually taken aback by one of the demoed sounds being almost exactly like one I contributed to a Chromaphone library for AAS some years ago.

I get the impression that the strength of Imagine is its upfront emphasis on real time modulation - you may well be able to do the same with other products, but it might take a little more thought.

[Guest]

My Chromaphone 3 installation has one of your packs KitNetix.

It is also does not support MPE while I guess Imagine definitely would do.

Also it is amazingly CPU intensive, especially it you are using pitchbend!

[Arpangel]

What is this endless search for new sounds? Shouldn’t we be in search of new music?

[Drew Stephenson]

Personally speaking, my music is very formulaic and simple. I'm looking to stretch my sonic palette a bit to make it more interesting without losing the accessibility of its simplicity.
What you're looking for might be very different, I'd be shocked if it wasn't really.

[Eddy Deegan]

Arturia opened an interesting box relatively recently with their new 'Augmented' plugin range which so far includes voices and strings.

They are a bit hard to describe. On the simplest level they are sample-based string and choir sounds but there's an engine underneath that lets you twiddle various parameters to get radically different and unusual noises that 'should' be a choir or string but somehow aren't. It's clever stuff and on paper should be right up your street.

I own, and rather like, the strings one; I've not played with the voices one yet. However it's an intriguing avenue of exploration and might resonate with you Drew. Free demos are available of each from the links above.

[Guest]

The Voices one is good as well, it just sounds good to me.

[Arpangel]

Personally speaking, my music is very formulaic and simple. I'm looking to stretch my sonic palette a bit to make it more interesting without losing the accessibility of its simplicity.
What you're looking for might be very different, I'd be shocked if it wasn't really.

I think, it’s better to make your own "weirdness" rather than use something "off-the-shelf" that way, you’re more likely to come up with something that’s unique to you, that no one else has, I think this is what we’ve lost in a lot of modern music, simply because so many things can be bought instantly, that uniqueness has gone to some extent.
An example is taking an old rompler, or sampler, and putting it though ten effects pedals, just to see what happens, or using very extreme settings on whatever it’s going through.
No matter what type of music you make, having a signature sound, or sounds, is very important, the moment you here them it’s you, along with your playing, of course.

[Drew Stephenson]

I think, it’s better to make your own "weirdness" rather than use something "off-the-shelf" that way, you’re more likely to come up with something that’s unique to you, that no one else has, I think this is what we’ve lost in a lot of modern music, simply because so many things can be bought instantly, that uniqueness has gone to some extent.

And you're welcome to think that.

[Drew Stephenson]

Arturia opened an interesting box relatively recently with their new 'Augmented' plugin range which so far includes voices and strings.

They are a bit hard to describe. On the simplest level they are sample-based string and choir sounds but there's an engine underneath that lets you twiddle various parameters to get radically different and unusual noises that 'should' be a choir or string but somehow aren't. It's clever stuff and on paper should be right up your street.

I own, and rather like, the strings one; I've not played with the voices one yet. However it's an intriguing avenue of exploration and might resonate with you Drew. Free demos are available of each from the links above.

The strings one is interesting, not quite what I'm after I don't think, but I'll have a scooby at the demo.
Cheers Eddy.

[The Elf]

I own, and rather like, the strings one;

This intrigues me, also. How is the strings for realistic legato lines? That's still the part of orchestral arrangements that saps my time and energy.

[Martin Walker]

What is this endless search for new sounds? Shouldn’t we be in search of new music?

In my case I'm in search of inspiration, which in turn inspires new music