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Tag: free sample libraries

  • Review: The Latest LABS Instruments from Spitfire Audio

    Review: The Latest LABS Instruments from Spitfire Audio

    Spitfire Audio continues to offer the best deal in music tech with their LABS collection of free sample instruments. We previously covered LABS itself, so check that article for more information on its interface and basic functionality. This time out we’ll train our eyes and ears on the latest instruments for the library. No matter your musical genre, finding a purpose for using LABS on a project is easy.

    A Superior Free Electric Piano Sample

    Electric Piano is the newest instrument for LABS. Recorded in-house, it provides a quality Rhodes-like sound in two separate patches. One is essentially dry, while the other used a bit of chorus during the sampling process.

    Of course, there was no stopping me from applying more chorus to the chorus; summoning Mike Ratledge of Soft Machine from across the pond. The standard LABS controls of volume (called “expression”), dynamics, and reverb are used in Electric Piano. Managing the stereo width and tightness of the transients is also possible using the circular slider control.

    All told, Electric Piano is a worthy EP sample at the best possible price.

    Create your Own Post Rock Version of ELO with Amplified Cello Quartet

    Amplified Cello Quartet just might be the most unique LABS instrument to date. Spitfire Audio recorded the quartet in house using a host of effects and amps. The instrument includes six different patches with different playing styles and tonal impact.

    LABS-Amplified-Cello-Quartet
    Channeling my inner ELO with LABS Amplified Cello Quartet. Screenshot by author.

    Using the Evil patch (Tension too) provides an easy way to summon those dark and grungy distorted cello sounds popular with some post rock bands. The modulation wheel controlling the dynamics adds a measure of grit to the sound in real time. LABS lets you switch up the MIDI CC settings as well.

    Simply put, I had a blast with the Amplified Cello Quartet. Its high quality, yet edgy sonics easily fits with some of my upcoming music projects. This is my favorite LABS instrument to date.

    Spitfire Audio’s Free Drum Instrument

    Drums is another LABS instrument released a few months ago. Also recorded in-house, it provides a basic trap kit with a bright and dry sound quality. Of course, it plays well with effects. I noticed a bit more latency when compared to Hans Zimmer Percussion, however. Your mileage may vary depending on computer horsepower.

    This is one LABS instrument where tweaking the dynamic slider is important. When I need a basic drum kit for a project, Drums now ranks near the top of my list.

    Isn’t it time to add Spitfire Audio LABS to your sample plugin collection?


  • Review: Spitfire Audio LABS – an Essential and FREE Sample Library Plugin

    Review: Spitfire Audio LABS – an Essential and FREE Sample Library Plugin

    Known for their industry-leading sample libraries, Spitfire Audio recently introduced LABS, a collection of free sample instruments for the Windows and Mac platforms. Check out our reviews of BT Phobos and Hans Zimmer Percussion to get a feel for Spitfire’s work. We mentioned Spitfire Audio LABS in passing in a previous TabMuse Synth News Digest, so here’s our full review.

    Spitfire Audio LABS Features

    • Free Sample Library Plugin
    • First Two Instruments include Soft Piano and Strings
    • Simple Interface with Minimal Controls
    • Stunning Sound Quality
    • Support for Most Popular Plugin Formats (Windows, Mac)
    • Available as a Free Download from Spitfire Audio

    If you have any interest in high quality sample libraries for your productions, you need to download Spitfire Audio LABS. Simply put, it’s a great sound at a great place. Read on for more details.

    The Spitfire Audio LABS Plugin

    Since Spitfire plans on LABS being an “infinite series of software instruments” you download the container plugin before the instruments themselves. It’s a simple process; especially if you already possess a Spitfire Audio account and their download management app. Download the LABS plugin using that app, followed by the instruments that interest you.

    Spitfire-Audio-LABS-Soft-Piano
    Spitfire Audio LABS Soft Piano is a top notch sampled instrument. Photo copyright Spitfire Audio.

    Most popular plugin formats for the Windows and Mac platforms are supported. These include VST2, VST3, AAX and AU. Standalone operation isn’t an option.

    A Soft Piano for You and You and You

    I downloaded Soft Piano first. This instrument uses a sampled piano with a strip of felt between the hammers and the strings. The effect is a great, with the percussive aspect of the piano only noticeable at the higher octaves.

    The overall sound quality is superior, as expected with Spitfire Audio. I plan on using it whenever a special need for an effected piano arises. It’s a unique sound quite in vogue with some music producers.

    The simple interface includes two faders to control expression (essentially the volume within the plugin) and dynamics. A subtle reverb is managed using a cool-looking spiral control. Operation is a piece of cake.

    Unfortunately, the tracking for the new Church of Hed album, Sandstoned, recently completed. I imagined a few spots Soft Piano would have worked better than the piano I used. Spitfire Audio’s new sample instrument now resides at the front of my mind for the next time!

    Spitfire Audio Strings

    The Strings sample instrument is the result of a recording session featuring a small chamber group and a collection of vintage microphones. Once again, the stunning sound quality shocked me. My poor man’s Charles Ives tone clusters sounded great, as did a ham-fisted attempt at Eleanor Rigby.

    The instrument uses three separate patches; one suitable for short notes and one for sustained playing. An ensemble patch combines the two approaches. This provides some flexibility depending on the needs of your project.

    A similar interface to Soft Piano lets you manage the expression and dynamics of the patch. The spiral control is for reverb as well, with an extra setting to let you control the tightness of the samples using the short patch – a subtle but useful effect.

    Frankly, you need to stop wasting time and head over to download Spitfire Audio LABS as well as the Soft Piano and Strings instruments. We are already waiting for the next sample instrument! We give LABS our highest recommendation.