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Analog
Meltdown
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Kurzweil CD-ROM Directory
Comments
by Kevin Wakefield
BELLSTGS (DIR)
One of the strengths of FM was its "bell-like" tones. I used these
a lot to blend percussive attacks with my other modules. Preset
Blstgs 3lay vcs1 uses a triple-strike set of samples to accurately
reflect how the DX7 would behave under stress. In contrast, preset
Blstgs 3lay vcs2 has the attack time sloped so as to remove the
attack portion of the bell, which leaves you with just the warmth
of the strings for a mellow, reflective feel. As with the rest of
these multiple bank directories you can load up the entire set at
once or one piece at a time.
BELSTGSF 35,215K
Hard strike samples and programs.
BELSTGSM 11,086K
Medium strike samples and programs.
BELSTGSP 12,036K
Soft strike samples and programs.
BITES 25,105K
One of my favorite things to do with my TX816 was to combine all
the modules for a single sound, each module having its own placement
in the stereo image. Talk about a wide DX! These samples recreate
that wonderfully full and rich sound I used to get when all the
modules were blaring in unison. If you feel like getting mean, these
triple-strike, sharp, percussive presets, give you all the bite
you need.
BURST 4,228K
This powerful and unique FM texture works great when you need a
charge of energy in the low end. The VAST architecture of the Kurzweil
adds a whole new dimension to the old DX7 in the top end too.
CYBERS (DIR)
BEAMMEUP 19,145K
There really is intelligent life here after all. These samples take
you where no man has gone before. Okay, enough. This bank is a fun
place to go when you want something different. Of course we've got
transporter room samples, but lets not stop there. Call up preset
Beammeup 2, and play a melody in the upper ranges using quarter
notes or less. Then every once in a while, sit on a note and let
the rest of the sample play out. Pretty cool, huh?
CYBERS1 10,238K
These presets are the result of an inspiration I had from seeing
a documentary on Lucas films. As a consequence, I immediately set
out to create my own space library. What a great time I had creating
these samples. I trust you will have fun playing them. There's everything
from Cyborg animals to machines and weapons. For a little added
space and control I have assigned the internal reverb's output to
the data slider on all the presets in the Cybers 1 and Cybers 2
banks. These next banks will bring spice to your space for light
years to come.
CYBERS2 19,000K
Here's more fun in space. More space vehicles, space animals and
weird electronic instruments for your films or tunes. Cyberhorse
C4 has become a sort of cult classic preset. Call it up and ride
off into the sunset.
DXCLAV1 13,102K
I remember how excited I got the first time I heard the clav-type
sounds in the DX7. They resembled the original clavinet in some
ways, but in many ways I found the DX versions much more usable
than the original. The bass was huge and the top end had a character
all its own. These preset options maximize the original instrument's
capability and give users even more variety. The breath controller
also offers some way cool lead stuff, giving you that physical "modeling"
feel.
DXVOX (DIR)
These banks are a wonderfully full and rich collection of FM vocal
sounds taken from my TX816. The sampling process was so complex
we had to automate the mix and effects for each sample. The result
is a very expressive and wide stereo image that is ever moving and
changing. DXVOX is the entire set of samples and programs.
For smaller memory requirements you can load the layers separately
by choosing the sequentially numbered banks one through four. The
samples in these four separate banks are very similar and are designed
to be used together, but they stand on their own as well.
GOINGUP 10,742K
This bank is representative of the strength of this library because,
whenever possible, the samples are tuned and mapped. At first thought
you might assume this preset is just a low sound effect, but the
surprise with many of these presets is how effective they are musically.
For example, notice the elaborate programming on preset Goingup
1 that gives you a very natural release. We believe the key is to
make music, not just noise.
GONGSTER 6,036K
This disturbing D-50 waveform has enough scary editing and programming
for even the bravest of composers. Think of this bank as a polyphonic
electronic Gong.
GRITTY 6,877K
This is a very specialized bank. These gritty samples have enough
emotion to really get your blood pumping. When you implement the
breath controller with the rest of the sophisticated programming,
I guarantee you will make some guitar players wish they played keyboards.
When you are looking for an aggressive preset to solo with, start
here, but this bank won't limit you to just leads. Remember what
they say about orange juice: "It isn't just for breakfast anymore!"
HAMMERTIME 11,382K
One can never have enough lead material. This grungy, harsh bank
is one of my all time favorite soloing sounds. These presets are
great for hammer on type guitar playing. As you audition the different
options in this bank you will realize the power of Kurzweil's VAST.
HARMMOOG 5,357K
The slight character of a harmonica on top gives it that FM feel,
while down low it moans and drones. It's a great skinny lead sound
for those hard to reach places.
HAUNTED 6,095K
How about the old scary movie sound? Where's a theremin when you
need it? With a little VAST lurking in the shadows, the low range
will spook you and the high range will sooth you.
HIVOLTAGE 4,900K
This D50 waveform has been mixed with so many different genes it
doesn't know who its real parents are. These samples sound like
a malfunctioning power plant with live wires arcing and sparking.
JUMP 9,692K
There was a time you would get fined at least $20 ($30 if you played
it wrong) if you were caught playing Van Halen's Jump in your local
music store. Oh well, anything worth doing is worth over-doing.
Play it all you want; it's back in vogue now.
KEV1 9,652K
This is another one of those elaborate FM banks that get you motivated
to create. Solos are no problem, low end punches are a given and
surrealistic chords come as natural as breathing.
KEV11 5,728K
I love soloing with FM; it can fit in almost any size space. These
samples are somewhere in the middle of the fat range. Kind of like
"light" beer, "Tastes great, less filling."
LAMOOG (DIR)
LAMOOG1 18,527K
This directory contains several banks of related samples separated
by dynamic marking. If you have the memory it would be best to load
up XFILES1 to get the whole kit and caboodle. Otherwise, each layer
can be loaded independently by choosing the desired dynamic marking.
These banks take this old gear into the 21st century. Want a recipe
for a tasteful timbre? Add 1 part warm Moog, one part percussive
brilliant D-50 and several parts plug-ins. Mix with some fancy sample
editing. Now you're cookin!
LAMOOG1F 6,763K
Hard strike samples and programs only.
LAMOOG1M 6,495K
Medium strike samples and programs only.
LAMOOG1P 5,255K
Soft strike samples and programs only.
LAMOOG2 26,857K
Here's another variation of this great combination of analog and
early digital synths. Again, we have separated the layers for smaller
memory requirements. Anything from sci-fi to funky in nothin' flat.
LAMOOG2F 11,149K
Hard strike samples and programs only.
LAMOOG2P 15,687K
Soft strike samples and programs only.
MADGITAR 8,024K
These presets utilize some serious controller assignments for some
serious soloing. The Lower notes on the original samples surge with
an electrical current powerful enough to supply a third world country.
As you climb up the keyboard it morphs to sound like a guitar being
played with a pedal or volume knob to achieve that sloped/wah effect.
When you scroll through the presets you will find several controller
options to chose from to allow you to play the way you feel the
most comfortable. Like many of the banks in the library, the power
of VAST enables you to maximize your use of these samples.
MANIACAL 15,656K
These FM Presets offer an extremely full spectrum with a physical
"modeling-ish" feel. You have full harmonic bass and bright clear
high end, not to sound like a speaker ad. The point is there is
a lot to choose from here. This is absolutely a top contender for
the best lead sounds on the disk. The next time you need a MINIMOOGish
lead, try RUSH 12bc instead. You'll be glad you did.
MMBASS1 1,646K
It would be complete heresy to not put at least one bank of Moog
basses in this library. Listen closely though, there is something
very different about these samples. That's all I'm gonna say bout
that.
MMBASS2 1,646K
The same sounds as above, with slightly less boom in the bottom
end.
MOOGEP1 13,472K
My Moog electric piano sounds more like FM than analog. That's my
story, and I'm stickin' to it.
MUTEMOOG 5,453K
This is one of my most used sounds from my Moog collection. These
slightly muted samples provide a very versatile bank of sounds.
A Moog wouldn't be itself without a great bottom end. If you were
looking for just bass you could find it here with preset Muted Moog
1. If you want a unique muted guitar it works for that, too. Preset
Closed Moog 48 could be a soft string pad, and Preset Squares 28
takes you into the techno-realm.
ON THE BUBBLE
9,600K
"Sample and Hold" effects were a very popular sound in the glory
days of analog synths. If you want melodies with motion, take these
presets for a spin.
POPPADS 9,543K
Preset Touch Moog 44 blends the old and new like it was always supposed
to be. This bank uses filter and envelope settings to go from bright
to warm and to give you the ability to play fast articulate phrases.
When you need them to, these presets will get out of the way when
you sit on a chord or note. From the first notes you play, you will
instantly find just the right places to use these big rich presets.
POWERPAD 5,901K
How I wish my MemoryMoog were velocity sensitive, too bad it's not
stereo... Thank goodness for digital sampling! This bank is a staple
in my diet of classic Moog sounds. There's great articulate bass
for the left hand and cutting, clear chords on the right. With over
40 presets to choose from, here is your "Swiss Army Knife" of the
analog world; you could literally use a single preset for bass,
comp and lead.
PSYCHO 2,397K
This panning, swirling, D-50 loop spins you around enough to make
you crazy. The low notes pulse while the higher notes flutter. You've
got everything from single note sound effects like engine rooms
or crashing electronic equipment, to futuristic flying creatures.
Do I have to keep reminding you how musical these sound effects
are? Melodies or chords, take your pick.
RISE 6,618K
Play and hold the low C on preset RISE st 1; as the pitch rises
slowly you begin to imagine how you might use this sample in your
next thriller. Don't look now, but if you play the notes up the
keyboard higher, faster, higher yet, faster yet you realize there's
no way out. There's no telling what might happen if these presets
were to get into the wrong hands. Someone stop me before I compose
again.
SH1 7,522K
I can never get enough "sample and hold." This enigma is a cross
between the prelude to the nightly news, bad Morse code and a broken
robot. Use this sound for some extra motion in your melody or atmosphere.
SOUNDTRK 20,868K
The D-50 had some classic presets that everybody used and used and
used, especially Soundtrack. We started with this original factory
preset, but through the miracles of modern science (and with a little
help from my Analog friends) we have infused this tired old sound
with new life and new dimension. The breath controller is a must
in this bank.
SPACERACE 4,492K
Every CD-ROM has to have a gimmick bank. You know the kind that
you listen to and say, "that's cool, but when would I ever use this?"
So go ahead; make my day, and use it for something. Maybe Inspector
Gadget will have a sequel.
SURGEO 37,097K
These samples were designed to add drama and tension. Although they
are very sci-fi sounding, you may be surprised to find how well
they work musically.
SURGSOLO
7,851K
This highly specialized bank sounds like sci-fi modes of transportation
that can lead just about anywhere. Use this bank musically to add
drama, tension and to heighten curiosity.
TSAWYER 10,380K
This massive 36 oscillator filter sweep is a very good choice if
you are playing cover tunes and need to play the song Tom Sawyer
by Rush. Aside from that, you may have some trouble finding a space
big enough for these bloated, self-indulgent, how decadent can you
get, hippie presets.
TUBES 12,368K
As long as we are in the mood for playing old cover tunes, how about
She's A Beauty by the Tubes? I loved that song and thought that
little keyboard solo was really unique, so here's my version of
the sound. If that song is before your time, this Moog sound gives
you some really cool choices for your melodies and chords.
WEAPON 11,562K
Surgelead, Wineline and Weapon are representative of the philosophy
behind this project: a sample that sounds like one thing but plays
like another. Here is a set of samples that sound like some kind
of space-age weapon but play like some kind of musical instrument.
We need to keep reminding ourselves that we're making music not
just noise.
WINELINE 10,502K
Does the typical Analog lead leave you craving something a little
bit spicier? These Moog sounds are guaranteed to give you heartburn.
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