MOTU announced their new plugin, the "Symphonic Instrument". Compatible with AU, RTAS, MAS and VST on Mac OSX, it also supports DXi, RTAS and VST on Windows PC.
Symphonic Instrument ships with an 8 gig library of new orchestral samples. All sections of the orchestra are represented, including solo strings. The library also includes a classical choir, divided into mens and women's sections, as well as solo soprano and tenor samples. Makes me wonder why they didn't include samples of a mezzo and bass/baritone, but I guess we can't have everything. Also included are pianos (Steinway D, Yamaha C7), large pipe organs, and some historical instruments like harpsichord, piano-forte and others.
Symphonic Instrument is compatible with Mach Five, so any instruments in this library can be used just as easily in Mach Five. Why would one want to do that? Well, Mach Five has considerably more editing and processing features than the Symphonic Instrument, so it is a nice feature to be able to use the library with both plugins.
Like Mach Five, Symphonic Instrument is 16 part multi-timbral and features unlimited polyphony. Splits and layers can easily be created. Also similar to Mach Five is that all the parameters are displayed on one page, making for fast access and intuitive editing.
Symphonic Instrument also features a convolution reverb for simulating realistic acoustic spaces, something very important for virtual orchestral scores. The convolution reverb has seven adjustable parameters: predelay, rev. time, split freq, HP damp, LP damp, spread, and mix.
I didn't get a chance to listen to the Symphonic Instrument, but I hope to soon, as it looks to be a well thought out and easy to use orchestral library.
Albert
