Sample library and virtual instrument experts EastWest have teamed up with Anthony Marinelli, the synth mastermind behind Michael Jackson's 'Thriller', to create a new virtual instrument that captures some of the most revered sounds in music. Iconic samples rare vintage synthesizers like the ARP 2600, Minimoog Model D, Oberheim OB-X, Sequential Prophet 5, Yamaha CS-80 and the Synclavier II, and has been developed alongside the original players and programmers to ensure it sounds true to the original patches.
Iconic’s GUI is centred around a X-Y pad that features four selectable Macro Effects that can be used to apply modulation across multiple parameters simultaneously. It boasts a simple one-knob-per-function layout, and all of the instrument’s controls are accessible from a single main page; users get immediate access to dual filters, a 16-step arpeggiator, multi-mode portamento, modulation functions and a whole host of built-in effects with no need to switch windows or navigate menus.
After the collection of legendary instruments had been captured, EastWest set about routing the samples to analogue tape machines (including a valve-based Studer J37), pushing the levels to increase the amount of harmonic distortion and offer an alternative take on the original sounds. The instruments were also re-amped in EastWest Studio 2 and captured from multiple mic positions so that the studio sound could be added to the direct sounds — a technique that was often employed by Bruce Swedien, the engineer behind Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’.
“We realised that you can’t recreate many of these sounds today because there is very limited access to all of the original equipment used back then to create each sound. Lucky for us, Anthony has a museum-worthy collection of these keyboards, and he was able to recreate the exact sounds as only he knew the original programming and keyboard combinations used. Our team then added incredible new recording techniques and software features that will allow you to transform these historic sounds into modern masterpieces. I hope our users have as much fun using these Iconic sounds as we had making them.” - Doug Rogers, EastWest
Take a look at the walkthrough video below to hear what Iconic has to offer.
Iconic includes 138GB of content, and those who purchase the instrument (or a ComposerCloud+ subscription) in the first month following its release will also receive Beyond Iconic, an expansion pack that includes hundreds of presets geared towards contemporary pop, hip hop and EDM music.
Compatibility
Iconic runs in EastWest’s Opus software, which is supported on PCs running Windows 10 or higher, and Macs running macOS 10.15 and above. VST2, VST3, AU and AAX plug-in versions are available.
Pricing & Availability
Iconic is available now, priced at $299. It is also included in EastWest’s ComposerCloud+ subscription package.
