UK-based Noon Instruments launched their first Kontakt-based instrument in 2023, and we were impressed! The release in question was Toska, and you can check out our full review in SOS April 2023. They’ve now announced the availability of Vessels, a new sample-based instrument which they describe as “an exploration of object resonance and sonic materiality.
Vesells has been created using an extensive collection of analogue and digital synthesizer samples, all of which have been processed using an array of different re-amping techniques. The company say that the resulting patches add additional colour, dimension and physicality to the source samples, with the instrument offering a diverse palette of raw, textured synth tones. The instrument’s GUI allows users to blend together four different layers, while some tonal fine-tuning is available courtesy of an onboard filter and EQ, as well as filter and amp ADSR envelopes.
The included presets are divided into three banks: Covergent, Divergent and Relics. The Covergent bank is made up of 220 presets that have been created by using surface transducers to vibrate metallic objects (an oil drum and thunder sheet), resulting in abstract tones that react to the original synth samples. In the Divergent bank you’ll find another 220 presets, this time created by routing the core samples through a pair of amplifier cabinets and capturing the results with stereo mic arrays. The signals were also routed to the external input of a Korg MS-20 and treated to a generous dose of extra distortion! Finally, Relics contains 20 presets that have been created by re-recording the source samples to quarter-inch tape and cassette, and from there, through an array of boutique effects pedals.
Compatibility
Vessels runs in Native Instruments’ Kontakt / Kontakt Player versions 7.7.2 or later, which are supported on PCs running Windows 10 and above, and Macs running macOS 12 or higher. VST3, AU and AAX plug-in versions are available, along with a standalone application.
Pricing & Availability
Vessels is available now, and is being offered at an introductory price of £79 until 31 December 2024, when it will increase to £99. Prices include VAT. As with Toska, the company are offering a free licence to anyone receiving Universal Credit. More information is available on the Noon Instruments website.
