Sonora Cinematic have announced the launch of Panorama Guitars, the second Kontakt Player instrument to be developed using their Aria engine — we reviewed the first, Aria Vocalscapes in the June 2024 issue, click here to check it out (print / web / app / replica / PDF editions).
In order to create the sounds featured in the instrument, the team at Sonora Cinematic deeply sampled five classic electric guitar models, a baritone guitar and an electric bass. Each instrument was played through a curated selection of amps and effects pedals and captured with high-end mics and preamps to ensure the resulting instrument delivers the highest quality of sound possible. Contributions have also been made by ambient artist Elif Yalvac, whose unique approach has equipped the instrument’s sound palette with a collection of avant-garde textures and ambient soundscapes,
A screenshot of Panorama Guitars' main GUI.
There’s a wealth of modulation, sample manipulation and expressive effects on offer courtesy of the company’s Aria engine, which allows users to load a pair of sounds into two independent slots and create continually evolving sounds using an intuitive X-Y control pad. The instrument also boasts two built-in step sequencers and a collection of effects processors that make it possible to create a huge range of experimental sounds and effects.
“The idea for Panorama Guitars came from being a great fan of the lush, atmospheric guitar-driven soundscapes of post-rock and shoegaze — music that had a huge influence on contemporary film scoring. I wanted to create an instrument that not only pays homage to the iconic tones of bands like Explosions in the Sky, Mogwai and Mono, but also allows musicians to craft their own unique sonic landscapes using our new Aria engine. We had a blast recording it: Telecasters, Stratocasters, Jaguars, a baritone, a Jazz Bass... not to mention four or five different amps and over 20 pedals. I'm really thrilled with the result.” - Alessandro Mastroianni, Sonora Cinematic Founder
Compatibility
Panorama Guitars runs in Native Instruments’ free Kontakt Player version 7.7 or above, which is supported on PCs running Windows 10 or 11 and Macs running macOS 12 or above. VST3, AU and AAX plug-in versions are available, along with a standalone application.
Pricing & Availability
Panorama Guitars is available now, and is being offered at an introductory price of £58.80 until 31 July 2024, when it will increase to £70.80. Prices include VAT.
sonoracinematic.com/products/panorama-guitars-by-sonora-cinematic
