Sample Libraries

Can Sample Modeling's combination of, er, sampling and modelling deliver convincing string sounds?

Audio Imperia's new orchestral library brings together a complete set of cinematic symphonic essentials in one creative toolset.

Rating: ***** 5/5 Stars. Time Micro continues the intriguing temporal-symphonic experiments on a smaller stage, using chamber-sized sections, small vocal groups and softer instruments.

Rating: ***** 5/5 Stars. Vocal-esque sounds dominate but this is not just another collection of 'ooh' and 'ahh' vocal pads...

Rating: ***** 4/5 Stars. Cabal 8 comprises three sampled eight-string guitars paired with Audio Assault's Bulldozer plug-in.

Rating: ***** 5/5 Stars. With sound sources derived from modular synthesizers plus industrial and natural sounds, it is the way in which these are layered and controlled that makes Northern Lights so appealing.

Rating: ***** 5/5 Stars. The emphasis here is on sounds with a shorter duration and there are many with a percussive nature, allowing you to easily create a rhythmic element within your sequenced patterns.

Rating: **** 4/5 Stars. These lower-priced libraries offer an alternative to top-end virtual drum instruments.

Rating: **** 4/5 Stars. Recorded in Berlin's all-analogue Vox-Ton Studios, this library is based on a collection of prepared piano multisamples created by film composer and sound designer Volker Bertelmann

UJAM's Virtual Drummers may not come with their own van and annoying personal habits, but they're quick, reliable and always on time.

Rating: **** 4/5 Stars. This follow-up library provides soul and psychedelic-influenced funk loops that sound like they could have been sampled from records cut in the late '60s or early '70s.

Rating: **** 4/5 Stars. The brainchild of Spitfire's Paul Thomson, Kepler Orchestra was inspired by the idea of contrasting rhythmic subdivisions that move in and out of sync like orbiting planets.

Rating: **** 4/5 Stars. The latest expansion for EZ Drummer 2/Superior Drummer 3 recreates the drum sounds associated with swing-era big bands and jazz ensembles.

Rating: ***** 5/5 Stars. For this library, Cinesamples recorded the sound of every tool and material they could find that's related to embroidery!

A large strings collection from Eastern Europe heralds a breath of fresh air.

Recorded by Al Schmitt, Toontrack's Decades SDX is a tour de force.

Is Terminus the final destination in your search for hits, slams, risers and falls?

EastWest's Hollywood Pop Brass does exactly what it says on the tin.

Rating: ***** 5/5 Stars. Ostinato Woodwinds delivers a much more focused vocabulary of less than a dozen motifs, ideal for minimalist rhythmic beds and pads.

Rating: ***** 4/5 Stars. To create Randy's Prepared Piano, various objects and materials were used to alter the sound of the source instrument before it was recorded.