Sample Libraries

We review Project SAM Trumpets ***** • PLP Essential Dance Collection **** • Samplecraze Drumm ****.

The eagerly awaited upgrade from the VSL team breaks all records for size, depth and scope. Is it the be-all and end-all of orchestral sound libraries?

We check out: Amps & Pickups 2 **** • Post-Estonia Grand Piano **** • Brush Artistry **** • Distoteque **** • Tower Of Funk *** • Post Orchestral Instruments ***

Auditioned this month: Xtreme House **** • World Winds **** • Scott Rockenfield Queensryche Drums ****

Looking for rockin' drum kits, classic synths and world instruments? We sample the delights of four more library CDs.

• The Dark Side Of The Groove **** • Kick-ass Brass ***** • Drum N Bass Fast Forward **** • Phat Beats From The Box ******

We sample the delights of: Bombay Loops & Sounds **** • Da Nu RnB Hip Hop Two ***** • PMI Yamaha C7 ***

• Drumkit From Hell Add-ons **** • Nu Metal **** • PMI Historic Keyboards **** • Pukka Masala ****

With PE main man Chuck D (alongside Gary G-Wiz) on production, this library features 49 original construction kits spread over two audio CDs.

This Adobe Premiere plug-in has now been ported to two different real-time plug-in formats: VST (for Mac OS 9, OS X and Windows) and Apple's new Audio Unit standard (for OS X).

Flatpack contains a large selection of patches and sample sets for each of the modules in Reason v2 and, though largely electronic in character, it steers clear of catering for any single, specific style or genre.

Considering the kinds of cutting-edge dance music styles that are usually associated with Reason, the idea of a General MIDI Refill might appear to be a bit of a strange one...

Cinematix Vol. 1: 3* • James Johnson Spektral Minimalism: 5* • Robert Rich Ambient Atmospheres & Rhythms: 4* • Numina Emotional Peak Sounds For Cinema: 5* • Orchestral Series 3: Cinematic: 4*

**** While you might think that the large number of high-quality sampled pianos already available would cater for most musicians' needs, there has always been a breed of piano largely absent: namely, upright pianos...

***** Following their excellent SAM Horns title comes a Giga set dedicated to a three-trombone section, augmented by a fruity solo bass trombone.

**** Programmed and produced by Lukecage in the heart of LA, Ultra Magnetic Beats is AMG's latest hip-hop sample library

5 stars ***** Two audio and two Acid-ready Wave CD-ROMs of drum loops and basic construction kits.

4 stars **** Homegrown Sounds have eight sample CD-ROMs available, each offered either in Soundfont format or as a combined NNXT, Halion, EXS24, Kontakt and Wave set.

**** Dirt Bag by Simeon promises "hundreds of grungy, fresh and inspiring dance samples", and that's a fairly accurate description of what's on offer here...

4 **** Rizing Drum & Bass is an extensive collection of drum & bass samples, presented as audio...

The Vienna Symphonic Library is more than just a sample library — it's a tool that aims to help you create true-sounding orchestral performances of your own music. But are we talking Berlin Philharmonic or Portsmouth Symphonia?