Soundware & Samples
The Spitfire empire keeps growing, and with it an evolving array of orchestral libraries, the complexity of which we might only have dreamed of in the days of standalone hardware samplers. The ever-growing capabilities of a modern computer to select, retrieve and playback multiple audio streams in realtime – while running a DAW hosting other instruments and processors – has led to ever-greater specialisation and experimentation in sample library creation. This of course reaches its nadir when a large ensemble, populated with top musicians, is placed into one of the world’s best studios equipped with a host of cutting-edge and classic kit – not to mention an acoustic space heard on numerous tracks and film scores. And so it is for the Albion Neo, the latest in Spitfire’s Albion range, aimed primarily at creators of music for film, TV, games and trailers. However, as with any interestingly conceived library, its sonic possibilities will often extend into eclectic territory.
Each of the Albion libraries is designed to complement the other and – while there is some broader overlap – explores different sonic spaces. So, while the recently re-booted flagship Albion ONE provides a flexible solid core, Albion V: Tundra goes intimate – with Albion NEO intended as its natural partner, but using a chamber-sized orchestra. Like other Albion Libraries, it also features a range of synths, loops and textures, with the aim to provide a focus not found in other Albions. It should also be noted that, despite similar naming of preset groups, all the raw audio content is new here.
Albion Neo Orchestra contains orchestral strings (in two sections), woodwind and brass in a host of articulations and configurable mic positions (Close, Close Ribbon, Tree, Ambient and Outriggers) and two pre-rolled mixes, all accessed through a Kontakt interface familiar to most Spitfire users. Brunel Loops adds tempo synced, full and stem-based audio material. Engaging and potentially useful, but less flexible. The Harmonium included in Neo is great, and usable in a host of contexts – though the warped versions feel a bit bolted-on. The Segla Textures use earlier recordings to create evolving orchestral textures accessible from Spitfire’s ‘eDNA’ interface (which provides many more layering, processing and modulation options compared to the ‘normal’ GUI). These come in ‘Electronic’ and ‘Organic’ flavours. Stephenson’s Steam Band features electronic patches made from the orchestral and synth-based material grouped into ‘NEO Classical’ and ‘Electronic’.
Finally, Tundra Tones add more eDNA patches based around evolving tonal textures and loops.
There’s a lot on offer here (with 59GB of content and over 300 presets), and quality is up to the usual high standard we expect from Spitfire. As with other Kontakt-based Spitfire libraries, I have some small quibbles regarding GUI sizes and overall clarity – but this doesn’t take away from the quality on offer. Another worthy addition to the range. Bruce Aisher spitfireaudio.com
VERDICT 9.1