Sounds & Samples

> Native instruments have been in the synthesis and soundware game right from the start of the plugin revolution, and have managed to combine authentic innovation with the provision of products that also work well in a day-to-day production context. Kontakt has come to dominate the sample playback instrument market (and with a host of great third-party content), but NI themselves continue to put out libraries that show off its capabilities.

Electric Sunburst Deluxe isn’t the first of their instruments to attempt a convincing emulation of an excellent musician playing a classic instrument – and it does embrace some of the functionality found in earlier outings – but it claims to go one step further (and builds on the earlier ‘standard’ Electric Sunburst’ instrument).

For those new to NI’s Session Guitarist range, the intention is that you can achieve authentic-sounding guitar parts using only a MIDI keyboard. A wide range of patterns are included with each instrument (running from classic rock and funk riffs, to niche styles and weirder reversed patterns), which plays back samples based on pre-programmed pattern styles and chords detected from incoming notes. Generally speaking the results have always been very good. ES Deluxe combines an expanded pattern library with a more advanced picking engine alongside an entirely new melody-based instrument and expanded effects selection. Before you even get to the sound of the instrument itself, the attention to detail and usability is clear. The ability to search on patterns by tapping a rough rhythm and finding those similar, for example, is a godsend. The additional playing styles on offer in the new melody-focussed instrument include open, closed, flageolet and tremolo options, with hammer-on or pull-off samples added automatically where appropriate. Convincing vibrato and single-note bends are also easily achieved.

An excellent addition to the Session Guitarist stable, and one which every keyboard-playing non-guitarist should try. Bruce Aisher native-instruments.com

VERDICT 9.2

A top-rank indie-dance sample library, with more than 700 sounds for the discerning beatmaker.

Dented techno bells and lofty chord stabs join pounding kicks and trippy percussion layers, as baggy bass grooves and taught synth lines flap your trouser creases.

The drums race along at a fair clip, too, with choice claps and snare sounds ringing out proudly from within the loops. Chemical pad swathes and retro analogue atmospheres are a sweet topper, delighting the senses with their throwback charm and pin-point execution.

It’s top-to-tail goodness, throughout. Everything has been recorded at 110 and 118BPM, and you can tell that each of the crates has been crafted with knowledge, care, and a fair amount of joy. Well worth your time. Roy Spencer audiotent.com

VERDICT 9.0