ILIO Introduces Plectrum Virtual Instrument Library

Jul 18, 2007

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ILIO proudly announces the worldwide distribution of the newly founded company Vital Arts and its first product, Plectrum. The virtual instrument library features 185 original acoustic instruments, powered by Tascam's GVI streaming sample playback engine. Plectrum is the brainchild of Geoffrey Gee, pianist, composer, and former Senior Soundware Engineer at Kurzweil Music Systems.

Much more than a tool or content library, Plectrum is a creative work of instrument design. Gee created his instruments from sounds made by plucking, strumming, tapping, scraping, and flicking a range of stringed instruments and found objects. Collecting thousands of full length high resolution samples, he voiced and tuned the sounds into full-range, expressive keyboard instruments.

Plectrum's ultra-friendly interface presents these instruments in nine categories based on these sound sources: Strummed Strings, Struck Strings, Plucked Strings, and String Harmonics; Glass, Ceramics, Metals, and Found Objects, and Habitats. Each instrument features a round robin playback that enhances the organic feel and texture of an acoustic instrument. The instruments in Habitats use this feature to offer ever-evolving sound environments with names such as August Morning, Afternoon Rain, Forest Stream, and Crickets.

Plectrum retails for $299 and is being released as a PC version (VSTi, RTAS, stand-alone), with Mac support expected in September '07. The package is 7.5 GB, with up to 96kHz, 24-bit samples, optimized using Tascam's wave acceleration feature.

Vital Arts Media is a company dedicated to the creation of art that is "faithful to the earth and our ongoing health." Geoffrey Gee was a senior soundware engineer at Kurzweil Music Systems and produced much of the voicing for some of their most acclaimed products, including the K2500, PC88, and MicroPiano. His virtual instruments are designed to be inspiring, organic, playable, and user friendly.

Plectrum and more upcoming products by Vital Arts are being distributed in North America by ILIO Entertainments, carrying the highest quality virtual instruments, sample libraries, and creative tools for professional musicians.

All Specifications subject to change without notice. All trademarks are the property of their respective holders.

For more information, visit their web site at www.ilio.com.