Symphonic Instrument by MOTU Now Available

Aug 03, 2005

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The MOTU Symphonic Instrument universal orchestral plug-in is now shipping for Mac and Windows with an 8GB sound library, 500 instrument presets, 200 multi-instrument ensembles, 26 built-in convolution reverbs and additional new features.

The MOTU Symphonic Instrument provides 16-part multitimbral operation and flexible instrument programming in one convenient window using ADSR amplitude envelope controls, an LFO, two filters, tone controls, pitch controls and velocity response. Convolution reverb can be applied to any instrument or ensemble for realistic acoustic space treatments, from small stages to concert halls to large cathedrals. The MOTU Symphonic instrument is driven by the 32-bit UVI engine.

Ensemble Multis

Users can load individual sounds to build their own ensembles, from solo instruments and small ensembles to full tutti orchestra and choirs. Or users can load and save Multis - a collection of instruments that can be loaded and saved together as an ensemble, complete with an acoustic space (reverb setting), volume, panning, tone control and everything needed to save and instantly recall a perfectly balanced, unified ensemble. Over 200 preset ensembles are included, such as Brass Quintet, Choirs & Classical Guitar, Eight French Horns, Concert Mallet & Percussion and Baroque Orchestra. Users can also create and save their own ensembles, which they can then reload in one easy step.

Dynamic performance with Expert Mode

Expert mode lets users dynamically add, remove and stack (layer) multiple Symphonic Instrument sounds as they play them from a MIDI controller. Users can bring instruments in and out, on the fly, using key switches, velocity ranges or note ranges. Users can even crossfade between instruments by sending continuous MIDI data (expression controllers) from a mod wheel or other device. The MOTU Symphonic Instrument truly is a powerful real-time performance tool that delivers an entire orchestra to the user's fingertips.

Realistic expression with MIDI controllers

Users can achieve realistic, dynamic performances from the Symphonic Instrument using MIDI continuous controller data from a mod wheel, foot pedal, automated fader control surface or other MIDI control source. Most of the Symphonic Instrument's parameters can be mapped to external control, giving users hands-on, real-time expressive control over the performance of each instrument. MIDI modulation can be assigned to crucial individual parameters such as filter cutoff frequency for even deeper expressiveness.

Convolution is a process where the characteristics of a real acoustic space are "sampled" (captured) and then faithfully reproduced, down to the last detail and nuance. Widely considered to be the best type of reverb that money can buy, convolution reverbs are known for their stunning realism. Users can choose from among 26 different acoustic spaces included with the MOTU Symphonic instrument and apply them to individual instruments or complete ensembles. Eight different "fast" reverbs are also provided for situations that call for optimum CPU efficiency. Both types of reverbs provide several adjustable parameters, including length, damping and wet/dry balance.

Scroll wheel support

For additional convenience and fast operation, the MOTU Symphonic Instrument supports the scroll wheel on any mouse for quickly adjusting settings or choosing an instrument.

Broad Plug-In Compatibility

Symphonic Instrument supports the following plug-in interfaces:

• MAS
• VST (Mac & PC)
• RTAS (Mac & PC)
• HTDM (PC)
• Audio Units
• DXi

Pricing and Availability

The MOTU Symphonic Instrument is now shipping for a list price of $295.

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