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New sample library: Melodica!

The melodica is a free-reed instrument that became popular in the 1950s. We’ve sampled it twice and turned it into a Kontakt instrument.

Buy it here: https://www.decentsamples.com/product/melodica-kontakt/

Features:

  • Compatible with the full version of Native Instruments Kontakt 5.3.1 (or later)
  • Two sample sets: Melodica I (4 round robins, 2 velocity layers) and Melodica II (4 round robins, 1 velocity layer)
  • Voice controls allow you to choose between 1, 2, and 4 voices simutaneously
  • ADSR controls
  • EQ controls
  • Custom convolution reverb with reverb level knob
  • Chorus level knob
  • Two versions of each instrument are included: 1) velocity controls dynamics; and 2) modwheel controls dynamics.
  • Sample rate: 24-bit 48khz
  • Library size: 148MB
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Free Violin Sample in Kontakt, Ableton, and SFZ Format

Before you download the sample, check out the story behind the samples here:

In this video, Dave Hilowitz investigates two violins he bought on the street in Philadelphia. In the process, he learns about forgotten violin maker Lewis E. Pyle and makes some music.

The samples of Mr. Pyle’s violin can be downloaded here.

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Present in the Box Cello Kontakt Library

In December 2018, Dave Hilowitz built a fully playable cello out of an old silverware box. We spent the month of January sampling the instrument and have no turned it into a feature-packed Kontakt library. Introductory price: $20!

Buy it here: https://www.decentsamples.com/product/box-cello-kontakt/

Features:

  • Three articulations: sustain (both velocity and modwheel), spiccato and pizzicato
  • Up to 8 round robins per note, 2 velocity layers for a maximum total of 16 different samples per note!
  • ADSR controls on all patches (except spiccato)
  • EQ controls on all patches
  • Recorded with three different mics (including a piezo contact mic). Mic levels are controllable after the fact to give maximum sonic flexibility
  • Three experimental patches: Texture I, Open Strings, Open Strings (Ensemble)
  • Requires the full version of Kontakt 5.3.1 or later.
  • Library size: 1.03GB (each articulation is separate patch so you can easily get rid of articulations you don’t need if you find yourself short on disk space)
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Video Tutorial: How to Make Release Triggers + FREE Tea Kettle Whistle Kontakt Library

In this video, I show how to make release triggers in Kontakt. In the process, I create a full-featured Kontakt library out of the whistle from a Chantal tea kettle.

The instrument that I make in the video can be downloaded for free here.

– Dave

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Video Tutorial: How to Make Mic Level Controls in Kontakt + FREE BOWED NAGOYA HARP SAMPLE

In this video, I find out what happens when you play a Japanese Nagoya Harp (Taishogoto) with a violin bow! In the process, I demonstrate how to make microphone volume level control knobs.

The Plucked Nagoya Harp Library (with 3 mics, velocity layers, round robins, etc.) is still available for $10 here.

The completely different but related Bowed Nagoya Harp Kontakt Library that I created in this video is available for FREE here.

Enjoy!

– Dave

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Video Tutorial: How to Make Decent Looping Samples for Kontakt + FREE MUSICAL WINE GLASSES KONTAKT LIBRARY

In this video, I explore various techniques for making samples loop. First, I cover the options available within Kontakt, then I investigate external tools: LoopAuditioneer and WaveLab. At the end of the video, I put theory into practice by recording some musical wine glasses and making them into a Kontakt Library.

The Kontakt library I created in this video can be downloaded here for FREE.

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Video Tutorial: Creating a Kontakt Instrument from Start to Finish + FREE KALIMBA KONTAKT LIBRARY

In this video, I show you the entire process of creating a Kontakt Sample Library in four steps:

1. Recording
2. Noise Reduction (using iZoTope RX), Editing, and Chopping (using Reaper)
3. Sample Layout
4. and finally: Music

As part of the video, I sample a Kalimba I found in a thrift store and turn it into a Kontakt Library.

The free Kalimba Kontakt Library can be downloaded here.