Output Analog Strings – Expanding Horizons

Output Analog Strings

Original review posted October, 2017

Bottom Line:
Analog Strings is a very creative instrument with ingenious macro FX controls and superb sounding samples, and at $199 RRP represents pretty good value. The clever interface inspires you to push creatively deeper, rewarding your efforts with gratifying results, and at the end of the day, that’s the mark of successful design

Read more
Storyteller OTR – A Template for Success.

Storyteller OTR for Windows or Mac

$129 USD

Originally reviewed May 2018

Bottom Line:
If you are a media composer using Reaper, this is quite simply required buying, no questions asked. If you are using alternative DAW platforms you now have one of the strongest reasons to consider making the swap to Reaper. Storyteller’s OTR has successfully converted Reaper into the best orchestral template platform on the market, period

Read more
Impact Soundworks Shreddage 2 – The Guitar Hero

Impact Soundworks Shreddage 2

Original review posted October, 2017

Bottom Line:
As an addition to, or total replacement for your actual guitar recordings, Shreddage 2 is a massive step up over anything that came before it. It is a complicated instrument to perform authentic parts with, so don’t go in thinking this is a quick fix – but the end results are well, well worth the time and effort

Read more
Spitfire Audio BT Phobos – Into the Deep End

Spitfire Audio BT Phobos

Original review November 2017

Bottom Line
In a rather crowded section of the market, BT Phobo certainly stands out for its quirkiness, yes – but with the quality of the samples, unique and creative approach with convolution morphing, nothing else delivers the same evolving and immersive soundscapes. Spitfire Audio are also showing they are willing to take risks and not rest on their laurels, which is really exciting and can only lead to more innovative products like Phobos. Awesome stuff

Read more
Native Instruments String Ensembles – Smooth as Silk

Native Instruments String Ensemble

$299 USD

Bottom Line:
String Ensembles’ large orchestra approach is much better suited to movie scores, trailers and the odd symphonic metal project. Though you can reduce the size of the orchestral players, which is amazing, there is less focus on individual players and more on the gravity and weight of the combined orchestra

Read more
Spitfire Audio Bernard Herrmann Composer Toolkit

Spitfire Audio Bernard Herrmann Composer Toolkit

$299 USD

Bottom Line:
Bernard Herrmann’s style might not suit everyone’s taste, and he certainly ran against the grain in the day, I think this is one of the best such collections available, precisely because of the stylised nature – and finally (hands to the sky), an orchestral collection with some real character and vibe

Read more