e-instruments has released Slower, an instrument library for NI Kontakt Player offering high-end content recorded on four contrasting tape machines, each played back at half speed resulting in sounds being one octave lower.
Designed for those seeking analogue-inspired textures, Slower explores the world of half-speed tape to deliver an extraordinary range of sounds. The library features an eclectic mix of keys, guitars, strings, woodwinds, brass and less common instruments such as the dulcimer and harmonium. These sounds are transformed by the half-speed tape process, resulting in everything being one octave lower to produce deep, warm, and nostalgically rich tones, available across four types of tape machine – Studio, Portable, Cassette and Dictaphone.
Studio: The Studer A812 and Revox PR99 open reel-to-reel machines offer warmth and fidelity for polished, high-end sounds. Portable: The Uher 4400 Report IC and Monitor models deliver a compact, yet richly detailed tonal palette. Cassette: The Tascam Portastudio 424 Mk III embodies the unmistakable warmth and grit of cassette tape. Dictaphone: The Sony M650v microcassette provides a raw, lo-fi texture for adding a nostalgic crunch. Each machine brings its own flavour to the table, allowing users to explore and experiment with a wide range of sonic possibilities, from the refined to the lo-fi.
Slower boasts 65 different sound sources, as well as a selection of synthesised sounds. This library transforms classic instruments – including grand and upright pianos, electric and acoustic guitars, and orchestral strings – into a broad spectrum of textures. Additionally, recordings from renowned synthesiser models provide evolving pads and intricate textures, making Slower a versatile tool for genres spanning hip-hop to ambient and electronica.
Slower also features 27 onboard effects, envelopes, including LFOs, a step modulator and aftertouch. Users can customise a five-slot FX chain, using delay, distortion, reverb, filters and other effects curated by sound designers to complement the library’s content. Reverse samples enable the creation of ethereal sounds with a slow attack, while separate controls for noise and wobble enhance the tape’s inherent imperfections. Most parameters can be modulated, offering extensive sound possibilities that range from subtle enhancements to dramatic transformations.
Slower comes with 230 presets crafted by top sound designers, providing instant inspiration and a solid foundation for any project. Whether users are seeking warm, moody pianos, unique string textures, or deep wind instruments, the diverse range of presets ensures that there is always a sound to fit the creative vision.
Key features:
- Analogue Authenticity: Genuine, pitched-down tape sounds that bring rich, organic layers to music.
- Four Tape Machines: Studer, Uher, Tascam and Sony machines, each with distinct audio qualities.
- Diverse Instruments: Access 65 sound sources, including keys, synths, guitars, strings, woodwinds, brass, and rare instruments.
- Preset Library: 230 presets from top sound designers, offering a wide range of sounds to inspire creativity.
- 27 Effects: Unlock extensive sound processing with curated delays, distortions, reverbs, and filters, all customisable in a five-slot FX chain.
- Modulation Matrix: Dive deep into sound design with assignable LFOs, modulation envelopes, a step modulator, aftertouch, and more.
- Macro Controls: Transform sounds in real-time with three single-slider macros, enabling dynamic and expressive performances.
- Additional Tape FX: Add extra wobble, noise, and flutter to enhance the tape characteristics as needed.
- Reverse Samples: Ethereal, slow-attack sounds with the reverse parameter.
- NKS and Kontakt Compatibility: Compatible with Native Instruments Kontakt 7.10.2 or the free Kontakt player, with full NKS integration.
