FEATURES

* Three classic 80s synths in one affordable package

* 1.7 GB of 48 kHz/24-bit multisamples

* Long samples, some lasting a minute or more

* Loads of editable presets

* Multi-FX with custom convolution reverbs

PRICE - £45 + VAT

LOWRAND SUITE

Back in the 80s, a certain Japanese synth manufacturer released a whole bunch of truly terrific analogue synths and modules. Some would say it was (arguably) the company's heyday. Well, we've sampled some of the key synths of that time (perfectly legitimately, I should add).

There was the MKS70 ...

A beast of a synth and up there with the JP8. OK... this new breed used digitally controlled oscillators (DCOs). Nothing to be concerned about - not digital oscillators but analogue just controlled digitally for better tuning stability ... but otherwise all analogue through and through. And it sounds mighty. We've extensively multi-sampled the raw waveforms from subsonic, clicking lows to tweeter worrying highs and the samples are long - up to a minute each for some - so that they can breathe. The waveforms are quirky which add to the character of the original instruments as well as the sample set.

Unforunately, the MKS70 was parameter access (as was the fashion back in the 80s) and it was a bit of a bastard to program. But the company reacted with their PG800 programmer...

It connected via a six-pin DIN cable and allowed hands-on tweaking and fiddling and was (is) fabulous. It pre-dated MIDI controllers by some 30 years or more. Clever and innovative.

We've emulated this in the vKS70's GUI...

But we've added a few twists, most notably a sub-octave and also the 'Extras' - extra waveforms that include sync sweep, cross mod and PWM, the latter of which was sorely lacking from the otherwise juicy JX / MKS. We've also added pink noise to DCO2 to give some more flexibility and the highpass filter (HPF) is variable rather than switched. We've also added various monophonic and unison playback modes for some seriously fruity basses and leadlines. And, of course, there are the effects...

DISTORTION > EQ > CHORUS / FLANGE / PHASER > DELAY > CONVOLUTION REVERB

We've also added multiple LFOs. You can have one LFO (as per the orginal) but also dedicated LFOs for pitch. filter (for broad filter sweeps) and output amp (for tremolo and/or autopan). Far more than the orginal offered and not the six / twelve limit on polyphony the 8P and 10P / MKS had.

And it all comes with 70 presets, six more than the original and as well as our own, we've had patchmeister, Ingo Weidner, on the case. He's made some top stuff for the likes of NI and Waldorf and other. Lovely bloke too.

Then there was the MKS20, a modeled piano ...

We took and played with it adding layering and keyboard splits, extra samples such as strings and DX piano and so on. And, of course, a comprehensive and editable FX section....

We also had some fun with LCD colours ...because we can!

And we added effects lacking on the original...

And also envelope and filter control ...

And then, of course, there's the stalwart Juno 6...

Not a great synth on paper but sounded terrific. We recreated this (with some twists and additions)...

Whilst you could combine waveforms on the original, we offer the ability to mix them and detune them for a seriously thick sound. We also added a second envelope, extra LFO waveforms and velocity. And an effects page...

But whatever, you end up with this impressive 'rack' of classic modules for Kontakt...

Four classic synths / modules with twists and turns and additions and refinements in (I think) an affordable) bundle for Kontakt 4.2.4 which offers a good discount on buying them separately.

Have a listen to the audio example for an idea of what's on offer - fullsome basses, thick strings and pads, biting and big leadlines, plucky and spikey arpeggio and sequenced sounds ... can be big or understated, subtle or 'in yer face'. Granted, it's a bit long as audio demos go but I wanted to take you through a sonic journey of this company's magnificent history around this time - and it was magificent. This is a package that will suit almost any genre, be it pop or hip hop, experimental or prog rock. And if you tend towards cinematic orchestral creations, there's plenty to flesh out and augment your orchestral libraries for added texture and depth.

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
Kontakt 4.2.4 full version
Windows® XP (SP2, 32bit) / Vista® (32/64 Bit), Windows 7® (32/64 Bit), Pentium® or Athlon XP 1.4 GHz, 2 GB RAM
Mac OS® X 10.5 or higher, Intel® Core™ Duo 1.8 GHz, 2 GB RAM

NOTE : It will work with the Kontakt Player but only in 'demo' mode and the session will be time limited. A full version of Kontakt 4.2.4 (or higher) is required to enjoy this library to the full extent.