24GB Library
24Bit 96KHZ Stereo Sampling
25 individual Gamelan Instruments
Up to 20 Velocity Layers
Over 4000 Samples
Multiple Round Robin Layers
Kontakt 2 + 3 Format
The Sum of Many Parts
Sampling the unique, magical sound of a Balinese Gamelan is no small undertaking. The 25 instruments that make up The LSO's Semara Dana Gamelan Ensemble had to be recorded in great detail, as if each were to be a sample library in its own right. Any compromise in the number of velocity layers or the round robin alternate samples could result in the whole living, breathing, sound losing realism and dynamic expression.
All instruments were recorded in stereo, at 24 bit 96 khz to ensure a pristine recording of the very highest standard that will remain the benchmark for years to come.
How is it Organised?
The library is composed of single and paired Kontakt versions of the Gamelan instruments (see picture above). As many of the metallophones are played as a detuned pair, for convenience we have grouped them this way, including KSP scripting to humanise the velocity and timing for a natural response. Paired instruments also feature separate volume and pan controls. Smaller percussive instruments like the Kempli are grouped together, with KSP level and pan controls for fine tuning.
Recreating Every Detail
All possible articulations and variations have been meticulously recorded and programmed into the SC Balinese Gamelan instruments. Keyswitches are used in the metallophones to provide the two articulations, free and damped attacks.
The two kendang drums are mapped with various types of hits, separated into the left and right hands/drum heads, as well as strikes with the pangul, a wooden drumstick.
The Kempli, Bebende and Kajar are recorded open and damped, each with a selection of different beaters.
Each hit of every instrument has many alternative samples, to ensure that 'machine-gunning' never occurs - essential in an instrument that plays such dense percussive sequences.
