Uppercussion has announced the release of Bitkits, a free collection of ten 8-bit drum kits in collaboration with Icebreaker Audio.
The samples in Bitkits come from a time when 8-bit sounds were the standard for video games and digital synthesizers. The kits give you 8-bit versions of kick, snare and hihat sounds, as well as a large collection of beeps, buzzes, noises, arpeggiations and other sound effects typical of the 8-bit era.
All of the samples in Bitkits were created using the BitRate digital drum machine for Reaktor, created by Icebreaker Audio. BitRate features realistic emulations of digital sound engines from the late 80s and early 90s in an intuitive interface.
Bitkits features
- 10 Bitkits kits.
- 160 samples, 16 samples per kit.
- Samples are 24-bit, 44.1 kHz.
- Formats include Maschine, Live 9, Geist, Battery, Kontakt, EXS24, Halion and Reason NN-XT, and single WAV samples.
- Sample folders are easily accessible and sorted by sound type.
- Total size is 25 MB.
The Bitkits are a free download at Uppercussion. Note: Ableton Live kits require Live 9.
More information: Uppercussion / Bitkits
Icebreaker Audio has introduced Bitrate, a semi-modular, digital drum machine for Native Instruments Reaktor 5.
Offering a variety of sound generation styles, all based on digital synthesis from the late 80s and early 90s, BitRate is a gritty device with a retro heart of silicone.
BitRate offers the most accurate chip-style synthesis available for Reaktor.Bitrate features
- 5 drum slots into which you can load any one of 13 different sound modules.
- 4 main sound engine types, each based on a different style of lo-fi digital sound generation.
- A built-in sequencer with 2 modulation sequences per drum.
- Automatic tempo-synchronization when used in a host.
- EQ, Compressor, and Speaker Simulator master effects.
BitRate is available for the introductory price of £15 GBP until March 31st, 2013 (regular £25 GBP). Requires Reaktor 5.8 or higher.
More information: Icebreaker Audio / Bitrate
Icebreaker Audio has announced the release of S.O.O.G. (Sub Octave Oscillator Generator), a free analogue style octaver effect for Native Instruments Reaktor 5.8.
The effect produces a fuzzy version of the input signal, by generating a modulated square wave one octave below the tracked pitch. This fuzzy octave can then be filtered to smooth out the tone, or to create synth style sounds.
The effect works best on monophonic instruments with strong fundamental frequencies like bass guitars or clear vocals.
The ensemble is a free download from Icebreaker Audio.
More information: Icebreaker Audio / S.O.O.G.
Icebreaker Audio has released its Key-Clicks sample library for Native Instruments Kontakt.
The sound of playing an electronic keyboard that is turned off. A useful tool for adding a layer of tactile realism to software synthesizers, as a sound effect utility, or as unusual percussion.
Icebreaker Audio’s Key-Clicks with custom Kontakt interface.Key-Clicks features
- A choice of 4 keyboard styles.
- Add dynamic boost with the “Loudness” control.
- Highpass Filter.
- Option to randomize the played sample.
The sample library is available to download at no cost.
More information: Icebreaker Audio / Key-Clicks
Icebreaker Audio has announced the release of PortaSynth and Calc-U-Synth, two new sample libraries for Native Instruments Kontakt 5.
PortaSynth is a sample based emulation of a custom circuit bent Yamaha PortaSound PSS-130, which also comes with PortaDrums – a fully featured drum machine.
PortaSynth features
- All instrument sounds sampled chromatically at 24bit, 48kHz quality.
- Bent sound counterparts for each of the sampled sounds.
- Advanced speaker options with 16 speaker impulse responses.
- Built-in distortion, filter and spring reverb effects.
- Key-Click and Background Noise controls.
- Also includes the PortaDrums drum machine
- Extended sound options per drum.
- An on board sequencer.
- EQ, Compressor, and Amp master effects.
- Reverb and Delay Send effects.
The Calc-U-Synth is an emulation of the programmable synth engine of the classic Casio VL-Tone synthesizer.
Calc-U-Synth features the sounds of the VL-Tone monophonic synthesizer/calculator.Calc-U-Synth features
- All waveforms sampled chromatically at 24bit, 48kHz quality.
- Full emulation of the Casio VL-Tone’s programmable synth engine.
- Advanced speaker options with 16 speaker impulse responses.
- Built-in distortion, filter and echo effects.
- Key-Click noise control.
The PortaSynth is available to purchase for £7.50 GBP; Calc-U-Synth is £4.50 GBP. Both libraries are also available as part of the new ToyBreaker Bundle (incl. HandySynth), priced at £12.50 GBP.
More information: Icebreaker Audio
Icebreaker Audio has released the HandySynth sample library for Kontakt.
HandySynth is a sample based re-creation of a custom circuit-bent Yamaha HandySound HS-200 for Native Instruments Kontakt 5.
HandySynth features
- All instrument sounds chromatically sampled at 24-bit 48kHz.
- 8 circuit-bent sound variations.
- Convolution based emulation of the original speaker at various microphone positions.
- Authentic emulation of the HandySound volume envelopes and tuning via custom scripts.
- Additional Effects: Distortion, Filter and Spring Reverb.
- Download also includes a copy of C-Bent Kit for Battery.
HandySynth is available to purchase for £5 GBP.
More information: Icebreaker Audio / HandySynth
