Vienna Symphonic Library has released Vienna MIR RoomPack 3, a collection of “Mystic Spaces” impulse responses for Vienna Instruments.
For more than a century the Steinhofkirche with its incomparable acoustic properties has been a truly magical attraction for musicians and music enthusiasts. It is still used regularly for concerts today.
Built at the beginning of the 20th century in today’s Socio-medical Center at Baumgartner Höhe, the church is one of Vienna’s famous Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) landmarks. It sits in the so-called “White City” that is comprised of 61 buildings and was, in its day, the largest and most modern psychiatric institution of its kind.
For those who are mainly interested in the acoustic peculiarities of this unique church, it may be regarded simply as the “Viennese Taj Mahal”. Ten seconds of long*, dense, crystal-clear reverb engulf the visitor after entering the nave – an experience that transports believers and musicians alike to other spheres.
For Vienna MIR the Steinhofkirche’s nave was recorded from three microphone positions: Mic 1 is positioned near the altar, Mic 2 in the middle of the nave under the cupola, and Mic 3 near the main entrance next to the organ gallery. All in all, over 2,200 IRs were gathered to virtually recreate the acoustics of this building.
Added to this are a number of so-called HotSpots – two positions in the left and right side aisles each, one position in the rear at the main entrance, and the entire balcony of the organ gallery. This means that basically the Steinhofkriche can be used in Vienna MIR from each side of the main microphones, which allows you to put a real surround ensemble into place! Apart from that, the gilded pulpit left of the altar (marked by a red velvet parapet) is especially noteworthy. Here, too, instruments can be placed and freely rotated – the perfect place for a “preaching” soloist.
The Vienna MIR RoomPack 3 is available to purchase for 125 EUR.
More information: Vienna Symphonic Library / Vienna MIR RoomPack 3
