Sugar Bytes
Sample Logic
Xosphere $300
Web www.samplelogic.com
Format Mac/PC, Kontakt 5/Player
A 5GB soundbank powers
this remarkable Kontakt
instrument, designed for the
creation of soundscapes and
atmopsherics.
Each of Xosphere’s four
oscillators hosts two samples,
which are mixed and morphed
into each other via the Morph
knobs. These can be
modulated by drawing into
the Animation sequencer or
recording movements in real
time, and further step sequencing is available for various oscillator
parameters (volume, pan, pitch, ilter and convolution processor
depth), as well as the six efects modules. That’s a lot of motion!
The sample library contains over 350 lengthy core “atmospheres”,
categorised by mood and type, and accessed through an in-built
browser (as are the main and individual oscillator presets).
Sound-wise, Xosphere is well up to Sample Logic’s usual high
standards, making all manner of evocative noises, from delicate
and beautiful to ground-shaking and terrifying. Our only issue is the
price, which feels quite high.
n8/10n
EastWest
Hollywood Orchestral
Percussion Gold
€399
Web www.soundsonline.com
Format PC/Mac, VST/AU/
AAX/Standalone
An extensive array of
timpani, snare drums,
cymbals, bells, wooden,
tuned and other percussion,
presented in EastWest’s very
capable Play ROMpler
engine/interface. Eight-way
round robin playback keeps
things sounding realistic, and
the numerous articulations
make all of the instruments very easy to negotiate and play.
The timpani, marimba and ‘Brake Drum and Anvils’ presets are
particular highlights, but there’s nothing here that lets the side
down. These are truly exceptional recordings that composers
and soundtrack producers will get endless mileage out of.
At 10GB, the Gold version of HOP is 65GB smaller than the
full-on Platinum edition, which includes four more mic channels.
Given that Platinum comes in at only €80 more, we’d suggest it
actually represents the better value of the two, making Gold’s
comparatively inlexible soundstage feel rather pricey.
n8/10n
Web www.novationmusic.com
Format PC/Mac/iOS
Novation’s singular audio interface carves its
own niche with the inclusion of a three-port USB
2 hub, thus boosting the number of ports on the
host computer by two (it requires one for itself,
of course, hooked up with the included high-vis
green cable). The reason for such modernist
connectivity is that it’s squarely aimed at
‘electronic’ musicians, rather than
instrumentalists, a fact made even clearer by its
two phono inputs – you won’t be plugging your
guitar or mic into this one without an
intermediary device of some sort.
At the other end of the signal low are four
phono outputs (1/2, 3/4), two balanced 1/4" outs
(1/2) and a 1/4" headphone socket with cue
switching between outputs 1/2 and 3/4. All three
stereo outputs (1/2, 3/4 and ’phones) get their
own level knobs, complete with signal LEDs, and
zero-latency monitoring is activated with a press
of the Input Monitor button.
The audio circuitry is by Focusrite, and
Novation’s claim of “super-
loud” output is supported
by the specs (+18.4dBu
maximum on the balanced
outs, +14dBu on the
phonos, +14.7dBu on the
headphones) and, indeed,
experience – it really is
very loud indeed.
Inevitably, your laptop or
iPad battery isn’t going to
deliver anywhere near enough
juice to energise the three USB
ports, which is where the included
power supply comes in. Used solely as
an audio interface, however, the
Audiohub can be bus-powered.
Given its electronica remit, we’re undecided
as to whether or not we’re bothered by the lack
of 5-pin MIDI I/O; but we would certainly
welcome a 1/4"/XLR input/preamp or two.
That said, it’s not often that an audio
interface gets us genuinely excited, but the
Audiohub 2x4’s combination of ease-of-use,
clear usage proposition, USB hubbery and
stellar audio quality has us as ired up as we
can remember ever being about such a thing.
At this price, we highly recommend it as a
versatile, reliable accompaniment to any laptop
or iPad DJ setup.
n9/10n
Novation
Audiohub 2x4 £192
February 2015 / COMPUTER MUSIC / 111
mini reviews / reviews <
CMU213.rev_mini.indd 111 10/12/2014 11:50