hashimoto's Activity

The ODAC (Digital to Analog Converter) by JDS Labs

The ObjectiveDAC (ODAC) is a high‑performance digital‑to‑analog converter (DAC) developed by Yoyodyne Consulting with design and performance validation from engineer NwAvGuy the same minds behind the well‑known Objective2 (O2) headphone amplifier.
It was produced and distributed by JDS Labs as a transparent, reference‑grade USB DAC intended to provide clean, neutral, low‑distortion audio conversion from digital sources (like computers) to analog line‑level output.
It was often paired with headphone amplifiers such as the Objective2 (in separate boxes or as a combo) to form a high‑quality, low‑coloration audio front end.
The ODAC design became popular among audiophiles and enthusiasts thanks to its measured performance that met or exceeded objective transparency goals, offering neutral frequency response, low noise, and low jitter within its supported sample rates. It was designed to be compatible with USB Audio Class 1, meaning no special drivers are required on most operating systems.
⚠️ Discontinued: ODAC has been retired from JDS Labs’ active product lineup; it has been superseded by newer DAC designs such as the Atom DAC 2 and other models.

Specs:

• Frequency Response: ±0.04 dB (20 Hz–20 kHz) very flat/neutral response.
• THD+N: Typically ~0.0015–0.0028 % across the audible band.
• IMD CCIF / SMPTE: ~0.0015 % or better.
• Noise (A‑Weighted): ~–103 dBu low noise floor.
• Dynamic Range: >112 dB (A‑weighted) wide dynamic range.
• Linearity Error: ~–0.08 dB — good low‑level linearity.
• Crosstalk: ~–86 dB at –10 dBFS (line output).
• USB Jitter: ~–112 dB components at 11 025 Hz very low jitter.
• Sampling Support: 16/44.1, 16/48, 16/88.2, 16/96, 24/44.1, 24/48, 24/96 kHz.
• USB Interface: USB Audio Class 1 works with native OS drivers.
• Line‑level Output: 3.5 mm jack (standalone ODAC) or RCA outputs (depending on version/enclosure).
• Max Output: ~2.1 VRMS line‑level.
• Powered By: USB self‑powered (no external PSU needed on standalone ODAC versions).
• PCB Size: ~49 × 58 mm (for board‑only ODAC).
• Weight: ~2 oz.

Performance figures make the ODAC a neutral, accurate DAC without added tonal coloration; this was its defining appeal among reviewers and enthusiasts.

The Objective 2 Headphone Amplifier by JDS Labs

The JDS Labs Objective 2 is a reference‑grade desktop headphone amplifier designed with an emphasis on neutral sound, extremely low distortion, and high output power while keeping cost and complexity down.
It was originally developed based on a popular open‑source design by engineer NwAvGuy, and sold fully assembled and hand‑tested by JDS Labs.
The goal of the Objective 2 (often abbreviated O2) was to deliver transparent amplification with very low noise and distortion, making it ideal for driving a wide range of dynamic headphones from low‑impedance models to high‑impedance studio and audiophile cans.
Although the Objective 2 has since been discontinued (superseded by newer models such as the Atom series), it remains well regarded in headphone‑enthusiast communities for its sound purity, low output impedance, and excellent power delivery across loads.

Specs:

Frequency Response: ±0.1 dB (20 Hz – 20 kHz) flat, transparent response.
THD (1 kHz, 150 Ω): 0.0016 % very low distortion.
IMD CCIF (15 Ω): 0.001 % / IMD SMPTE: 0.002 % low intermodulation distortion.
Noise (ref 400 mV): –105 dB very quiet background.
Max Output Power: ~613 mW @ 33 Ω / ~355 mW @ 150 Ω / ~88 mW @ 600 Ω ample power for most headphones.
Output Impedance: 0.54 Ω ensures accurate headphone damping.
Crosstalk (15 Ω): ~–65 dB channel separation.
Channel Balance (50 % volume): ~0.6 dB close left/right matching.
Battery Runtime (if battery powered): ~6–8 hours.
Dimensions: ~108.5 × 80 × 29.5 mm (4.3 × 3.15 × 1.16″).
Weight: ~11 oz (≈ 311 g) with batteries.
Gain Settings: Two gain options (~2.5× and ~6.5×) to suit efficient and less efficient headphones.
Volume Control: Alps analog potentiometer.
Connectors: Configurable input (3.5 mm or RCA) and output (3.5 mm or 6.35 mm) options.
Objective 2 amplifier
15 VAC power adapter
Two low‑self‑discharge 9 V NiMH batteries
Rubber feet and instruction manual.

The Objective 2 Headphone Amplifier by JDS Labs

The JDS Labs Objective 2 is a reference‑grade desktop headphone amplifier designed with an emphasis on neutral sound, extremely low distortion, and high output power while keeping cost and complexity down.
It was originally developed based on a popular open‑source design by engineer NwAvGuy, and sold fully assembled and hand‑tested by JDS Labs.
The goal of the Objective 2 (often abbreviated O2) was to deliver transparent amplification with very low noise and distortion, making it ideal for driving a wide range of dynamic headphones from low‑impedance models to high‑impedance studio and audiophile cans.
Although the Objective 2 has since been discontinued (superseded by newer models such as the Atom series), it remains well regarded in headphone‑enthusiast communities for its sound purity, low output impedance, and excellent power delivery across loads.

Specs:

• Frequency Response: ±0.1 dB (20 Hz – 20 kHz) flat, transparent response.
• THD (1 kHz, 150 Ω): 0.0016 % very low distortion.
• IMD CCIF (15 Ω): 0.001 % / IMD SMPTE: 0.002 % low intermodulation distortion.
• Noise (ref 400 mV): –105 dB very quiet background.
• Max Output Power: ~613 mW @ 33 Ω / ~355 mW @ 150 Ω / ~88 mW @ 600 Ω ample power for most headphones.
• Output Impedance: 0.54 Ω ensures accurate headphone damping.
• Crosstalk (15 Ω): ~–65 dB channel separation.
• Channel Balance (50 % volume): ~0.6 dB close left/right matching.
• Battery Runtime (if battery powered): ~6–8 hours.
• Dimensions: ~108.5 × 80 × 29.5 mm (4.3 × 3.15 × 1.16″).
• Weight: ~11 oz (≈ 311 g) with batteries.
• Gain Settings: Two gain options (~2.5× and ~6.5×) to suit efficient and less efficient headphones.
• Volume Control: Alps analog potentiometer.
• Connectors: Configurable input (3.5 mm or RCA) and output (3.5 mm or 6.35 mm) options.
• Objective 2 amplifier
• 15 VAC power adapter
• Two low‑self‑discharge 9 V NiMH batteries
• Rubber feet and instruction manual.

The Objective 2 Headphone Amplifier by JDS Labs

The JDS Labs Objective 2 is a reference‑grade desktop headphone amplifier designed with an emphasis on neutral sound, extremely low distortion, and high output power while keeping cost and complexity down.
It was originally developed based on a popular open‑source design by engineer NwAvGuy, and sold fully assembled and hand‑tested by JDS Labs.
The goal of the Objective 2 (often abbreviated O2) was to deliver transparent amplification with very low noise and distortion, making it ideal for driving a wide range of dynamic headphones from low‑impedance models to high‑impedance studio and audiophile cans.
Although the Objective 2 has since been discontinued (superseded by newer models such as the Atom series), it remains well regarded in headphone‑enthusiast communities for its sound purity, low output impedance, and excellent power delivery across loads.

Specs:

Frequency Response: ±0.1 dB (20 Hz – 20 kHz) flat, transparent response.
THD (1 kHz, 150 Ω): 0.0016 % very low distortion.
IMD CCIF (15 Ω): 0.001 % / IMD SMPTE: 0.002 % low intermodulation distortion.
Noise (ref 400 mV): –105 dB very quiet background.
Max Output Power: ~613 mW @ 33 Ω / ~355 mW @ 150 Ω / ~88 mW @ 600 Ω ample power for most headphones.
Output Impedance: 0.54 Ω ensures accurate headphone damping.
Crosstalk (15 Ω): ~–65 dB channel separation.
Channel Balance (50 % volume): ~0.6 dB close left/right matching.
Battery Runtime (if battery powered): ~6–8 hours.
Dimensions: ~108.5 × 80 × 29.5 mm (4.3 × 3.15 × 1.16″).
Weight: ~11 oz (≈ 311 g) with batteries.
Gain Settings: Two gain options (~2.5× and ~6.5×) to suit efficient and less efficient headphones.
Volume Control: Alps analog potentiometer.
Connectors: Configurable input (3.5 mm or RCA) and output (3.5 mm or 6.35 mm) options.
Objective 2 amplifier
15 VAC power adapter
Two low‑self‑discharge 9 V NiMH batteries
Rubber feet and instruction manual.

The Hans Zimmer Guitars Vol. 1 Plug-Ins by Spectrasonics

Spectrasonics Hans Zimmer Guitars Vol. 1 is a legacy sample library of expressive, multisampled guitar instruments drawn from the private sample collection of Oscar‑ and Grammy‑winning film composer Hans Zimmer.
It was produced in collaboration with Spectrasonics and distributed via ILIO in classic sampler formats. The library focuses on high‑quality guitar textures that go beyond simple one‑shots, offering detailed velocity‑sensitive samples that allow for nuanced articulations such as string slides, pops, harmonics, and dynamic expression.
The collection includes a wide variety of acoustic and electric guitar sounds from pristine nylon and steel‑string acoustics to vintage‑style electrics and lead tones and includes tempo‑keyed grooves and patterns in addition to single‑note multisamples.
This versatility makes it suitable for film scoring, hybrid music production, rock/folk/ambient guitar parts, and cinematic textures.
Sweetwater

Specs:

Sound Quality & Expressiveness
Velocity Layers: Up to 12‑way velocity switching for detailed dynamic control including slides, harmonics, and expressive nuances.
Articulations: Includes string slides, pops, harmonics, saturated attacks, and sustained notes to mimic expressive real‑guitar performance.
Grooves: Guitar grooves presented in every key signature and multiple tempos, allowing tempo‑synced performance and rhythm layering.

Instrument Range:
• Acoustic guitars: Nylon string, steel string, major/minor acoustic strums (up/down strokes)
• Electric guitars: Vintage Telecasters, lead tones, PRS collectors‑edition guitar, overdriven and clean electric multis
• Tone Styles: Clean, funk, rock, lead, muted, and expressive dynamic tones across acoustic and electric instruments.

Formats:

Legacy Sampler Formats
Akai CD‑ROM Format: Multisample instrument bank and grooves for Akai samplers.
Roland CD‑ROM Format: Mapped for Roland samplers (S‑series, S‑700/770 etc.).
These formats contain multisampled data organized into patches and performances with multiple articulations and dynamic layers.
As a Spectrasonics legacy product, many of the Vol. 1 samples have been incorporated into Spectrasonics Omnisphere where you can find patches derived from this library using the legacy browser tags.
Though the original standalone CD‑ROM libraries are no longer sold by Spectrasonics, their content lives on within Omnisphere’s modern instrument ecosystem.

Hans Zimmer Guitars Vol. 2 by Spectrasonics

Spectrasonics Hans Zimmer Guitars Vol. 2 is the second volume of the guitar sample library originally created for and used by Oscar and Grammy‑winning film composer Hans Zimmer.
It was produced by Spectrasonics with veteran sound designer Bob Daspit leading the sampling and programming to capture high‑quality multisampled guitars and related stringed instruments with expressive dynamics and nuanced performance details like velocity‑switching, slides, harmonics, and vibrato control via dynamics.
This volume was created as a follow‑on to the original Hans Zimmer Guitars library, expanding the sonic palette with new guitar types and world stringed instruments that are suitable for film scoring, world music, acoustic and hybrid production, and expressive solo or ensemble parts.
In contrast to typical guitar loops or basic guitar‑sound libraries, this collection focuses on detailed multisampled instruments with expressive performance articulations that allow realistic playability for composers and producers.

Specs:

• Instruments Included (Examples)
• Rich Jazz‑style guitar, expressive and suitable as a solo instrument.
• 1909 Gibson A2 Mandolin — vintage stringed instrument with folk/country character.
• 1947 Lap Steel Slide Guitar — classic slide tone with a warm, vintage timbre.
• Coral Electric Sitar — a psychedelic‑era electric sitar sound revived in a modern context.
• Electric Baritone Guitar — Duane Eddy‑style deep twang.
• Steel String Acoustic Guitar — clear, balanced acoustic ideal for fingerstyle and solo usage.

South American Instruments:
• Cuatro — four‑course string instrument with sustained shimmer.
• Charango — small stringed instrument with a bright, expressive sound.
• Cavaquinho — high‑pitched punchy string instrument.
• Flamenco Nylon Guitar — fiery rasgueado and tremolo articulations.

Middle Eastern Stringed Instruments:
• Oud — fretless deep tones.
• Saz — spicy six‑string traditional instrument.
• Cumbus — 12‑string Turkish instrument with distinctive tone.
• Yayli Tambur — long‑necked instrument capable of haunting drones and plucks.
Velocity‑switching and expressive control allowing dynamic slides, harmonics, and nuanced tonal variation.
Instruments sampled with multiple velocity layers and dynamic articulations for realism.
Designed for rich expressive playability across genres from acoustic and folk to cinematic and world‑music textures.

** Formats:**

Originally released on CD‑ROM in classic hardware/legacy sampler formats, including: • Akai CD‑ROM format — for Akai samplers and compatible tools. • Roland CD‑ROM format for Roland hardware samplers and compatible hosts.

These formats contain the multisample data and patch listings mapping the instrument samples across keys and dynamics.
As part of Spectrasonics’ legacy library, the original samples from Hans Zimmer Guitars Vol. 2 are also incorporated into Spectrasonics Omnisphere you can search the Omnisphere browser using the legacy tag “Hans Zimmer Guitars 2” to find patches built from this material.
The Vol. 2 product itself is no longer actively sold as a standalone disc or install‑package on the Spectrasonics site; its content persists mainly through legacy formats and modern integration in Omnisphere.

Hans Zimmer Guitars Vol. 2 by Spectrasonics

Spectrasonics Hans Zimmer Guitars Vol. 2 is the second volume of the guitar sample library originally created for and used by Oscar and Grammy‑winning film composer Hans Zimmer.
It was produced by Spectrasonics with veteran sound designer Bob Daspit leading the sampling and programming to capture high‑quality multisampled guitars and related stringed instruments with expressive dynamics and nuanced performance details like velocity‑switching, slides, harmonics, and vibrato control via dynamics.
This volume was created as a follow‑on to the original Hans Zimmer Guitars library, expanding the sonic palette with new guitar types and world stringed instruments that are suitable for film scoring, world music, acoustic and hybrid production, and expressive solo or ensemble parts.
In contrast to typical guitar loops or basic guitar‑sound libraries, this collection focuses on detailed multisampled instruments with expressive performance articulations that allow realistic playability for composers and producers.

Specs:

• Instruments Included (Examples)
• Rich Jazz‑style guitar, expressive and suitable as a solo instrument.
• 1909 Gibson A2 Mandolin — vintage stringed instrument with folk/country character.
• 1947 Lap Steel Slide Guitar — classic slide tone with a warm, vintage timbre.
• Coral Electric Sitar — a psychedelic‑era electric sitar sound revived in a modern context.
• Electric Baritone Guitar — Duane Eddy‑style deep twang.
• Steel String Acoustic Guitar — clear, balanced acoustic ideal for fingerstyle and solo usage.

South American Instruments:
• Cuatro — four‑course string instrument with sustained shimmer.
• Charango — small stringed instrument with a bright, expressive sound.
• Cavaquinho — high‑pitched punchy string instrument.
• Flamenco Nylon Guitar — fiery rasgueado and tremolo articulations.

Middle Eastern Stringed Instruments:
• Oud — fretless deep tones.
• Saz — spicy six‑string traditional instrument.
• Cumbus — 12‑string Turkish instrument with distinctive tone.
• Yayli Tambur — long‑necked instrument capable of haunting drones and plucks.
Velocity‑switching and expressive control allowing dynamic slides, harmonics, and nuanced tonal variation.
Instruments sampled with multiple velocity layers and dynamic articulations for realism.
Designed for rich expressive playability across genres from acoustic and folk to cinematic and world‑music textures.

** Formats:**

Originally released on CD‑ROM in classic hardware/legacy sampler formats, including:
• Akai CD‑ROM format — for Akai samplers and compatible tools.
• Roland CD‑ROM format for Roland hardware samplers and compatible hosts.

These formats contain the multisample data and patch listings mapping the instrument samples across keys and dynamics.
As part of Spectrasonics’ legacy library, the original samples from Hans Zimmer Guitars Vol. 2 are also incorporated into Spectrasonics Omnisphere you can search the Omnisphere browser using the legacy tag “Hans Zimmer Guitars 2” to find patches built from this material.
The Vol. 2 product itself is no longer actively sold as a standalone disc or install‑package on the Spectrasonics site; its content persists mainly through legacy formats and modern integration in Omnisphere.

Hans Zimmer Guitars Vol. 2 by Spectrasonics

Spectrasonics Hans Zimmer Guitars Vol. 2 is the second volume of the guitar sample library originally created for and used by Oscar and Grammy‑winning film composer Hans Zimmer.
It was produced by Spectrasonics with veteran sound designer Bob Daspit leading the sampling and programming to capture high‑quality multisampled guitars and related stringed instruments with expressive dynamics and nuanced performance details like velocity‑switching, slides, harmonics, and vibrato control via dynamics.
This volume was created as a follow‑on to the original Hans Zimmer Guitars library, expanding the sonic palette with new guitar types and world stringed instruments that are suitable for film scoring, world music, acoustic and hybrid production, and expressive solo or ensemble parts.
In contrast to typical guitar loops or basic guitar‑sound libraries, this collection focuses on detailed multisampled instruments with expressive performance articulations that allow realistic playability for composers and producers.

Specs:

• Instruments Included (Examples)
• Rich Jazz‑style guitar, expressive and suitable as a solo instrument.
• 1909 Gibson A2 Mandolin — vintage stringed instrument with folk/country character.
• 1947 Lap Steel Slide Guitar — classic slide tone with a warm, vintage timbre.
• Coral Electric Sitar — a psychedelic‑era electric sitar sound revived in a modern context.
• Electric Baritone Guitar — Duane Eddy‑style deep twang.
• Steel String Acoustic Guitar — clear, balanced acoustic ideal for fingerstyle and solo usage.

South American Instruments:
• Cuatro — four‑course string instrument with sustained shimmer.
• Charango — small stringed instrument with a bright, expressive sound.
• Cavaquinho — high‑pitched punchy string instrument.
• Flamenco Nylon Guitar — fiery rasgueado and tremolo articulations.

Middle Eastern Stringed Instruments:
• Oud — fretless deep tones.
• Saz — spicy six‑string traditional instrument.
• Cumbus — 12‑string Turkish instrument with distinctive tone.
• Yayli Tambur — long‑necked instrument capable of haunting drones and plucks.
Velocity‑switching and expressive control allowing dynamic slides, harmonics, and nuanced tonal variation.
Instruments sampled with multiple velocity layers and dynamic articulations for realism.
Designed for rich expressive playability across genres from acoustic and folk to cinematic and world‑music textures.

** Formats:**

Originally released on CD‑ROM in classic hardware/legacy sampler formats, including: • Akai CD‑ROM format — for Akai samplers and compatible tools. • Roland CD‑ROM format for Roland hardware samplers and compatible hosts.

These formats contain the multisample data and patch listings mapping the instrument samples across keys and dynamics.
As part of Spectrasonics’ legacy library, the original samples from Hans Zimmer Guitars Vol. 2 are also incorporated into Spectrasonics Omnisphere you can search the Omnisphere browser using the legacy tag “Hans Zimmer Guitars 2” to find patches built from this material.
The Vol. 2 product itself is no longer actively sold as a standalone disc or install‑package on the Spectrasonics site; its content persists mainly through legacy formats and modern integration in Omnisphere.

The Bizarre Guitar Plug-Ins by Spectrasonics

Spectrasonics Bizarre Guitar is a legacy sample‑library project released by Spectrasonics in the early 2000s that explores experimental and unusual guitar‑based textures and soundscapes rather than traditional playable guitar samples.
It was created as a collaboration between guitarist/sound designer Peter Maunu and Spectrasonics’ Eric Persing, focusing on crafting unique sound sources from guitar recordings that blur the line between guitar, ambience, and abstract sound design.
Unlike straightforward guitar loop packs, Bizarre Guitar contains heavily processed, layered, and manipulated sounds including ambient beds, eerie drones, weird rhythmic loops, bowed‑guitar pads, sci‑fi effects, and other textures made from guitars using tape loops, effects, and early digital processing.
This makes it especially useful for cinematic scoring, ambient music, experimental compositions, sound design, and atmospheric layering.
The library was never a “traditional playable guitar VST,” but rather a sound exploration where guitar recordings are transformed into pads, drones, weird rhythms, textural elements, and expressive sound sources.

Specs:

Source Material: Processed guitar recordings using effects, tape loops, bowed techniques, e‑bow, hardware processing, and studio experimentation.
Sound Types:
• Ambient and atmospheric beds
• Strange, otherworldly drones
• Loops and textures
• Unreal “guitar‑derived” pads and soundscapes
• Bends, bends drones, sci‑fi clusters and effects
• Bowed and echo‑enhanced guitar multis

(Example categories from the original Roland/Akai listing of the library)
Articulation & Expression: Not designed as a playable instrument with traditional articulations; many sounds are static beds or long evolving textures rather than velocity‑layered note samples.
Musical Character: Experimental, cinematic, weird, ambient, texture‑led, atmospheric, and sci‑fi oriented.
The Bizarre Guitar library is often grouped conceptually with other Spectrasonics legacy titles like Distorted Reality because it isn’t just guitar but more expansive sound design derived from guitar sources.

Formats:

• Roland CD‑ROM listing showing assorted sounds and loops labeled by category.
• Akai CD‑ROM sample bank listing with drones, multis, loops, textures, bends, and more.
• Audio CD: A straight audio format (tracks and loops) was also an option in some releases.
• Groove Control™: Some versions included tempo‑matched and key‑synced loops that could be manipulated in compatible sequencers/samplers.
• The majority of the Bizarre Guitar sound sources have been incorporated into Omnisphere’s core library, where you can find legacy patches and textures derived from these sounds directly inside Omnisphere’s browser.
• There’s even a legacy search tag “Bizarre Guitar” to find patches that use these original samples.
• As a legacy Spectrasonics product, Bizarre Guitar is no longer sold as a standalone CD‑ROM library, but the sounds live on inside Omnisphere so the most straightforward way to access them today is via Omnisphere’s built‑in sample browser rather than an original CD.

The Percussive Adventures 1 Plug-Ins by Eastwest

Percussive Adventures 1 is a classic rhythmic sample library distributed by EastWest that delivers evolving, cinematic percussive performances and rhythmic soundscapes designed for composers, sound designers, and producers.
It was originally released as part of the EastWest 25th Anniversary Collection and became a legendary library in the scoring world due to its cinematic impact and unique character.
Rather than simple one‑shot drum hits, Percussive Adventures 1 focuses on 20–40‑second rhythmic beds, layered pulses, character‑rich hits, FX, ethnic accents, tribal textures, and suspense cues that are ideal for film, TV, trailers, and dramatic underscore.
Many of the preset names reference cinematic cues and familiar movie‑style vibes (e.g., Blade Runner, Stargate, Tarzan), reflecting its score‑driven aesthetic.
The library has a construction‑kit feel: each instrument or preset offers multiple layers and variations from full ensemble percussive loops to isolated hits and rhythmic accent patterns making it flexible for both rhythmic beds and hybrid music production.
Keyboard magazine even awarded it a Key Buy Award, and it has been widely used by film and TV composers and remixers alike for its dynamic and highly expressive percussive content.

Specs:

Percussive loops & beds: 20–40 seconds in length, with evolving rhythm and texture
Accents & hits: High/low hits, brush sounds, military accents, bells & FX
Trails & pulses: Rhythmic pulses covering a wide tempo range (e.g., ~68–142 BPM)
Special FX: Scary FX, comedic FX, trails, texture elements
Rhythmic categories: Tribal, military, cinematic tension, etc.
Highly cinematic, atmospheric and hybrid percussive sounds
Combines ethnic, tribal, and dramatic scoring textures
Designed for both background rhythmic beds and foreground impact layers
Works well for film, TV, games, and hybrid electronic cues
Produktionsmusik und Sample-Bibliothek
Libraries like this can tempo‑sync with your sequencer once tempo sync is turned on in the instrument settings.
Individual loop variations are often mapped so that a full loop plays at original tempo and then syncs to the host DAW once enabled.

Formats:

Accessed via EastWest PLAY / OPUS engine (the company’s sample player/plug‑in environment) it loads the library as a playable instrument within your DAW.
Contemporary usage on Windows/macOS typically uses PLAY 6 / Opus
PLAY provides instrument browsing, tempo sync, mixing, and effects parameters
Part of the EastWest 25th Anniversary Collection (often distributed on installable library packages)
Also available individually within EastWest ComposerCloud subscription programs.

The Orchestral Collection Plug-Ins by Prosonus

Prosonus The Orchestral Collection is a legacy orchestral virtual instrument/sound library developed by Big Fish Audio / Prosonus that offers a comprehensive set of orchestral samples spanning the full symphonic palette from strings and brass to woodwinds, percussion, and harp.
The collection includes solo and section samples, basic articulations (sustains, pizzicato, marcato) and orchestral FX, making it useful for composers, arrangers, producers, and sound designers who need a broad orchestral toolkit.
This library has been released historically in multiple formats including a plugin version built on the UVI engine and is known for a warm, rich orchestral sound that, while somewhat dated compared to modern high‑end libraries, still finds use in various creative contexts.
User impressions note that the library can have some lo‑fi sample quality compared with modern orchestral collections, but that its breadth and breadth of instruments make it a fun and affordable option for general orchestral textures and hybrid compositions.

Specs:

Orchestral Content
Strings: sustained, marcato, pizzicato, FX
Solo & section violins, violas, cellos, double basses
Brass: trumpet, piccolo trumpet, flugelhorn, French horn, trombone, bass trombone, tuba, plus ensemble/orchestra patches
Woodwinds: flute, alto flute, piccolo, clarinet, oboe, English horn, bassoon, contrabassoon
Harp: single notes and glissandi
Percussion: timpani, tubular bells, triangle, cymbals, gong, snare/snares rolls, and more orchestral percussion FX
Sound Character
Warm, classic orchestral timbres typical of older sample libraries
Some unique/quirky ensemble effects and expressive articulations
Interface focuses on preset browsing and straightforward sound selection rather than deep performance scripting or advanced articulations
Performance Features
Simple interface with preset and category browsing
Basic volume, pan, reverb, and filter controls (plugin versions)
Sounds can be used as complete orchestral patches or layered in arrangements
Limitations Noted by Users
Some sample sets may sound dated or lo‑fi versus modern orchestral libraries
Less flexibility for real‑time articulation switching (e.g., keyswitching or CC) than newer virtual instrument libraries
Not designed as a full scoring engine more of a sample palette than an advanced orchestral instrument

Formats:

Stand‑alone VST / AU / RTAS / MAS plugin formats (for Windows and macOS) built on the UVI engine
Provides simple preset selection and playback without requiring an external sampler host
AKAI, SF2/soundfont, EXS24, GigaSampler, HALion, SampleTank and other classic sampler formats in some releases
These are primarily multisampled instrument banks mapped for use in hardware/software samplers
Legacy Distribution
Originally distributed on CD‑ROM and as downloadable sample packs
Some versions include separate audio assets and presets for different host environments

The Prepared Piano Plug-Ins by Prosonus

Prosonus Prepared Piano is a sample library / virtual instrument based on sounds produced from a prepared piano a traditional piano altered by placing objects between or on the strings, hammers, or other parts to create unconventional, metallic, percussive, and otherworldly timbres.
The library focuses on experimental and sound‑design‑oriented material, making it especially useful for film scoring, soundtracks, ambient textures, electronic music, and cinematic effects rather than purely traditional piano performance.
The sounds retain an organic acoustic quality since they originate from a real acoustic instrument, but due to the preparation techniques used, many patches sound radically different from a standard piano offering eerie scrapes, ambient drones, percussive hits, warped harmonics, unusual clusters, and unique tonal textures.
This library is ideal for composers and sound designers looking for distinctive, cinematic, and experimental piano‑derived sounds that can function as both musical layers and sound‑effect sources.
A detailed instrument count (e.g., number of samples/multisamples) isn’t always published officially, but independent product reviews describe dozens of individual instruments and layers derived from the sample set.

Specs:

Source Instrument: Prepared piano with various objects inserted/manipulated on strings and hammers to create altered timbres and unusual resonances.
Eerie scrapes and death scrapes
Low ominous drones and whale‑like moans
Percussive hits (log drums, wood thunks, piano kick‑type sounds)
Tuned and untuned melodic/percussive tones
Mechanical and space‑age textures
Clustered piano tones and warped harmonics
Articulation Types: A mix of percussive and tonal elements rather than traditional velocity‑layered piano note samples.
Instrument Count: The library contains multiple unique instrument patches derived from the prepared piano samples (e.g., Log Drums, Mutant Banjo, Power Harp, Woodblocks, etc.).

Formats:

• The Prosonus Prepared Piano library has historically been distributed through Big Fish Audio in downloadable sampler‑ready formats.
• Common formats you may see depending on the release and download options include: GigaSampler / GigaStudio (standalone sampler format)
• Stereo sample libraries (often delivered as .GIG files containing all content in stereo and mono versions)
• Other compatible formats are typically available with Big Fish Audio products, though specific bundled formats vary by purchase option:
• WAV / multi‑format exports
• EXS24 (Logic Sampler)
• Kontakt (requires full version)
• HALion / UVI / Maschine etc.
• Loop and Grooves formats (REX, RMX, Apple Loops, etc.) when offered in multiformat pack releases

Experience the rhythm of the pros with the ILIO Sample Library: Double Platinum Drums (Akai) - Four Disc Set. Crafted by music industry legends John Boylan, Michael Botts, and Paul Grupp, this collection is a treasure trove of nearly 2000 high-quality drum samples. Immerse yourself in a world of sound, with over 500 loops and phrases alongside 400 individual hits, meticulously captured in one of LA's top studios for pristine audio clarity.

This comprehensive library covers an extensive range of styles, from rock and R&B to Latin and metal, ensuring you'll find the perfect beat for any project. With tempos ranging from 66 BPM to 203 BPM, each style comes equipped with intros, fills, and endings, enabling you to construct complete tracks with ease. The featured Drum Workshop and Tama Superstar kits, complemented by eight distinctive snares and Zildjian cymbals, are recorded in their natural setting to provide perfectly accurate stereo imaging.

Whether you're a seasoned producer or an aspiring musician, Double Platinum Drums offers unparalleled versatility and authenticity, making it an essential addition to your music production arsenal.

Key Features:

• Nearly 2000 samples including over 500 loops and phrases
• Styles: rock, pop rock, R&B, country, funk, metal, shuffle, Latin, and more
• Tempos ranging from 66 BPM to 203 BPM
• Includes intros, fills, and endings for complete song creation
• Drum Workshop and Tama Superstar kits with eight snares
• Zildjian A, K, Platinum, and Effects cymbals
• Recorded in LA's premier studio for pristine sound quality
• Accurate stereo imaging with full kit recordings

Experience the rhythm of the pros with the ILIO Sample Library: Double Platinum Drums (Akai) - Four Disc Set. Crafted by music industry legends John Boylan, Michael Botts, and Paul Grupp, this collection is a treasure trove of nearly 2000 high-quality drum samples. Immerse yourself in a world of sound, with over 500 loops and phrases alongside 400 individual hits, meticulously captured in one of LA's top studios for pristine audio clarity.

This comprehensive library covers an extensive range of styles, from rock and R&B to Latin and metal, ensuring you'll find the perfect beat for any project. With tempos ranging from 66 BPM to 203 BPM, each style comes equipped with intros, fills, and endings, enabling you to construct complete tracks with ease. The featured Drum Workshop and Tama Superstar kits, complemented by eight distinctive snares and Zildjian cymbals, are recorded in their natural setting to provide perfectly accurate stereo imaging.

Whether you're a seasoned producer or an aspiring musician, Double Platinum Drums offers unparalleled versatility and authenticity, making it an essential addition to your music production arsenal.

Key Features:

• Nearly 2000 samples including over 500 loops and phrases
• Styles: rock, pop rock, R&B, country, funk, metal, shuffle, Latin, and more
• Tempos ranging from 66 BPM to 203 BPM
• Includes intros, fills, and endings for complete song creation
• Drum Workshop and Tama Superstar kits with eight snares
• Zildjian A, K, Platinum, and Effects cymbals
• Recorded in LA's premier studio for pristine sound quality
• Accurate stereo imaging with full kit recordings

The Ethno Techno Plug-Ins by ILIO

The Ethno Techno isn’t a traditional plugin instrument in the modern VST/AU sense it’s a sample-based groove library created and distributed by ILIO (Interactive Library/ILIO Entertainment) that was released in several formats for hardware/software samplers and, later, as Stylus RMX S.A.G.E. Xpanders for Spectrasonics’ Stylus RMX groove engine.
Genre­-crossing groove library blending ethnic/percussion textures with modern electronic/techno rhythmic ideas.
Created with Bashiri Johnson (a respected percussionist who’s worked with Whitney Houston, Miles Davis, Madonna, etc.) playing rare, custom, and traditional instruments many with unusual metallic or organic tones.
Loops span from ambient percussion explorations to radical heart-pounding beats, all with a unique organic, deep, and glassy sound.
Produced, mixed, and remixed by Eric Persing (founder of Spectrasonics and renowned sound designer) in some editions.

Standalone Sampler Library Editions Ethno Techno was issued for hardware samplers in multiple formats: Roland format (for Roland samplers) , Akai format (for Akai samplers)
Audio CD version providing loops and grooves usable in DAWs or CD-based playback.
These editions contained loops, mixes, elements, and remixes of grooves and were typically Groove Control-activated, meaning the grooves could be tempo-synced and manipulated in compatible samplers beyond basic tempo shift.

Stylus RMX – S.A.G.E. Xpander Edition:
Stylus RMX S.A.G.E. Xpanders are expansion libraries designed to integrate with Spectrasonics’ Stylus RMX rhythm/groove plug-in.
Ethno Techno was one of the first in ILIO’s S.A.G.E. Xpander series, featuring the full library plus bonus grooves and multi-patches that make use of Stylus RMX’s Spectrasonics Advanced Groove Engine (S.A.G.E.) for more flexibility and variation.
In this format, grooves are presented as construction kits meaning each groove can be decomposed and recombined with other elements, tempo-matched, and reshaped inside Stylus RMX.
This version requires Spectrasonics Stylus RMX it is not a standalone instrument/plugin by itself.

Ethno Techno contains a wide range of rhythmic material and sound textures:
Live percussion grooves that combine ethnic instrumentation with techno/urban production sensibilities.
Rare and custom instruments some were hand-welded or unconventional percussive sources alongside traditional skins and sticks.
Ambient to aggressive rhythms from spacious atmospheric sections to driving techno-influenced patterns.
Loops, remixes, and elements presented for flexible sequencing and remixing.
Loops are typically organized as mixes, elements, and remixes that can be tempo-synced and manipulated depending on the platform you use.

The Metamorphosis Plug-Ins by Spectrasonics

Spectrasonics Metamorphosis is a sample/loop library originally released in the early 2000s (circa 2001–2002) as part of Spectrasonics’ lineup of sound libraries for hardware and software samplers.
It was produced by Eric Persing, the renowned sound designer behind many Spectrasonics products.
This product is considered legacy and is no longer actively sold by Spectrasonics, but its content remains notable and has been incorporated into later products like Stylus RMX Xpanded.
Metamorphosis is now a legacy product it is no longer actively sold on the Spectrasonics site and is primarily found in vintage sample collections or second-hand markets.
Many of its grooves and design concepts have influenced later Spectrasonics products, especially groove-oriented instruments like Stylus RMX Xpanded. It is remembered for its creative loop content and the way it expanded on traditional sample libraries with tempo-matched menus and groove control processing.
Metamorphosis is a loop-based sample collection focused on creative rhythms, textures, and modern-style grooves particularly tailored toward remixing, contemporary production, and cinematic sound design.
A library of rhythmic loops, atmospheres, and unconventional textures spanning a wide stylistic range.
Designed more as a creative groove-inspiration tool than a traditional instrument.
Works well in film scoring, electronic music, trip-hop, drum ’n’ bass, and other modern genres.
Originally released on CD-ROM in formats for Akai, Roland, Gigastudio, and other samplers of the era.
Compared to pure sample packs, Metamorphosis included multiple organized loop sets, tempo category groupings, and Groove Control-enabled variations.
Later groove libraries, such as expansions for Stylus RMX, incorporated the Metamorphosis material as part of modern loop/groove engines.
Created by Eric Persing, Spectrasonics’ founder and lead sound designer, known for pushing creative sampling and groove design.
Programming and rhythmic processing were central to its design, making it a stylistically bold collection for its time.

• Hundreds of unique remix-oriented loops and rhythm patterns.
• Grooves range from floating, atmospheric trip-hop pulsations to experimental euro-club beats and intense drum ’n’ bass-style loops.
• Tempo spans roughly 50 BPM up to ~180 BPM, covering slow ambient to fast electronic grooves.
• Loops are organized in ways that facilitate real-time manipulation and layering.
• Groove Menus and Groove Control versions allow users to target specific rhythmic feels and combine grooves creatively especially in sequencers or Groove Control–aware samplers.
• Several “Groove Menus” present tempo-matched pattern sets that can be mixed/matched on the fly.
• Many loops include processed rhythmic elements, atmospheric pads, and textural layers typical of Spectrasonics’ creative style.
• The library is known for its distinctive sound design approach that blurs traditional genres and encourages hybrid production techniques.

The Heart of Africa Vol. 1 Plug-Ins by Spectrasonics

Spectrasonics Heart of Africa Vol. 1 is a classic African world-music sample library originally released in the mid-1990s for use with hardware and software samplers (Akai, Roland, Kurzweil, EMU, etc.). It was produced by Spectrasonics as part of their early series of ethnic and world sample collections and is now considered a legacy sample library.
Heart of Africa Vol. 1 was widely used in film scoring, world-music productions, and sample-based composition workflows during the hardware sampler era.
Its organic, field-recorded feel and authentic African textures made it a go-to source for cinematic and ethnic productions.
While the original library is no longer sold, portions of its content live on in modern Spectrasonics instruments like Omnisphere as part of curated legacy content.
Inclusion in Modern Instruments: Some elements have been incorporated into modern Spectrasonics instruments (e.g., Omnisphere) as part of legacy content bundles.
Instruments and samples are typically offered in both traditional tunings and Western tunings for easier musical integration.

African world-music sample library (CD-ROM / sampler format)
Original Formats: Akai, Roland, Kurzweil, CD-Audio and other standard sampler formats of the era
Status: Legacy product; no longer produced but historically significant and collectible
Distribution: Originally sold as a physical CD-ROM (often with two discs) containing multisamples and phrases

Heart of Africa Vol. 1 offers a wide variety of authentic African musical elements, including:
• South African choirs
• Tribal choir vocalizations
• Solo male and female vocal phrases and vocal “utterances”
• Whispers, shouts, and rhythmic chants
• Massive ensemble percussion (drums, hand drums)
• Body percussion (stomping, handclaps)
• Marching and ritualistic patterns
• Polyrhythmic loops and percussion FX
• Kalimbas, Sansas, M’biras (multi-sampled)
• Marimba, balaphone, slit & log drums
• Bushman instruments
• Ethiopian harps, berimbau, mouth bows
• Nigerian Udus, hunting horns, Pygmy pipes
• Moroccan and Berber instruments
• South African guitar grooves
• Village ambiences & natural SFX

In traditional Akai sampler format (example listing), the library is organized into multiple partitions and discs, such as:
Multisampled Voices & Choirs (S. African choirs, Zulu ensembles)
• African Winds & Ethnic Flutes
• Stringed Instruments & Berimbau
• Kalimbas & M’biras
• Various Percussion & FX
Tribal Phrases & Loop Sets Tribal Songs & Groove Phrases

This structure provided composers with both one-shot samples and loopable phrases for creative use.

Dive into a world of rich, immersive bass with the Spectrasonics Trilian 1.5 Bass Virtual Instrument Software. As the successor to the acclaimed Trilogy, Trilian redefines low-end production by offering an extensive library of acoustic, electric, and synth basses. Its STEAM Engine technology delivers unparalleled expression and realism, allowing you to craft bass lines that are both natural and dynamically expressive.

Trilian's innovative "Round Robin" sampling ensures that your repeated notes never sound mechanical, providing fresh variations with each strike. Whether you're into crafting groovy bass lines or exploring experimental soundscapes, Trilian has you covered with integrated FX racks and seamless Omnisphere compatibility, bringing all your sounds under one roof. And with the Flow Capture feature, you'll never lose a spontaneous musical idea, capturing every nuance directly from the standalone application with ease.

Perfect for composers, producers, and sound designers alike, Trilian offers a comprehensive toolkit for anyone looking to elevate their music production. Its user-friendly interface and powerful sound manipulation tools make it an essential addition to any musical setup.

Key Features:

• Successor to the award-winning Trilogy software
• Massive core library with acoustic, electric, and synth basses
• Based on advanced STEAM Engine technology
• Arpeggiator with Groove Lock for synchronized bass lines
• Omnisphere integration for seamless sound management
• Integrated FX racks and 8-part multitimbrality
• Extensive "Round Robin" sampling for natural sound
• Flow Capture feature for recording ideas in standalone mode
• High-definition streaming sample playback
• Expressive multisampled dynamic slides and live mode for real-time articulation options

Dive into a world of rich, immersive bass with the Spectrasonics Trilian 1.5 Bass Virtual Instrument Software. As the successor to the acclaimed Trilogy, Trilian redefines low-end production by offering an extensive library of acoustic, electric, and synth basses. Its STEAM Engine technology delivers unparalleled expression and realism, allowing you to craft bass lines that are both natural and dynamically expressive.

Trilian's innovative "Round Robin" sampling ensures that your repeated notes never sound mechanical, providing fresh variations with each strike. Whether you're into crafting groovy bass lines or exploring experimental soundscapes, Trilian has you covered with integrated FX racks and seamless Omnisphere compatibility, bringing all your sounds under one roof. And with the Flow Capture feature, you'll never lose a spontaneous musical idea, capturing every nuance directly from the standalone application with ease.

Perfect for composers, producers, and sound designers alike, Trilian offers a comprehensive toolkit for anyone looking to elevate their music production. Its user-friendly interface and powerful sound manipulation tools make it an essential addition to any musical setup.

Key Features:

• Successor to the award-winning Trilogy software
• Massive core library with acoustic, electric, and synth basses
• Based on advanced STEAM Engine technology
• Arpeggiator with Groove Lock for synchronized bass lines
• Omnisphere integration for seamless sound management
• Integrated FX racks and 8-part multitimbrality
• Extensive "Round Robin" sampling for natural sound
• Flow Capture feature for recording ideas in standalone mode
• High-definition streaming sample playback
• Expressive multisampled dynamic slides and live mode for real-time articulation options

The Heart of Africa Vol. 2 Plug-Ins by Spectrasonics

Spectrasonics Heart of Africa Volume 2 is a classic sample library produced and released by Spectrasonics in the 1990s as part of its Heart of Africa series of ethnic/world sample collections.
Legacy product no longer in current production, though many of its samples have been incorporated into modern Spectrasonics instruments such as Omnisphere.
It was issued on CD-ROM formats for Akai, Roland and similar samplers, and features authentic African musical performances and field-recorded sounds.
Series: Heart of Africa (Volume Two) second installment in Spectrasonics’ African world-music collection.
Although Heart of Africa Volume 2 is no longer sold as a standalone product, Spectrasonics has integrated many of its sounds into later flagship instruments like Omnisphere, where select vocal and percussion elements can still be accessed in a modern format.
Because of its rich tribal textures and real-world recordings, the library has been highly valued by composers particularly for film, TV, and world-music productions seeking authentic African vocal and rhythmic elements.
Type: Sample library for hardware/software samplers (Akai/EMU/Roland formats).
Original Release Era: Mid-1990s (classic physical CD-ROM distribution).
Volume 2 focuses on tribal and ensemble recordings captured on location or in authentic performance contexts, featuring:
Choirs and vocal shouts
Chants & call-and-response vocals
Polyrhythmic percussion ensemble grooves
Phrases and textures that work well for world music, cinematic scoring, tribal textures, and ethnic soundscapes
These performances come from various East African tribal groups, including: Maasai , Kikuyu , Meru , Pokot , Nandi peoples
Original Formats: Akai, Roland, and other CD-ROM sampler formats (compatible with many hardware and software samplers of the era).
Presentation Style: “Song-construction format” meaning the recordings are organized into phrases and loops you can sequence or trigger in your sampler.
Included Sounds: Ensemble phrases, vocal chants, percussion loops, and accompanying sound effects tied to cultural performance practices.

A track list from Volume 2 includes a broad range of ensemble pieces and ambient SFX such as: • Maassai Hut Ritual • Traditional folk songs • Harvest dance chants • African animal ambiences (hippos, crickets, night birds, markets, etc.)

The LA Composer Plug-Ins 4 CD Bundle by Roland

The Vintage Roland LA Composer is a collection of sample CDs from the 1990s that were circulated within the music production community particularly among composers and studios and associated with classic Roland sample libraries used on Roland samplers.
“LA Composer” was the name given to a set of 4 CDs originally compiled by Hans Zimmer’s Media Ventures music production group (which later became Remote Control Productions).
These CDs were not a commercial retail product in the traditional sense, but rather shared among composers and collaborators as part of studio sample resources during the late 1990s.

The set traditionally included the following discs: Volume 1 – Mixed Sample Sources A variety of samples drawn from multiple sources, including Roland’s own libraries and other third-party sound collections (e.g., Spectrasonics, Prosonus), curated to serve as a quick-start sample set.
This made it useful for composers prototyping cues and ideas quickly. Volume 2 – Roland Orchestral Family 2
Essentially a version of Roland’s “Orchestral Family 2” sample collection, containing orchestral instrument samples intended for use on Roland hardware samplers.
Volume 3 – Solo Brass, Woodwind & Turkish Strings
Focused on solo instrumental sounds such as brass, woodwinds, and Turkish string instruments reportedly created with film scoring contexts in mind (notably The Prince of Egypt era).
These samples were intended to give easier access to authentic solo-style timbres.
Volume 4 – London Symphony / Air Lyndhurst Recordings
Included sample material derived from the well-known 1995 London Symphony Orchestra/Air Lyndhurst recording sessions that Hans Zimmer used during the Crimson Tide project.
These orchestral multisamples became widely used among composers.
These discs were widely exchanged and used within the film and media composition community, even if they weren’t sold commercially like typical sample libraries. Some of these Roland sample CDs exist today as preserved disk images (e.g., ISO files labeled “Roland – LA Composer vol. 1–4” in vintage sample collections).
These sample CDs were primarily used with classic Roland samplers (e.g., S-770, S-760, and early digital workstations) and sometimes ported to other hardware/software formats.
While unconventional as an official product, they became well-known and widely used among film composers, sample pack collectors, and production studios due to their breadth and quality of sounds especially given Hans Zimmer’s involvement in their curation.
Many of the samples originated from multi-source libraries (Roland, Spectrasonics, Prosonus) and were organized to suit orchestral and cinematic composition workflows.

Roland LA Composer:

• A collection of 4 sample CDs from the 1990s.
• Originally compiled and shared by Hans Zimmer’s Media Ventures group.
• Included mixed samples, orchestral families, solo instruments, and elite orchestral session recordings.
• Used primarily with Roland samplers and production workflows of that era.

The LA Composer Plug-Ins 4 CD Bundle by Roland

The Vintage Roland LA Composer is a collection of sample CDs from the 1990s that were circulated within the music production community particularly among composers and studios and associated with classic Roland sample libraries used on Roland samplers.
“LA Composer” was the name given to a set of 4 CDs originally compiled by Hans Zimmer’s Media Ventures music production group These CDs were not a commercial retail product in the traditional sense, but rather shared among composers and collaborators as part of studio sample resources during the late 1990s.

The set traditionally included the following discs:
Volume 1 – Mixed Sample Sources
A variety of samples drawn from multiple sources, including Roland’s own libraries and other third-party sound collections (e.g., Spectrasonics, Prosonus), curated to serve as a quick-start sample set.
This made it useful for composers prototyping cues and ideas quickly.
Volume 2 – Roland Orchestral Family 2
Essentially a version of Roland’s “Orchestral Family 2” sample collection, containing orchestral instrument samples intended for use on Roland hardware samplers.
Volume 3 – Solo Brass, Woodwind & Turkish Strings
Focused on solo instrumental sounds such as brass, woodwinds, and Turkish string instruments reportedly created with film scoring contexts in mind (notably The Prince of Egypt era).
These samples were intended to give easier access to authentic solo-style timbres.
Volume 4 – London Symphony / Air Lyndhurst Recordings
Included sample material derived from the well-known 1995 London Symphony Orchestra/Air Lyndhurst recording sessions that Hans Zimmer used during the Crimson Tide project.
These orchestral multisamples became widely used among composers.
These discs were widely exchanged and used within the film and media composition community, even if they weren’t sold commercially like typical sample libraries. Some of these Roland sample CDs exist today as preserved disk images (e.g., ISO files labeled “Roland – LA Composer vol. 1–4” in vintage sample collections).
These sample CDs were primarily used with classic Roland samplers (e.g., S-770, S-760, and early digital workstations) and sometimes ported to other hardware/software formats.
While unconventional as an official product, they became well-known and widely used among film composers, sample pack collectors, and production studios due to their breadth and quality of sounds especially given Hans Zimmer’s involvement in their curation.
Many of the samples originated from multi-source libraries (Roland, Spectrasonics, Prosonus) and were organized to suit orchestral and cinematic composition workflows.

Roland LA Composer:

• A collection of 4 sample CDs from the 1990s.
• Originally compiled and shared by Hans Zimmer’s Media Ventures group.
• Included mixed samples, orchestral families, solo instruments, and elite orchestral session recordings.
• Used primarily with Roland samplers and production workflows of that era.

The LA Composer Plug-Ins 4 CD Bundle by Roland

The Vintage Roland LA Composer is a collection of sample CDs from the 1990s that were circulated within the music production community particularly among composers and studios and associated with classic Roland sample libraries used on Roland samplers.
“LA Composer” was the name given to a set of 4 CDs originally compiled by Hans Zimmer’s Media Ventures music production group (which later became Remote Control Productions).
These CDs were not a commercial retail product in the traditional sense, but rather shared among composers and collaborators as part of studio sample resources during the late 1990s.

The set traditionally included the following discs: Volume 1 – Mixed Sample Sources A variety of samples drawn from multiple sources, including Roland’s own libraries and other third-party sound collections (e.g., Spectrasonics, Prosonus), curated to serve as a quick-start sample set.
This made it useful for composers prototyping cues and ideas quickly. Volume 2 – Roland Orchestral Family 2
Essentially a version of Roland’s “Orchestral Family 2” sample collection, containing orchestral instrument samples intended for use on Roland hardware samplers.
Volume 3 – Solo Brass, Woodwind & Turkish Strings
Focused on solo instrumental sounds such as brass, woodwinds, and Turkish string instruments reportedly created with film scoring contexts in mind (notably The Prince of Egypt era).
These samples were intended to give easier access to authentic solo-style timbres.
Volume 4 – London Symphony / Air Lyndhurst Recordings
Included sample material derived from the well-known 1995 London Symphony Orchestra/Air Lyndhurst recording sessions that Hans Zimmer used during the Crimson Tide project.
These orchestral multisamples became widely used among composers.
These discs were widely exchanged and used within the film and media composition community, even if they weren’t sold commercially like typical sample libraries. Some of these Roland sample CDs exist today as preserved disk images (e.g., ISO files labeled “Roland – LA Composer vol. 1–4” in vintage sample collections).
These sample CDs were primarily used with classic Roland samplers (e.g., S-770, S-760, and early digital workstations) and sometimes ported to other hardware/software formats.
While unconventional as an official product, they became well-known and widely used among film composers, sample pack collectors, and production studios due to their breadth and quality of sounds especially given Hans Zimmer’s involvement in their curation.
Many of the samples originated from multi-source libraries (Roland, Spectrasonics, Prosonus) and were organized to suit orchestral and cinematic composition workflows.

Roland LA Composer:

• A collection of 4 sample CDs from the 1990s. • Originally compiled and shared by Hans Zimmer’s Media Ventures group. • Included mixed samples, orchestral families, solo instruments, and elite orchestral session recordings. • Used primarily with Roland samplers and production workflows of that era.

The LA Composer Plug-Ins 4 CD Bundle by Roland

The Vintage Roland LA Composer is a collection of sample CDs from the 1990s that were circulated within the music production community particularly among composers and studios and associated with classic Roland sample libraries used on Roland samplers.
“LA Composer” was the name given to a set of 4 CDs originally compiled by Hans Zimmer’s Media Ventures music production group (which later became Remote Control Productions).
These CDs were not a commercial retail product in the traditional sense, but rather shared among composers and collaborators as part of studio sample resources during the late 1990s.

The set traditionally included the following discs: Volume 1 – Mixed Sample Sources A variety of samples drawn from multiple sources, including Roland’s own libraries and other third-party sound collections (e.g., Spectrasonics, Prosonus), curated to serve as a quick-start sample set.
This made it useful for composers prototyping cues and ideas quickly. Volume 2 – Roland Orchestral Family 2
Essentially a version of Roland’s “Orchestral Family 2” sample collection, containing orchestral instrument samples intended for use on Roland hardware samplers.
Volume 3 – Solo Brass, Woodwind & Turkish Strings
Focused on solo instrumental sounds such as brass, woodwinds, and Turkish string instruments reportedly created with film scoring contexts in mind (notably The Prince of Egypt era).
These samples were intended to give easier access to authentic solo-style timbres.
Volume 4 – London Symphony / Air Lyndhurst Recordings
Included sample material derived from the well-known 1995 London Symphony Orchestra/Air Lyndhurst recording sessions that Hans Zimmer used during the Crimson Tide project.
These orchestral multisamples became widely used among composers.
These discs were widely exchanged and used within the film and media composition community, even if they weren’t sold commercially like typical sample libraries. Some of these Roland sample CDs exist today as preserved disk images (e.g., ISO files labeled “Roland – LA Composer vol. 1–4” in vintage sample collections).
These sample CDs were primarily used with classic Roland samplers (e.g., S-770, S-760, and early digital workstations) and sometimes ported to other hardware/software formats.
While unconventional as an official product, they became well-known and widely used among film composers, sample pack collectors, and production studios due to their breadth and quality of sounds especially given Hans Zimmer’s involvement in their curation.
Many of the samples originated from multi-source libraries (Roland, Spectrasonics, Prosonus) and were organized to suit orchestral and cinematic composition workflows.

Roland LA Composer:

• A collection of 4 sample CDs from the 1990s.
• Originally compiled and shared by Hans Zimmer’s Media Ventures group.
• Included mixed samples, orchestral families, solo instruments, and elite orchestral session recordings.
• Used primarily with Roland samplers and production workflows of that era.

The LA Composer Plug-Ins 4 CD Bundle by Roland

The Vintage Roland LA Composer is a collection of sample CDs from the 1990s that were circulated within the music production community particularly among composers and studios and associated with classic Roland sample libraries used on Roland samplers.
“LA Composer” was the name given to a set of 4 CDs originally compiled by Hans Zimmer’s Media Ventures music production group (which later became Remote Control Productions).
These CDs were not a commercial retail product in the traditional sense, but rather shared among composers and collaborators as part of studio sample resources during the late 1990s.

The set traditionally included the following discs: Volume 1 – Mixed Sample Sources A variety of samples drawn from multiple sources, including Roland’s own libraries and other third-party sound collections (e.g., Spectrasonics, Prosonus), curated to serve as a quick-start sample set.
This made it useful for composers prototyping cues and ideas quickly. Volume 2 – Roland Orchestral Family 2
Essentially a version of Roland’s “Orchestral Family 2” sample collection, containing orchestral instrument samples intended for use on Roland hardware samplers.
Volume 3 – Solo Brass, Woodwind & Turkish Strings
Focused on solo instrumental sounds such as brass, woodwinds, and Turkish string instruments reportedly created with film scoring contexts in mind (notably The Prince of Egypt era).
These samples were intended to give easier access to authentic solo-style timbres.
Volume 4 – London Symphony / Air Lyndhurst Recordings
Included sample material derived from the well-known 1995 London Symphony Orchestra/Air Lyndhurst recording sessions that Hans Zimmer used during the Crimson Tide project.
These orchestral multisamples became widely used among composers.
These discs were widely exchanged and used within the film and media composition community, even if they weren’t sold commercially like typical sample libraries. Some of these Roland sample CDs exist today as preserved disk images (e.g., ISO files labeled “Roland – LA Composer vol. 1–4” in vintage sample collections).
These sample CDs were primarily used with classic Roland samplers (e.g., S-770, S-760, and early digital workstations) and sometimes ported to other hardware/software formats.
While unconventional as an official product, they became well-known and widely used among film composers, sample pack collectors, and production studios due to their breadth and quality of sounds especially given Hans Zimmer’s involvement in their curation.
Many of the samples originated from multi-source libraries (Roland, Spectrasonics, Prosonus) and were organized to suit orchestral and cinematic composition workflows.

Roland LA Composer:

• A collection of 4 sample CDs from the 1990s. • Originally compiled and shared by Hans Zimmer’s Media Ventures group. • Included mixed samples, orchestral families, solo instruments, and elite orchestral session recordings. • Used primarily with Roland samplers and production workflows of that era.

The Quantum Leap Rare Instruments by Eastwest

EastWest Quantum Leap RA (sometimes called Rare Instruments in older catalogs) is a world-music sample library used in film scoring, game composition, and music production to access authentic, rare, and ethnic instruments from across the globe.
Quantum Leap RA provides a comprehensive collection of rare and traditional instruments from many cultural regions, giving composers the ability to incorporate world-music textures into their projects.
It is supplied as a software instrument that runs in the EastWest OPUS/PLAY engine and can be used as a stand-alone program or as a plug-in (VST, AU, AAX).
World Instrument Library Instruments from Africa, the Americas & Australia, Europe, Far East, India, and Middle East/Turkish Empire.
Approximately 14 GB of samples captured with detailed multi-mic recordings (original Rare Instruments content forms the core of RA).

• High fidelity recordings with phase-accurate multi-mic setups for a rich, three-dimensional sound.
• Expressive playability Includes features like portamento, legato, repetition, micro-tuning, and round-robin sampling for realism.
• Advanced engine support Works with the EastWest OPUS/PLAY engine which provides instrument browsers, key switches, effects, and MIDI tools.
• The library spans dozens of traditional and rare instruments (full list varies by edition), including samples such as:
• Djembe, Kalimbas, Kora, Udu, Ngoni, various shaker ensembles.
• 1890 Washburn Guitar, banjo, berimbau, Cuban percussion, didgeridoo, mandolin, pan flute, ukulele.
• Alpenhorn, bagpipes, hardanger fiddle, hurdy gurdy, Irish whistles, frame drums.
• Shakuhachi, erhu, gamelan ensemble, koto, taiko drums, Vietnamese jaw harp.
• Sitar, tablas, bansuri flute, sarangi, tambura, esraj.
• Duduk, ney flute, oud, santur, Turkish string sections, dumbek.

Specs

• Runs in EastWest OPUS/PLAY sample engine.
• Plug-in support: VST, AU, AAX (and can work standalone).
• ~14 GB of sample content (varies slightly by edition/format).
• Mac: macOS 10.13+ (64-bit), ~8–16 GB RAM recommended, SSD/fast drive.
• Windows: Windows 10+ (64-bit), ~8–16 GB RAM recommended, SSD/fast drive.
• Formats Supported: Stand-alone, AAX Native, VST (2/3), AU.
• License: iLok account or machine license activation.
• Film & TV scoring (ethnic/world flavor). • Game music & ambient composition requiring authentic world textures. • Experimental or fusion music blending global instruments. • Many composers value RA for its unique instrument tones that are difficult to replicate with generic libraries such as rare flutes, traditional string instruments, and non-Western ensembles.

The Quantum Leap Rare Instruments by Eastwest

EastWest Quantum Leap RA (sometimes called Rare Instruments in older catalogs) is a world-music sample library used in film scoring, game composition, and music production to access authentic, rare, and ethnic instruments from across the globe.
Quantum Leap RA provides a comprehensive collection of rare and traditional instruments from many cultural regions, giving composers the ability to incorporate world-music textures into their projects.
It is supplied as a software instrument that runs in the EastWest OPUS/PLAY engine and can be used as a stand-alone program or as a plug-in (VST, AU, AAX).
World Instrument Library Instruments from Africa, the Americas & Australia, Europe, Far East, India, and Middle East/Turkish Empire.
Approximately 14 GB of samples captured with detailed multi-mic recordings (original Rare Instruments content forms the core of RA).

• High fidelity recordings with phase-accurate multi-mic setups for a rich, three-dimensional sound.
• Expressive playability Includes features like portamento, legato, repetition, micro-tuning, and round-robin sampling for realism.
• Advanced engine support Works with the EastWest OPUS/PLAY engine which provides instrument browsers, key switches, effects, and MIDI tools.
• The library spans dozens of traditional and rare instruments (full list varies by edition), including samples such as:
• Djembe, Kalimbas, Kora, Udu, Ngoni, various shaker ensembles.
• 1890 Washburn Guitar, banjo, berimbau, Cuban percussion, didgeridoo, mandolin, pan flute, ukulele.
• Alpenhorn, bagpipes, hardanger fiddle, hurdy gurdy, Irish whistles, frame drums.
• Shakuhachi, erhu, gamelan ensemble, koto, taiko drums, Vietnamese jaw harp.
• Sitar, tablas, bansuri flute, sarangi, tambura, esraj.
• Duduk, ney flute, oud, santur, Turkish string sections, dumbek.

Specs

• Runs in EastWest OPUS/PLAY sample engine.
• Plug-in support: VST, AU, AAX (and can work standalone).
• ~14 GB of sample content (varies slightly by edition/format).
• Mac: macOS 10.13+ (64-bit), ~8–16 GB RAM recommended, SSD/fast drive.
• Windows: Windows 10+ (64-bit), ~8–16 GB RAM recommended, SSD/fast drive.
• Formats Supported: Stand-alone, AAX Native, VST (2/3), AU.
• License: iLok account or machine license activation.
• Film & TV scoring (ethnic/world flavor).
• Game music & ambient composition requiring authentic world textures.
• Experimental or fusion music blending global instruments.
• Many composers value RA for its unique instrument tones that are difficult to replicate with generic libraries such as rare flutes, traditional string instruments, and non-Western ensembles.

The Quantum Leap Rare Instruments by Eastwest

EastWest Quantum Leap RA (sometimes called Rare Instruments in older catalogs) is a world-music sample library used in film scoring, game composition, and music production to access authentic, rare, and ethnic instruments from across the globe.
Quantum Leap RA provides a comprehensive collection of rare and traditional instruments from many cultural regions, giving composers the ability to incorporate world-music textures into their projects.
It is supplied as a software instrument that runs in the EastWest OPUS/PLAY engine and can be used as a stand-alone program or as a plug-in (VST, AU, AAX).
World Instrument Library Instruments from Africa, the Americas & Australia, Europe, Far East, India, and Middle East/Turkish Empire.
Approximately 14 GB of samples captured with detailed multi-mic recordings (original Rare Instruments content forms the core of RA).

• High fidelity recordings with phase-accurate multi-mic setups for a rich, three-dimensional sound. • Expressive playability Includes features like portamento, legato, repetition, micro-tuning, and round-robin sampling for realism. • Advanced engine support Works with the EastWest OPUS/PLAY engine which provides instrument browsers, key switches, effects, and MIDI tools. • The library spans dozens of traditional and rare instruments (full list varies by edition), including samples such as: • Djembe, Kalimbas, Kora, Udu, Ngoni, various shaker ensembles. • 1890 Washburn Guitar, banjo, berimbau, Cuban percussion, didgeridoo, mandolin, pan flute, ukulele. • Alpenhorn, bagpipes, hardanger fiddle, hurdy gurdy, Irish whistles, frame drums. • Shakuhachi, erhu, gamelan ensemble, koto, taiko drums, Vietnamese jaw harp. • Sitar, tablas, bansuri flute, sarangi, tambura, esraj. • Duduk, ney flute, oud, santur, Turkish string sections, dumbek.

Specs

• Runs in EastWest OPUS/PLAY sample engine.
• Plug-in support: VST, AU, AAX (and can work standalone).
• ~14 GB of sample content (varies slightly by edition/format).
• Mac: macOS 10.13+ (64-bit), ~8–16 GB RAM recommended, SSD/fast drive.
• Windows: Windows 10+ (64-bit), ~8–16 GB RAM recommended, SSD/fast drive.
• Formats Supported: Stand-alone, AAX Native, VST (2/3), AU.
• License: iLok account or machine license activation.
• Film & TV scoring (ethnic/world flavor). • Game music & ambient composition requiring authentic world textures. • Experimental or fusion music blending global instruments. • Many composers value RA for its unique instrument tones that are difficult to replicate with generic libraries such as rare flutes, traditional string instruments, and non-Western ensembles.

The Quantum Leap Rare Instruments by Eastwest

EastWest Quantum Leap RA (sometimes called Rare Instruments in older catalogs) is a world-music sample library used in film scoring, game composition, and music production to access authentic, rare, and ethnic instruments from across the globe.
Quantum Leap RA provides a comprehensive collection of rare and traditional instruments from many cultural regions, giving composers the ability to incorporate world-music textures into their projects.
It is supplied as a software instrument that runs in the EastWest OPUS/PLAY engine and can be used as a stand-alone program or as a plug-in (VST, AU, AAX).
World Instrument Library Instruments from Africa, the Americas & Australia, Europe, Far East, India, and Middle East/Turkish Empire.
Approximately 14 GB of samples captured with detailed multi-mic recordings (original Rare Instruments content forms the core of RA).

• High fidelity recordings with phase-accurate multi-mic setups for a rich, three-dimensional sound.
• Expressive playability Includes features like portamento, legato, repetition, micro-tuning, and round-robin sampling for realism.
• Advanced engine support Works with the EastWest OPUS/PLAY engine which provides instrument browsers, key switches, effects, and MIDI tools.
• The library spans dozens of traditional and rare instruments (full list varies by edition), including samples such as:
• Djembe, Kalimbas, Kora, Udu, Ngoni, various shaker ensembles.
• 1890 Washburn Guitar, banjo, berimbau, Cuban percussion, didgeridoo, mandolin, pan flute, ukulele.
• Alpenhorn, bagpipes, hardanger fiddle, hurdy gurdy, Irish whistles, frame drums.
• Shakuhachi, erhu, gamelan ensemble, koto, taiko drums, Vietnamese jaw harp.
• Sitar, tablas, bansuri flute, sarangi, tambura, esraj.
• Duduk, ney flute, oud, santur, Turkish string sections, dumbek.

Specs

• Runs in EastWest OPUS/PLAY sample engine.
• Plug-in support: VST, AU, AAX (and can work standalone).
• ~14 GB of sample content (varies slightly by edition/format).
• Mac: macOS 10.13+ (64-bit), ~8–16 GB RAM recommended, SSD/fast drive.
• Windows: Windows 10+ (64-bit), ~8–16 GB RAM recommended, SSD/fast drive.
• Formats Supported: Stand-alone, AAX Native, VST (2/3), AU.
• License: iLok account or machine license activation.
• Film & TV scoring (ethnic/world flavor). • Game music & ambient composition requiring authentic world textures. • Experimental or fusion music blending global instruments. • Many composers value RA for its unique instrument tones that are difficult to replicate with generic libraries such as rare flutes, traditional string instruments, and non-Western ensembles.

The Quantum Leap Rare Instruments by Eastwest

EastWest Quantum Leap RA (sometimes called Rare Instruments in older catalogs) is a world-music sample library used in film scoring, game composition, and music production to access authentic, rare, and ethnic instruments from across the globe.
Quantum Leap RA provides a comprehensive collection of rare and traditional instruments from many cultural regions, giving composers the ability to incorporate world-music textures into their projects.
It is supplied as a software instrument that runs in the EastWest OPUS/PLAY engine and can be used as a stand-alone program or as a plug-in (VST, AU, AAX).
World Instrument Library Instruments from Africa, the Americas & Australia, Europe, Far East, India, and Middle East/Turkish Empire.
Approximately 14 GB of samples captured with detailed multi-mic recordings (original Rare Instruments content forms the core of RA).

• High fidelity recordings with phase-accurate multi-mic setups for a rich, three-dimensional sound. • Expressive playability Includes features like portamento, legato, repetition, micro-tuning, and round-robin sampling for realism. • Advanced engine support Works with the EastWest OPUS/PLAY engine which provides instrument browsers, key switches, effects, and MIDI tools. • The library spans dozens of traditional and rare instruments (full list varies by edition), including samples such as: • Djembe, Kalimbas, Kora, Udu, Ngoni, various shaker ensembles. • 1890 Washburn Guitar, banjo, berimbau, Cuban percussion, didgeridoo, mandolin, pan flute, ukulele. • Alpenhorn, bagpipes, hardanger fiddle, hurdy gurdy, Irish whistles, frame drums. • Shakuhachi, erhu, gamelan ensemble, koto, taiko drums, Vietnamese jaw harp. • Sitar, tablas, bansuri flute, sarangi, tambura, esraj. • Duduk, ney flute, oud, santur, Turkish string sections, dumbek.

Specs

• Runs in EastWest OPUS/PLAY sample engine.
• Plug-in support: VST, AU, AAX (and can work standalone).
• ~14 GB of sample content (varies slightly by edition/format).
• Mac: macOS 10.13+ (64-bit), ~8–16 GB RAM recommended, SSD/fast drive.
• Windows: Windows 10+ (64-bit), ~8–16 GB RAM recommended, SSD/fast drive.
• Formats Supported: Stand-alone, AAX Native, VST (2/3), AU.
• License: iLok account or machine license activation.
• Film & TV scoring (ethnic/world flavor). • Game music & ambient composition requiring authentic world textures. • Experimental or fusion music blending global instruments. • Many composers value RA for its unique instrument tones that are difficult to replicate with generic libraries such as rare flutes, traditional string instruments, and non-Western ensembles.

The MSC-4 Electric Acoustic Dreadnought by Martinez

The Martinez MSC‑4(N) is a steel-string acoustic-electric dreadnought with a cutaway and built-in preamp, designed for versatile playing both unplugged and amplified.
It’s visually enhanced with decorative binding and inlays, and suited for strumming, fingerpicking, and general acoustic performance.
The Martinez MSC-4(N) appears to be a full-size acoustic-electric guitar.

Specs

• Full-size dreadnought shape with a cutaway, allowing easier access to higher frets.
• Attractive abalone-style binding around the top, back, and headstock gives it a decorative look.
• Fitted with a Martinez preamp (built-in pickup/preamp system) for plugging into an amp or PA.
• Features diamond fretboard inlays, which are both decorative and help with position reference.
• Standard 6-string acoustic setup
• Body Size Full Dreadnought
• Cutaway for upper fret access
• Top Wood Laminated spruce
• Back & Sides Laminated mahogany
• Neck Mahogany
• Fingerboard Rosewood
• Scale Length ~650 mm
• Nut Width ~43–45 mm
• Frets ~20
• Bridge Rosewood or similar
• Electronics Built-in Martinez preamp
• Finish Gloss or satin