OT Articulation Guide - Orchestral Tools · OT Articulation Guide ... electric guitars and a...

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Articulation Guide

Berlin Woodwinds - Soloists I

www.orchestraltools.com

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© 2017 Orchestral Tools | Schwarzer & Mantik GmbHRev. 2 017-10-2 5

OT Articulation Guide

CONTENT

I About this Articulation Guide 2

II Introduction 3

III Recording and Concept 4

IV Berlin Series 5

1 Berlin Woodwinds - Soloists I ........................................................................................ 6

Instruments .............................................................................................................. 7

Articulations ........................................................................................................... 8

V Soloists Series 11

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| About this Art iculat ion Guide |


I About this Articulation Guide

The number of Orchestral Tools is constantly growing and covers all instrumental families of the orchestra,

with some collections even branching out into non-orchestral instruments. This Articulation Guide describes

all contained articulations as well as their technical properties (velocity layers, Round Robins, and many

more).

This document is a special version of the Articulation Guide that only contains features applicable to thecollections listed below.You can download the full Articulation Guide that applies to all Orchestral Tools collections in our Helpdesk.

The following table lists all collections covered by this Articulation Guide with their current Capsule version

as well as the minimum Kontakt version.

Collection Name Collection Capsule KontaktBWW B | Berlin Woodwinds - Soloists I 2.1 2.5 Full 5.5.1+

ImportantThis Articulation Guide does not cover the general installation, usage and features of Orchestral Tools

collections. These topics are explained step by step in the respective User Guides and Installation Guides,

which you can find in your collection's Documentation folder. You can also find them in our Helpdesk.

http://helpdesk.orchestraltools.com/hd_articulation_guides.html

http://helpdesk.orchestraltools.com/hd_documentation.html

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| Introduct ion |


© 2017 Orchestral Tools | Schwarzer & Mantik GmbH

II Introduction

Welcome to the Orchestral Tools Articulation Guide!

Orchestral Tools provides high-quality sampled instruments for composers. Thanks to our Capsule Scripting

Framework developed in-house, all Orchestral Tools collections look and work in a very similar way.

Articulation names, labeling and all technical terms are identical in every collections, so you will find it easy

to find your way around.

This Articulation Guide describes all articulations as well as their technical features and is organized as

follows:

- The general Ser ies Overv iew shows you all available Orchestral Tools Series', which group our

collections into broader categories.

- Following this is the respective Ser ies Overv iew Page of one particular Series, which lists all available

collections by name and gives suggestions for expansions options.

- Each individual collection then has its own Col lect ion Overv iew page, which describes the general

content of the collection as well as its most important features at a glance.

- This is followed by the Inst ruments Section, which lists all instruments (or sections) contained in the

collection with a short description of tone, scope or other pertinent information.

- The Ar t iculat ions Section finally lists all articulations in detail along with all their properties.

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| Recording and Concept |


III Recording and Concept

We are happy to have found a sonic home for our collections at the Teldex Scoring Stage in Berlin.

The large recording stage at Teldex looks back on a long tradition of many well known and Grammy®

award winning recordings. Famous orchestras, like the Berlin Philharmonics and great film composers from

the USA and Europe trust and love the wide and clear acoustics of this room. One of the best sounding

scoring stages in Europe, this room together with a fantastic complement of legendary microphones catapults

our work to a new level of orchestral sampling.

The quality of a sampled collection begins with the recording. Every Orchestral Tools collection is recorded

at 96khz with state of the art equipment. The full editing and post-production process uses these 96khz

recordings without downsampling. We very rarely denoise our recordings and never treat them in any other

automated way. If tuning is needed, it is done by ear without resorting to tuning algorithms. Only at the very

end, right before the samples are mapped into their instruments, the content is converted to 48khz for best

use of resources.

Our goal is to provide a set of tools that easily adapts to any workflow and creates a coherent sonic

representation of the orchestra. The main way we achieved this is by recording every instrument in its

orchestral position. All collections come pre-panned and pre-mixed with their respective volumes

balanced. If there are multiple types of the same instrument, they are recorded in slightly different positions,

yet still in their general section area. The different snare drums in Berlin Percussion, for example, have been

recorded slightly spread over the general "snare drum area" within the percussion section. This allows you to

have a very wide and full sound when combining multiple instruments.

We deliberately choose to also record non-traditional instruments as belonging to a symphonic setup, like

electric guitars and a drumset in our Metropolis Ark Series. Modern media scoring introduces a host of new

instruments into the established orchestral lineup and we feel these instruments deserve the same care and

precision in fitting them into the symphonic sound as their traditional counterparts.

All collections feature a number of microphone positions commonly used in orchestral recording. The

position of these microphones is identical in every collection, which means that for example the Tree is much

nearer to the string section that it is to the percussion section (because the percussion section is situated at

the back of the orchestra). This enabled lively acoustics that come pre-mixed for the respective stage

position. The choice of mic positions also depends greatly on the instrument. Some instruments, especially in

the percussion section, benefit greatly from a M/S position to enable accurately positioning the sound

source.

Wherever possible, similar instruments use the same mapping scheme so it is usually possible to transfer

MIDI data from one instrument to another easily. This is especially important and useful for percussion.

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| Berlin Series |



IV Berlin Series

The Berlin Series is Orchestral Tools' ongoing journey to harnessing the sound of the Teldex Scoring stage

in an all-purpose orchestral sample collection.

Every major section of the orchestra is represented by one Main Collection, which contains all essentials

instruments and articulations and forms the backbone of any symphonic piece. These collections are

expanded and continued by special expansion collections, which add additional instruments or playing

techniques.

The following table lists all Berlin Series Collections currently released - underlined names jump to a

description of its content and unique features. You can download a version of this Articulation Guide that

applies to all released Collections on our Helpdesk.

When you load any Berlin Series patch inside Kontakt, the instrument slot will show an icon representing the

orchestral section as shown below.

Berlin Orchestra Inspire Berlin Orchestra Inspire

Berlin Woodwinds Berlin Brass Berlin Percussion Berlin Strings

Main Collection Main Collection Main Collection Main Collection

Additional Instruments Additional Instruments The Timpani Special Bows I

SoloistsI Muted Brass Special Bows II

Soloists II Horn SFX First Chairs

SFX SFX

http://helpdesk.orchestraltools.com/

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| Berlin Series | Berlin Woodwinds - Soloists I


4.1 Berlin Woodwinds - Soloists I

One area where we felt BWW could be improved was solo lines and generally every kind of very

expressive, lyrical passages that are very exposed in the orchestration. Our research showed that these

kinds of lines work very well with dry recordings, so we captured the instruments for this soloist collection

at the Teldex Booth. Coupled with special impulse responses courtesy of Samplicity, the Solo Flute, Solo

Alto Flute, Solo English Horn, Solo Oboe and Solo Clarinet will effortlessly fit into any composition. This

collection features special Changing Notes and Grace notes, as well as Trills using the Trills Orchestrator

technology.

Berlin Woodwinds - Soloists I features special recorded sustained notes: Instead of "flat" sustains, we

recorded two styles of each sustain. One with a very light crescendo, one with a very light decrescendo.

These are triggered by key velocity and allow very lively playing. To keep the amount of phasing to a

minimum, we recorded one sculpted velocity layer that is treated with complex filters to enable dynamic

playing.

Instrumentation and Recording

Berlin Woodwinds - Soloists I contains solo instruments, which are divided into

patches containing a single articulation type as well as multi articulation

patches. You will find all of these patches inside the Instruments folder.

16. Solo Flute

17. Solo Alto Flute

18. Solo Oboe

19. Solo English Horn

20. Solo Clarinet

Note that the instrument numbering continues the sequence from the Berlin

Woodwinds Main Collection.

This structure is identical for Single Articulation, Multi Articulation and Time Machine-enabled patches.

You have free choice between two microphone positions with different sonic characteristics. These

microphone positions are switchable in the GUI and are assignable to a MIDI CC.

Berlin Woodwinds - Soloists I are panned center by default, so you can adjust the panning to your liking.

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4.1.1 Instruments

The Woodwind instruments in Berlin Woodwinds - Soloists I expand your woodwind section with five solo-

style expressive instruments.

This section briefly explains the individual instruments and points out usage scenarios and expansion

options.

Solo Flute

The Solo Flute features essential articulations including Grace Notes and complements the BWW Main

Collection flutes for very exposed solo lines.

Solo Alto Flute

With the Solo Alto Flute, this new instrument enters the BWW line-up with essential articulations including

Grace Notes.

Solo Oboe

The expressive Solo Oboe has Slurred and Re-Tongued legato styles for both the Slow and Agile Legato

present in all Woodwind Soloists instruments. Trills up to a whole tone and Changing Notes make this a

very flexible instrument.

Solo English Horn

With an identical articulation list as the Solo Oboe, the Solo English Horn complements the double reeds in

the Woodwind Soloists I.

Solo Clarinet

The Solo Clarinet is the most exhaustive instrument, with Slurred and Retongued Legato styles like the double

reeds as well as Without Vibrato and Romantic Vibrato samples, Trills and Grace Notes.

Note:

Berlin Woodwinds - Soloists I continues the numbering sequence from BWW Main Collection and BWW

Additional Instruments, which results in the instrument folders counting on from 16 (continuing from BWW

A's "15. Contrabassoon").

E x p a n s i o n O p t i o n s :

Berlin Woodwinds - Soloists I expands the Soloist concept with four additional low woodwinds: Solo Bass

Flute, Solo Bass Oboe, Solo Bass Clarinet and Solo Bassoon.

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4.1.2 Articulations

All Orchestral Tools collections focus on providing a versatile pallet of articulations to help you shape your

sound.

This section lists all articulations contained in Berlin Woodwinds - Soloists I.

All Berlin Woodwinds - Soloists I Patches have two Close mic positions. As such these positions are not

listed in the tables below.

Articulations Legend

Symbol Name Description

R Range The playable range of the instrument.

L Layers Lists the number and musical dynamics of velocity layers the

instrument uses.

T Transition Range The interval range of recorded legato transitions.

S Transition Styles If multiple legato styles are present, these are listed here by

name

V Vibrato Layers The number and type of vibrato layers

M Microphone Positions Any special mic positions that deviate from the collection

standard.

TM Time Machine Denotes a patch that uses TimeMachine for tempo-sync.

+ TimeMachine Patches

All patches marked with a "+" (plus sign) also exist as a TimeMachine patch. These patches allow you to

adjust the length of the sample to your liking. For more Information refer to the User Guide.

Solo Flute

Articulation Properties

01. Solo Flute Legato R: C3-A5 | L: 1 (mf) | T: 2nd-8th | S: Slow, Agile

02. Solo Flute Sustains R: C3-A5 | L: 1 (mf) | +

03. Solo Flute Staccato R: C3-A5 | L: 1 (mf) | RR: 3 | +

04. Solo Flute Portato Short R: C3-G5 | L: 1 (mf) | +

05. Solo Flute Portato Long R: C3-G5 | L: 1 (mf) | RR: 3 | +

06. Solo Flute Grace Notes R: C3-G#5 | L: 1 (mf) | +

Solo Flute Multi -

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Solo Alto Flute


01. Solo Alto Flute Legato R: G2-D5 | L: 1 (mf) | T: 2nd-8th | S: Slow, Agile

02. Solo Alto Flute Sustains R: G2-D5 | L: 1 (mf) | +

03. Solo Alto Flute Staccato R: G2-D5 | L: 1 (mf) | RR: 3 | +

04. Solo Alto Flute Portato Short R: G2-G4 | L: 1 (mf) | +

05. Solo Alto Flute Portato Long R: G2-G4 | L: 1 (mf) | RR: 3 | +

06. Solo Alto Flute Grace Notes R: G2-D5 | L: 1 (mf) | +

Solo Alto Flute Multi -

Solo Oboe


01. Solo Oboe LegatoR: Bb2-F#5 | L: 1 (mf) | T: 2nd-8th | S: Slow, Agile;

Slur, Re-Tongued

02. Solo Oboe Sustains R: Bb2-F#5 | L: 1 (mf) | +

03. Solo Oboe Staccato R: Bb2-F#5 | L: 1 (mf) | RR: 3 | +

04. Solo Oboe Portato Short R: C3-E5 | L: 1 (mf) | +

05. Solo Oboe Marcato R: C3-E5 | L: 1 (mf) | RR: 3 | +

06. Solo Oboe Changing Notes R: C3-D#5 | L: 1 (mf) | +

07. Solo Oboe TO Trills HT-WT R: C3-D#5 | L: 1 (mf) | +

Solo Oboe Multi -

Solo English Horn


01. Solo English Horn LegatoR: E2-A4 | L: 1 (mf) | T: 2nd-8th | S: Slow, Agile;

Slur, Re-Tongued

02. Solo English Horn Sustains R: E2-A4 | L: 1 (mf) | +

03. Solo English Horn Staccato R: E2-A4 | L: 1 (mf) | RR: 3 | +

04. Solo English Horn Portato Short R: E2-G4 | L: 1 (mf) | +

05. Solo English Horn Marcato R: E2-G4 | L: 1 (mf) | RR: 3 | +

06. Solo English Horn Changing Notes R: E2-F#4 | L: 1 (mf) | +

07. Solo English Horn TO Trills HT-WT R: E2-F#4 | L: 1 (mf) | +

Solo English Horn Multi -

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Solo Clarinet


01. Solo Clarinet LegatoR: D2-D5 | L: 1 (mf) | T: 2nd-8th | S: Slow, Agile;

Slur, Re-Tongued

02. Solo Clarinet Sustains R: D2-D5 | L: 1 (mf) | +

03. Solo Clarinet Staccato R: D2-D5 | L: 1 (mf) | RR: 3 | +

04. Solo Clarinet Portato Short R: E2-C5 | L: 1 (mf) | +

05. Solo Clarinet Portato Long R: E2-C5 | L: 1 (mf) | RR: 3 | +

06. Solo Clarinet Grace Notes R: E2-C5 | L: 1 (mf) | +

07. Solo Clarinet TO Trills HT-WT R: E2-C5 | L: 1 (mf) | +

Solo Clarinet Multi -

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| Soloists Series |



V Soloists Series

The Soloists Series unites Orchestral Tools' take on expressive solo instruments created to stand their

ground even in very exposed passages. A series of beautiful sounds from selected artists from Berlin which

we captured with a solo-style dynamic range and a variety of lyrical expressions. Soloists Series collection

use a single velocity layer for long note articulations to avoid phasing issues. Also rather than using static

sustained notes, sustains are recorded with subtle dynamic variations resembling the way in which a

performer would play a phrase.

The following table lists all Soloists Series Collections currently released - underlined names jump to a

description of its content and unique features. You can download a version of this Articulation Guide that

applies to all released Collections on our Helpdesk.

When you load any Soloists Series patch inside Kontakt, the instrument slot will show an icon representing

the orchestral section as shown below.

Woodwind Soloists Series Nocturne Series

Soloists I Nocturne Violin

Soloists II Nocturne Cello

http://helpdesk.orchestraltools.com

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