Sound Library

The tone alteration, harmonics and overtones that are completely acoustic are a new phenomenon in a modern world of sound where comparative examples may only be created electronically.  The fresh dynamic library offered here is made using acoustic instruments and human voice!  Many of the instruments are played using circular breathing which allows for unrelenting, undulating rasping drones. The ambience and vibe generated is wide-ranging and envisions scenes from a foreboding, doom filled soundscape of a dystopian society to the high choir of overtones produced in both the bronze instruments and the vocals.  There is suspense and terror with urgent rhythmic sequences.   One shot tones and dark percussive complex elements lend to a deep dynamic sound which is all generated acoustically.  Sounds for a variety of creatures, for anxious and ominous situations are found in this library.  This is an original world premier collection.

The research and exploration into ancient horns, trumpets, whistles, flutes etc has yielded immensely powerful and evocative soundscapes that will add a rich and unique addition to media platforms.

Chilling whispers to rumbling crescendo – the notes, chords, overtones, vibrations and reverberations within Ancient Music Ireland’s repertoire will pour an epic new choice of atmospheric audio onto the gaming, movie, tv documentary, radio and podcast making worlds.  Instruments and vocals featured are mainly from Ireland but some hail from around the globe.

The drone is a common element in the selection.  The overtones blending to great heights surge from the larger bass Bronze Age trumpets creating a new auditory experience. The undulating low droning pitch from the Iron Age trumpets creates an expectant mood or tone.  These great trumpets also play shock waves and melodic heralding music.

28 Instruments were recorded to produce this sound library.  They include a selection from the ancient collection of reproduction instruments at Ancient Music Ireland in West Galway.  It features examples from Bronze Age horns and trumpets, Iron Age trumpets, Early Medieval horns, animal horns, percussion stones, stone trumpet, conch shells, clay whistles, bull roarer and voice.

The library was recorded and post-produced by sound recordist and producer Ángel Pérez Grandi of Sound Ark Studios.  Ángel also created and implemented the  snapshots and presets for a range of instruments within PALEOSONIC Kontakt instrument.  He prepared and processed all the samples and produced the user manual.

The original encouragement to make this library came from musician, producer and composer – Gerry Owens of Black Bag Music. Gerry guided us on this journey with his vast production and music consultation expertise and experience.

Kontakt instrument implementation is by Hadi El Hosri.