New WordBuilder Tutorials from Nick Phoenix
Part 1 (13:10) —
Quicktime (298MB) |
MP4 (86MB)
Topics: MIDI Configuration, VOTOX Alphabet, VOTOX Phrase Examples, Time Editor Overview, Optimzing Phrases, Keyswitching Vowel Sounds
Topics: MIDI Configuration, VOTOX Alphabet, VOTOX Phrase Examples, Time Editor Overview, Optimzing Phrases, Keyswitching Vowel Sounds
Part 2 (12:38) —
Quicktime (285MB) |
MP4 (83MB)
Topics: Using Convolution Reverb, Disabling Release Trails, Adjusting the Speed, Stereo Imaging, Symphonic Choirs VOTA Expansion, Melismas, Portamento Scripting
Topics: Using Convolution Reverb, Disabling Release Trails, Adjusting the Speed, Stereo Imaging, Symphonic Choirs VOTA Expansion, Melismas, Portamento Scripting
Part 3 (6:44) —
Quicktime (151MB) |
MP4 (45MB)
Topics: Combining Vowels, Pitched Consonants, Staccato Notes as Accents, Adjusting Letter Volume
Topics: Combining Vowels, Pitched Consonants, Staccato Notes as Accents, Adjusting Letter Volume
PLAY ASE (Advanced Streaming Engine) Demonstration
PLAY version 1.2.0 (and above) includes a new Advanced Streaming Engine (ASE) developed by EASTWEST that offers huge performance gains over previous sampler streaming engines. In this video, Nick Phoenix shows how the PLAY ASE engine provides the power to run large arrangements and orchestrations, and you will see the voice count exceed 400 stereo voices. Click below for a high-quality MP4 file, high-resolution Quicktime MOV file, or YouTube:
Symphonic Choirs Expansion
The Symphonic Choirs Expansion expands the content of Symphonic Choirs with the best samples from Quantum Leap Voices of the Apocalypse. Voices of the Apocalypse has FFF, heavy vibrato vowels that go beyond what is currently in Symphonic Choirs, so the expansion lets you crossfade from the loudest Symphonic Choirs vowels into the FFF Voices of the Apocalypse vowels. The result is a sound that can only be described as MASSIVE. Because Voices of the Apocalypse was also recorded with wordbuilding in mind, these new expansion patches also work with Wordbuilder. The Expansion also includes the ever popular Angels and Demons samples from Voices of the Apocalypse. PLEASE NOTE: the restriction for using Voices of the Apocalypse for film trailers has been removed.
This is a must have expansion! (PLAY Edition of Symphonic Choirs is required).
The Symphonic Choirs Expansion was recorded at 24-bit resolution with a single mic position. The Expansion is available as an add-on for $79.95 (€59).
Awards
Review quotes
“Every year we have to readjust our categories to reflect changes in the industry, and this is no exception. What once might have been a sound library now is more than that because it includes a playback engine. Symphonic Choirs is extremely impressive, and we're delighted to give it an award.”
— ELECTRONIC MUSICIAN
“Symphonic Choirs is an ambitious and powerful instrument capable of recreating the sound of a real choir with an incredible degree of realism. Nothing else quite delivers the control, sonic quality, and flexibility that SC offers. If you absolutely, positively must have the most natural and realistic choir (and you can’t afford to hire one), Symphonic Choirs is really the only choice, a clear Key Buy.”
— KEYBOARD
“The Symphonic Choirs package is a true breakthrough product that will forever change the way that producers work. This is not an ordinary sample library but a highly realistic and expressive vocal instrument that ushers in a new era of creative power.”
— FUTURE MUSIC
Overview
Imagine typing words into your computer, in any language, and hearing a world class Symphonic Choir sing those words in any key(s) you play "live" on your keyboard controller! Well imagine no more, that's exactly what this revolutionary "award-winning" virtual instrument does. In addition, this is the first 24-bit Choir virtual instrument to include three simultaneous stereo mic setups (close, stage and hall), so users can mix any combination of mic positions to control ambience. The Choirs were recorded in the same concert hall, by the same team as the EastWest/Quantum Leap Symphonic Orchestra and blend perfectly with EWQLSO.
To achieve the feel of a live concert hall performance, each instrument and section was recorded with three mic positions: close, stage (conductor‘s position) and hall. By selecting different mic positions, users can mix these sounds together to create any kind of natural ambience their project requires. This eliminates the need for artificial reverb.
The Symphonic Choirs Expansion (Voices of the Apocalypse content) was recorded separately, at 24-bit resolution with a single mic position.
WordBuilder is the word building software for both MAC and PC that enables Symphonic Choirs and Symphonic Choirs Expansion users to type in words for the Choirs to sing. This revolutionary software also includes a pop-down menu that includes popular pre-built phrases that you can load instantly. This is a real time saver for those on a tight deadline. The phrases have been optimized for each Choir. The phrases menu is customizable so you can add your own phrases to WordBuilder for quick and easy access. This is the most powerful vocals solution available.
New Features
64-bit* with 32-bit compatibility PC (*see system specifications)
Mac Intel compatible
New WordBulder software (plus new pre-built English phrases and words)
Full memory access MAC (requires 64-bit MAC)
Extended ranges (Sopranos - D3 to E5, Altos - F2 to A4, Tenors - C2 to D4, Basses B0 to D3)
Intuitive custom interface
Intelligent Performance section including Portamento, Repetition, Legato, Round Robin Reset
Improved articulation window and controls
On screen mic position mixing
State of the art Convolution Reverb with pre-delay and additional Master control to route reverb to all instruments in an instance
Convolution includes hall orchestra was recorded in for additional control of hall ambience
Intelligent release trail engine that follows the note-on samples volume at all times, so release trails always match
Release trails unaffected by mod-wheel cross-fade programs, radical mod-wheel movements do not degrade release trails
Recall custom key-switches instantly
Key-switch sizes now unlimited
Improved sound quality with high-resolution audio engine
Hi fidelity one pole filter for natural cross-fades
Stereo image editing now possible using channel sourcing
Completely re-programmed for PLAY from the original recordings
Ranges
The PLAY Edition of Symphonic Choirs has extended the ranges of the SATB sections. The new ranges are:
| Sopranos | Altos | Tenors | Basses |
|---|---|---|---|
| D3 to E5 | F2 to A4 | C2 to D4 | B0 to D3 |
The ranges for the Boys Choir and solo singers are as follows:
| Boys | Solo Soprano | Solo Alto | Solo Boy |
|---|---|---|---|
| C3 to B4 | E3 to D5 | E2 to G3 | Bb2 to Bb4 |
Articulations
Symphonic Choirs puts five complete choir sections at your fingertips. In addition to Sopranos, Altos, Tenors, Basses, and Boys choir, you get solo Soprano, Alto, and Boy singers.
Choirs
The SATB and Boys sections are all compatible with WordBuilder, described at right, and give you the ability to have your choir sing the words you type. When used in WordBuilder, these sections have four articulations: sustained, legato, staccato, and slur. The articulation can be set on the fly using a keyswitch.
Also included are simplified vowel patches and effects including the following:
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Soloists
Three solo singers are also included. While not compatible with WordBuilder, you get a variety of articulations for each singer:
| Soprano | Alto | Boy |
|---|---|---|
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WordBuilder
WordBuilder™ is the word building software that enables Symphonic Choirs users to type in words for the Choirs to sing.
WordBuilder: User interface (magnify...)
Features
WordBuilder lets you type in words in English for the Choirs to sing. For added detail, you can use WordBuilder's internal phonetic language, VoTox. With VoTox you get complete control over each phoneme. Adjust timing, volume, and crossfade to get just the sound you need. The "Learn" function adapts WordBuilder's timing to your playing to give you even greater control over crossfades and complex pronunciation.
The "Phrases" pop-up menu includes 28 popular Latin phrases that you can load instantly. Many choirs sing in Latin so this can be a real time saver for those on a tight deadline. The phrases have been optimized for each Choir. The Phrases menu is completely customizable so users can add their own phrases to the menu for quick and easy access.
WordBuilder's new user interface is larger, making it easier to modify how the Choirs perform your words. The look of the UI is much improved, as well, in the style of the PLAY Virtual Instrument interface.
Symphonic Choirs and WordBuilder have their own user forum. Click here to visit the Soundsonline Forums.
Symphonic Choirs Expansion
The Symphonic Choirs Expansion expands the content of Symphonic Choirs with the best samples from Quantum Leap Voices of the Apocalypse. Voices of the Apocalypse has FFF, heavy vibrato vowels that go beyond what is currently in Symphonic Choirs. So the Symphonic Choirs Expansion lets you crossfade from the loudest Symphonic Choirs vowels into the FFF Voices of the Apocalypse vowels. The result is a well integrated sound that can only be described as MASSIVE. Because Voices of the Apocalypse was also recorded with wordbuilding in mind, these new expansion patches also work with Wordbuilder. The Symphonic Choirs Expansion also includes the ever popular Angels and Demons samples from Voices of the Apocalypse.
Men's and Women's FFF vowels (ah, ih, uh, oh, oo, eh, ee) are included as well as the "Angels" and "Demons" patches from the original Voices of the Apocalypse.
The additional VOTA content was recorded at 24-bit resolution with a single mic position. The Symphonic Choirs Expansion is available as an add-on for $79.95 (€59).
Play
PLAY is a 64-bit** (with 32-bit compatibility) Advanced Sample Engine with built-in Network Control* (plug-in or standalone).
Symphonic Choirs: User interface (magnify...)
Multiple Mic Positions
All instruments were sampled with three different mic positions, allowing you to mix together any combination of mics using the interface for the ultimate in real-time tone and ambiance control. This feature enables users to customize the sound of the choir to their own requirements.
Please note: while most computers suitable for running professional music software will run one of the mic positions (what you typically get with other choir libraries), you may need a more advanced system to have all options available.
Mic Mixer
Control all mic positions for the orchestra, choirs, pianos, and other instruments with multiple mic positions with the built-in mic mixer
Now taken a step further, do it right in the patch
Load, unload, adjust, pan, mute mic positions as you wish
Load MORE thanks to 64-bit support**
64-bit support** allows you to load many more instruments and voices, limited only by your system RAM (32-bit support is included also)
While most high-end computers will support 16Gb, a very small set of high-performance enterprise computers (with Microsoft Vista Ultimate) can already use 128Gb of RAM. As hardware develops, the theoretical limit is 17,179,869,184 gigabytes = 16 exabytes, or 17 billion gigabytes!
Networking Support*
If you still need more power, our NETWORK CONTROL* allows you to load instruments on other machines controlled from your host computer
No more trips back and forth between computers, no more KVM switching when loading projects
No need to buy additional software
The PLAY system is a professional fully integrated solution for those with the most demanding production requirements
As Beautiful As It Sounds
Interface designed to eliminate clutter, including only the controls needed for each individual virtual instrument
All instruments are listed in one browser
Easy to use browser displays all of your instruments
Favorites section to group the instruments you use most
Preview your instrument of choice in an easy-to-use column viewer
Load instruments into one instance to take advantage of your sequencer's "instrument tracks", or many if you so desire.
Interface automatically changes to display current instrument
Articulations
Forget browsing through complicated patch names: pick the instrument and play
Turn on/off articulations as you wish
Articulations list also serves as reference for all expressions within the instrument (no need to look up key-switches in charts)
Save your favorite configuration for quick retrieval
Legato Detection
PLAY senses legato and repetitive playing and responds accordingly
Stereo Handling
PLAY allows the user to manipulate stereo samples in very useful ways
Stereo Swap allows the user to instantly swap the left and right channels
Mono from left , Mono from right, or Mono Sum allow for instant conversion from stereo to mono
Playback Engine
Highest quality resampling engine
Built from the ground up to create the most intuitive instruments possible
EastWest/Quantum Leap now design instruments every step of the way without compromise
Effects Engine
The best sounding and most powerful effects engine out there, built from the ground up for the highest possible quality
Reverb section includes multiple impulse responses from halls, and the famous EastWest Studios and live chambers (more RIAA certified Platinum and Gold records awarded than any other studio)
The smoothest filters you'll ever hear
Security system
Authorize purchased instruments easily using the industry standard iLok security system
Offers complete portability, take your plugin anywhere you want, use it on any computer
Easy to authorize and manage (up to 100 authorizations on one key)
Platforms and Hosts
AU, VST, Standalone, Intel Mac, PPC Mac, Windows XP and Vista, 64-bit, 32-bit
Natively supported in all major hosts on all major operating systems - PLAY no matter what your platform
More native support than any other plug-in
Standalone: PLAY as many instruments as your computer can handle in one application
Summary
PLAY isn't just a sampler. The PLAY SYSTEM is a professional, fully integrated sample playback software solution for those with the most demanding production requirements.
Offers native support for more platforms than any other software engine
Network support* for large, expandable systems
The latest in technology (64-bit**, supports next generation operating systems)
The highest sound quality (ground-up effects, highest quality interpolation)
The best virtual instruments from the multiple award-winning EASTWEST/QUANTUM LEAP producers
The most intuitive controls, custom designed for each library
Complete portability
*Network support will be available after release.
**MAC 64-bit support will be available after release as a free download for all registered users.
**MAC 64-bit support will be available after release as a free download for all registered users.
Awards
ELECTRONIC MUSICIAN "EDITOR'S CHOICE" AWARD
Keyboard Magazine KEY BUY award
G.A.N.G. (GAME AUDIO NETWORK GUILD) "SAMPLE LIBRARY OF THE YEAR AWARD"
Reviews
“Every year we have to readjust our categories to reflect changes in the industry, and this is no exception. What once might have been a sound library now is more than that because it includes a playback engine. Symphonic Choirs is extremely impressive, and we're delighted to give it an award.”
— ELECTRONIC MUSICIAN (EDITOR'S CHOICE AWARD)
“Symphonic Choirs is an ambitious and powerful instrument capable of recreating the sound of a real choir with an incredible degree of realism. Nothing else quite delivers the control, sonic quality, and flexibility that SC offers. If you absolutely, positivelymust have the most natural and realistic choir (and you can’t afford to hire one), Symphonic Choirs is really the only choice, a clear Key Buy.”
— KEYBOARD
“The Symphonic Choirs package is a true breakthrough product that will forever change the way that producers work. This is not an ordinary sample library but a highly realistic and expressive vocal instrument that ushers in a new era of creative power.”
— FUTURE MUSIC
“The sound is superb. This is an amazing product.”
— PRO AUDIO REVIEW
“Symphonic Choirs takes the 'virtual' choir to a new level. The sound quality of the sample library is simply magnificent; these sounds would add class to any musical production. As with East West's recent world and ethnic instrument library, Ra, I think you can expect to hear Symphonic Choirs coming to a film score near you soon. Highly recommended!”
— SOUND ON SOUND
“An epic step forward in the evolution of the sampled choir, Choirs delivers an Oscar-winning performance that could grace any soundtrack. - 10/10”
— MUSIC TECH
“EWQL Symphonic Choirs sets a new standard for choir sample libraries.”
— MUSIC4GAMES
“The gigantic sound quality makes Symphonic Choirs an essential part of every top studio. Even though this much quality is not available for pocket money, you cannot avoid getting this product if you need perfect choir material. Quality 5/5, Creativity factor 5/5, Production 5/5, Booklet 5/5, Overall 5/5”
— PC & MUSIC
System Requirements
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37GB Free Hard Disc Space
Expanded Content 1GB additional space
DVD drive
iLok Security Key, not included (a free soundsonline.com account is required for retrieving and managing iLok licenses)
If you do not own an iLok Security Key you can purchase one at your local authorized EASTWEST retailers, or here. More details about the new iLok copy protection for our PLAY SYSTEM powered products is available here
Symphonic Choirs Expansion requires an additional 800MB of Hard Disc Space
Symphonic Choirs — PLAY Edition is required in order to use the Symphonic Choirs Expansion
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Mac
Minimum Requirements
G5 processor
3GB RAM
Mac OS 10.4 or higher
Recommended System
Core 2 Duo 2.5Ghz or faster processor
4GB RAM
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PC
Minimum Requirements
P4 3Ghz
3GB RAM
Windows XP SP 2 or Vista
Sound card with ASIO drivers
Recommended System
Core 2 Duo 2.5Ghz or faster processor
4GB RAM
64-bit OS and host
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Included for Both Mac and PC
32-bit standalone and plug-in versions included.
64-bit PC VST (host must support 64-bit VST plugins) and standalone versions included.
Check the following compatibility chart for availability of other 64-bit versions and updates.
EASTWEST PLAY Host/Sequencer Compatibility Matrix
1
Ableton Live and FL Studio do not support volume automation via polyphonic aftertouch, which is required by WordBuilder for Symphonic Choirs.
2
Cubase/Nuendo 4.1 or later are required as 64-bit hosts.
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DAE (RTAS in Digital Performer) is not supported at this time.
All other hosts and versions are untested and unsupported at this time.
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Supported Interfaces
WIN: VST™, ASIO™, DirectSound™, RTAS
MAC: VST™, Audio Units™, Core Audio™, RTAS 
Additional information about PLAY and the iLok security key is available in our Support FAQ. |
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