Vespertone Kontakt is an innovative music production software that has revolutionized the way producers create music. Developed by the renowned audio engineering company, Vespertone, this software offers an intuitive workflow and powerful tools for making music.
With its expansive library of sounds and instruments, Vespertone Kontakt is a powerful and versatile music production tool. In this article, we’ll explore the features of Vespertone Kontakt and how it can help producers create the perfect track.
Vespertone by Teletone Audio
Teletone Audio has been releasing some incredibly exquisite libraries that have earned them a devoted following. Their unique style coupled with an incredible skill for transforming aged retro sources into modern production tools is setting them apart from the crowd. So far, they have released character pianos and synthesizers. Their most recent release Vespertone combines both of these elements by combining classic characters with granular synth manipulation.
Using Vespertone Kontakt
At the heart of Vespertone lies a meticulous sampling of four classic instruments: a Wurlitzer 200 specially rigged up, a 1930s vibraphone, an old Jenco Celeste, and a 1970s Rhodes. This is all presented in an easy-to-navigate one-page interface with an elegant graphic design. The samples are rich and vibrant, with multiple mics, round robins and velocity layers that make for highly playable tones that can be adjusted from completely dry to open and airy using the mic faders.
It takes a vintage approach with Telefunken ELAM251s for the Neve 1073, and a darker-sounding Coles 4038 ribbon pair for the close options. Stereo Neumann M49Bs was used via a Neve 1084 to capture room sounds. For the Wurli, it uses a Wurlitzer Student Model speaker cab that was separated from the keyboard, with the 251s on the keys only and Coles on the isolated cab. To add an additional element of sound, instead of using a room mic it takes a feed from an EMT-style tube plate reverb.
The four instruments included in this library are remarkable on their own and worth the price, but the real highlight is the three large-character dials. While they appear to be one-knob controls, there is a lot going on beneath the surface. By default, these knobs are linked to the mod wheel and use granular synthesis to transform each sound.
The result can be either subtle or extreme; for example, when used on a Rhodes piano it can go from full-bodied to thin and watery or even choked and fizzy. As an added bonus, turning these dials also changes the background colours in true 1960s psychedelic style. Soul utilizes a blend of chorus, phaser, flanger and tape saturation to give more depth and movement.
Vespertone Kontakt Character Dials
The four instruments included in this library are remarkable on their own and worth the price, but the real highlight is the three large-character dials. While they appear to be one-knob controls, there is a lot going on beneath the surface. By default, these knobs are linked to the mod wheel and use granular synthesis to transform each sound.
The result can be either subtle or extreme; for example, when used on a Rhodes piano it can go from full-bodied to thin and watery or even choked and fizzy. As an added bonus, turning these dials also changes the background colours in true 1960s psychedelic style! Soul utilizes a blend of chorus, phaser, flanger and tape saturation to give more depth and movement.
The Spirit synthesizer is impressive for its ability to take sound to the outer limits with its use of reverbs, LFOS and octave layering. Not only does it offer a wide range of mangling options, but the effects are so well curated and programmed that it’s hard to get a bad sound out of it.
Additional Functions
To add even more character and warmth, there is a Nostalgia dial that infuses lo-fi vibes into the sample. Additionally, an age section provides filters, tape saturation and de-tuned tape warble so you can get as creative as you like with your sound design.
In addition to this, the vibraphone has a free-running or synced tremolo enabled by default to imitate its typical usage. There are also various adjustable settings such as a sensitivity knob to limit velocity range, a stereo-to-mono control and two other options.
The Mechanics control allows you to adjust the volume of pedal noises, hammer taps and mallet noise which is great for adding an intimate texture over the tonal sounds. Last but not least, there is also a Noise knob that adds room noise, tape hiss and vinyl crackle for an atmospheric layer – perfect for creating a crusty sound.
Designed Patches
The four starting block instruments come with a folder named “Designed Patches” that contains eleven inspiring presets for each instrument, demonstrating a broad range of sounds. Additionally, the Transfigured folder features some more experimental creations that push the engine to its limits, including odd arpeggios and unique sound designs. Presets are well-covered in this package.
Closing Thoughts
Vespertone offers a unique combination of classic deep sampling and modern digital manipulation. The Wurlitzer is suitably clunky, the Rhodes crisp, the vibraphone full-bodied and the celeste chiming – all with great playability that is retained for any new creation. If you’re looking for something authentically retro with plenty of parameters to mess about with, Vespertone should be top of your list. It comes at a great price and uses Pulse as its download method, plus it’s in Kontakt Player format too – so there’s little to fault!
Vespertone offers a great combination of quality deep sampling with modern digital manipulation. The Wurlitzer is suitably clunky, the Rhodes crisp, the vibraphone full-bodied and the celeste chiming. With all these parameters to mess around with, you’re sure to find something that fits your taste! Additionally, Vespertone is an affordable product that uses Pulse for download and is in Kontakt Player format. If you’re looking for something weird, gritty and lo-fi, then Vespertone should be at the top of your list!
Visit the Teletone Audio website to download yours today.
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