1 We're proud to welcome you to our Olympus Micro Choir. This compact virtual instrument packs a big sound and powerful performance features, while offering a little taste of the world-class professional choral content and power you can find in the Olympus Symphonic Choral Collection. Our goal with Olympus micro was to create a functional intro package to help people explore the enormous possibilities that the full version of Olympus offers, as well as a fully functional choir for those who just want a simple, great-sounding, easy-to-use choral pad instrument with only the basics. To illustrate some of the core features available in Olympus, we’ve selected a pair of standard vowel sustains - a fortissimo “Ah” and pianissimo “Oo” - sung by the full ensemble over the full choir interval. We also include a pair of related “Poly-sustains”. This unique type of sustaining lyrical articulation is sung at a root tempo (100 and 140 bpm in this case), with the first syllables song to a natural rhythm before proceeding to a pure sustaining vowel. The final syllable is played as a release sample when the note is released. The choir sings throughout the polysustain in unison on a single pitch. We then record at whole step intervals over the entire interval range of the choir. We’ve include the classic Latin liturgical word "Dominum" and the Russian Slavonic word “Raduisya”. We’ve included short simple “Ah” and “Oo” staccatos as well. Lastly, we’ve included several custom effect presets for Kontakt to produce evolving ambient and FX pad instruments and expand your creative options. Whether you've been curious about our full Olympus Choir and are looking for a low cost preview, or you're just getting started with professional virtual choir libraries and just need the basics, Olympus Micro is the perfect way to begin your journey. We offer open format Kontakt nki presets with advanced simulated legato, convolution reverb, special effects, tempo-synching, a full custom user interface and many other cutting edge features for users who own the full version of Kontakt 4 or later. For those without Kontakt, we’ve also included simple yet fully capable .sfz presets for the SFZ sampler format, supported by a wide variety of different sampler engines and synths, including the free yet powerful Sforzando player by Plogue. That means just about everyone can enjoy Olympus Micro right out of the box. SOUNDIRON OLYMPUS MICRO CHOIR A Full-featured convenient choir pack offering a just a taste of the Olympus Symphonic Choir v2.0.1
Transcript
1
We're proud to welcome you to our Olympus Micro Choir. This compact virtual instrument packs a big sound and powerful performance features, while offering a little taste of the world-class professional choral content and power you can find in the Olympus Symphonic Choral Collection. Our goal with Olympus micro was to create a functional intro package to help people explore the enormous possibilities that the full version of Olympus offers, as well as a fully functional choir for those who just want a simple, great-sounding, easy-to-use choral pad instrument with only the basics.
To illustrate some of the core features available in Olympus, we’ve selected a pair of standard vowel sustains - a fortissimo “Ah” and pianissimo “Oo” - sung by the full ensemble over the full choir interval. We also include a pair of related “Poly-sustains”. This unique type of sustaining lyrical articulation is sung at a root tempo (100 and 140 bpm in this case), with the first syllables song to a natural rhythm before proceeding to a pure sustaining vowel. The final syllable is played as a release sample when the note is released. The choir sings throughout the polysustain in unison on a single pitch. We then record at whole step intervals over the entire interval range of the choir. We’ve include the classic Latin liturgical word "Dominum" and the Russian Slavonic word “Raduisya”. We’ve included short simple “Ah” and “Oo” staccatos as well. Lastly, we’ve included several custom effect presets for Kontakt to produce evolving ambient and FX pad instruments and expand your creative options.
Whether you've been curious about our full Olympus Choir and are looking for a low cost preview, or you're just getting started with professional virtual choir libraries and just need the basics, Olympus Micro is the perfect way to begin your journey. We offer open format Kontakt nki presets with advanced simulated legato, convolution reverb, special effects, tempo-synching, a full custom user interface and many other cutting edge features for users who own the full version of Kontakt 4 or later. For those without Kontakt, we’ve also included simple yet fully capable .sfz presets for the SFZ sampler format, supported by a wide variety of different sampler engines and synths, including the free yet powerful Sforzando player by Plogue. That means just about everyone can enjoy Olympus Micro right out of the box.
SOU
ND
IRO
N O
LYM
PUS
MIC
RO C
HO
IR
A Full-featured convenient choir pack offering a just a taste of the Olympus Symphonic Choir
We captured our Olympus Symphonic Choir by assembling 63 hand-picked singers from the SF Choral Society, Volti and the SF Symphony Chorus, under the direction of maestro Robert Geary. We recorded in a large, acoustically optimal A-Frame chapel hidden in the wooded canyons of historic Montclair, in the San Francisco Bay Area. We used the same location for our Mercury Symphonic Boychoir, Apocalypse Percussion Ensemble, Struck Grand, Montclarion Steinway 1926 Hall Grand Piano, Cymbology 1 and other classic Soundiron instruments. We used Sound Devices multi-track recorders and 12 large-diaphragm Neumann microphones in a custom-designed wide multi-position array to capture uncompromising fidelity and tone. We meticulously recorded over 90 solid hours of male (“Mars”) and female (“Venus”) divisi ensembles and solo SATB articulations, combining traditional deep sampling methods with our own specialized techniques and intuition to deliver the most capable and comprehensive symphonic choral library available anywhere in the world. Olympus Micro focuses on the main close microphone position for the full chorus, with men and women in separate divisi sections.
If you're curious about learning more about the full version of our Olympus Symphonic Collection, visit us at www.soundiron.com/olympus
The full Olympus Symphonic Choral Collection with Mars & Venus includes...
• Full men's and women's divisi choir sections (31+ voices each) w/ 8 soloists (SATB)• Unmatched acoustic quality, flexibility, depth and realism• Surround-Sound Compatible Stage & Hall Positions• Over 45 GB & 42,000 samples• Deep-Sampled Polyphonic True Legato in multiple vowels & dynamics • Cutting edge polyphonic legato system w/ full speed and style shaping• Staccato/Marcato Phrase Master & Word Master systems• A complete variety of sustaining vowels with deep round-robin and dynamic control. • 50+ Tempo-Synching Latin & Russian Poly-sustains per divisi section• Dozens of sustaining marcato words per section, with deep round-robin variation and dynamic layering• Dozens of staccato syllables per section, with 4x round robins per syllable• Special pp/ff vowel dual-dynamic staccatos with real-time pp/fff dynamic control• Hundreds of choral effects, atmospheres, shouts, whispers, sweeps, clusters, risers and falls. • Unique bonus percussion (tuned and untuned) and real-world custom convolution impulses• Integrated DSP effects routing and automation• For Native Instruments Kontakt 5.0.3 and later (VST/AU/RTAS/AAX)
FORMAT NOTES • The full version of Native Instruments Kontakt 4.2.4 or later is required to use all nki presets included in the Kontakt 4
instruments folder. The full version of Kontakt 5.0.3 or later is required to use all presets included in the Kontakt 5 instruments folder. The Kontakt Player and the Libraries browser tab do not support this open-format library. You must have the full retail version of Kontakt. See Page 4 for details
• All SFZ presets require a SFZ v2.0 compatible sampler or synthesizer engine that can read all standard sfz opcodes. We highly recommend the free Sforzando plugin, available for PC/OSX in VST, AU, RTAS & standalone player formats. See Page 4 for details.
CREDITS Produced, Recorded, Edited, Programmed, Photographed by Mike Peaslee & Gregg StephensScripting and Systems Design by Chris MarshallDocumentation by Michael PeasleeArtwork by Constructive Stumblings
TABLE OF CONTENTS General ::
INTRODUCTION - Pages 1-2
OVERVIEW & CREDITS - Page 3
Technical :: FIDELITY, ACOUSTICS & SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS - Page 4
This library was recorded in wide stereo at 48kHz/24bit, in a lush hall environment. Because it is a natural space packed with 63 singers, you may hear a few human artifacts like breaths, scuffs and other noises. And so it goes. We’ve learned over the years that you can't take the life out of the sound if you want the sound to be alive.
Accessibility
All of the sample content and impulse files are included as standard non-encrypted PCM wav files and standard open-format Kontakt and SFZ presets to allow you easy access to manipulate, reprogram and customize the sounds however you prefer. We know that it’s important for many users to be able to go beyond the limitations of any one sampler or preset structure, so we’ve kept this library’s directories and files open for advanced users. As a professional, you may have your own workflow or format requirements, and we trust that you'll respect our hard work and won't share this content with anyone who hasn't paid for it.
Keep in mind that to use and/or edit the Kontakt presets, you’ll need the full retail version of Native Instruments Kontakt 4.2.4 or later. Please be aware that the free Kontakt “Player” and any other version or form of Kontakt that came bundled with any other library or software product (other than NI’s “Komplete” package) will not support this library. The free Kontakt Player is NOT a full version of Kontakt and cannot load or play standard open-format Kontakt instruments or libraries.
Please read all instrument specs and software requirements before purchasing this or any other Soundiron product to see the full list of software requirements, features and format compatibility for each library.
While you can reprogram the samples or presets to other formats including SFZ, we recommend using Kontakt for best results, since it widely considered the industry standard and easily the most powerful sample programming and playback platform on the market. Just be aware that not all settings and properties will translate accurately or reliably from one instrument or audio format to another, due to vast differences in standards, behaviors, structures and capabilities that each platform relies on.
System Requirements
We recommend that you have at least 2GB of system ram, a dual core cpu and at least a 7200 rpm SATA harddrive with 500 MB of free disk space to install this library. Large sample sets like those found in this library
may load slowly and may cause system instability on older machines.
Kontakt Preset Loading
The full retail version of Native Instruments Kontakt 4.2.4 or later is required to use all K4 nki presets library. Kontakt 5 is required for Tempo-synching presets and all other K5 presets. Please be aware that many instrument and multi-instrument programs in this library are extremely ram/cpu and hard disk-streaming resource intensive.
Once installation is complete, you can browse and load the included .nki presets using the Files or Database tabs in the Kontakt Browser, or through the main File load/save menu. Please allow presets to finish loading completely before loading a new one. You can’t use the Libraries view to load standard open-format Kontakt Instruments like this library. Only locked “Powered-By-Kontakt” Libraries are visible to that propriety browser view. The “Add-Library” function also does not support this product or any other open-format Kontakt library. This library doesn’t require any special activation.
SFZ Preset Loading
Once installation is complete, you can browse and load the included .nki presets in any SFZ 2.0 compatible sampler or synthesizer plugin or engine. There are a variety of samplers available that can read this format, but not all of them support every feature in the same way and some features may not be supported at all by some programs. We highly recommend Sforzando by Plogue for best results.
Download the latest version of Sforzando here: http://www.plogue.com/downloads/
To load SFZ presets in SForzando, first install Sforzando and then run it in standalone mode or as a plugin in your sequencer environment. Then simply Drag & Drop one of the .sfz files located in the SFZ folder of this library directly into the Sforzando plugin window to load it. You can also click on the File window to import presets as well. As soon as a preset is loaded, it's ready to play. If you'd like to load multiple presets at the same time, simply load additional instances of Sforzando in your sequencer. You can route audio and midi for each instance independently, giving you full control over your mix and performance, with up to 128 stereo voices per instance.
If you've loaded the player into your sequencer, make sure to route midi in and audio out of the plugin to enable playback. If you run it in stand-alone mode, make sure that you enable your midi input and audio driver output in the Tools > Preferences drop-down menu at the top.
IR Kontakt Front Panel ControlsThis instrument has a variety of special front panel performance controls that allow deep real-time performance customization. You can see each control’s internal midi CC assignment by hovering your mouse over many of the controls and looking down at the “hint” text displayed in the Info bar at the bottom of Kontakt. To turn on the Info bar, press the “i” button at the top of Kontakt.
To assign midi CC automation to any knob, simply right-click (PC) or Command-Click (Mac) on the knob and then click the Assign Midi CC button that appears. The next midi controller you move will automatically be assigned to the control. You can access more automation features in the “Auto” tab window on the left side of Kontakt. Or, you can also "drag-drop" controller and host automation numbers from the "Auto" browser on the left side of Kontakt onto this or any of the other automatable controls to lock a control to a host or midi CC envelope. Once assigned to a controller, you can adjust the automation behavior for each controller down at the bottom of the "Auto" automation browser window.
After customizing any of the controls, you can save your own custom presets by using the File Save/Load menu at the top of Kontakt. Just choose a new preset name and save it in the same Instrument folder location to insure that Kontakt can locate all necessary files the next time you load it. All custom control knob settings will be saved with the instrument preset.
Other helpful information:
The 'soundiron_olympus_micro' nkc and nkr files are used by Kontakt to load certain elements and impulse files that this library requires. These special files cannot be opened directly, but it is important that they be kept where they are so that Kontakt can locate them properly when needed.
The Samples and Instruments directories are stored in relative locations to each other. Therefore, they should not be separated or re-structured. Moving or renaming the folders or their contents can cause presets and samples to fail to load properly. We recommend that you do not alter them unless you are experienced with Kontakt batch ‘re-saving’ and preset editing.
KONTAKT
6
SOU
ND
IRO
N O
LYM
PUS
MIC
RO C
HO
IR Layer 1 & 2 Selection MenusMany presets allow for two simultaneous and independent performance layers, allowing you to play back two different articulationss at the same time and adjust each one differently as you wish. For example, one can select the poly-sustain for each layer by clicking the Layer 1 and Layer 2 drop-down menus and selecting from the list of available vowels and polysustains. To conserve voices or when you don't need both layers, you can disable either layer by pressing the small button to the side of each drop-down menu. This will also darker the control area of the disabled layer.
Key RangeYou can adjust the playable note range for each section layer by using the Key Range controls down at the bottom. This determines the note interval that the section can sing at. You can artificially extend the range all the way down to a subsonic C-1 and all the way up to a shrill chirping C7 if you wish. One can set the upper and lower range boundaries in two ways: changing the value in the value edit box or pressing the corresponding “SET” button then pressing a key on the midi keyboard. Users can reset the key range to the choir’s natural range by CTLR+Left Clicking on the “Key Range” label itself.
Blend ControlsIn presets with 2 Layers there is an included Blend functionality. When active, the Blend Slider (or CC94) can be used to crossfade between both layers (if both layers are active). The small radial button next to the Blend Slider can be used to enable and disable this functionality. When disabled, both Layers will play overtop of each other.
Swell (CC72 & CC73)The Swell knob allows smooth dynamic volume adjustment of the respective Layer from a low pp to a high ff.
Attack (CC74 & CC75)The Attack knob shapes initial note attack to make the start of each note harder or softer. When used in conjunction with the “Offset” knob, this can be used to create some interesting pad-like effects. Please note the functionality of this knob varies between preset types. See each preset type’s respective page for details.
Offset (CC78 & CC79)The Offset knob sets the playback start position of the sample. Please note the functionality of this knob varies between preset types. See each preset type’s respective page for details.
Release (CC76 & CC77)The Release knob sets the room decay time of the release sample after a note is released. Higher values represent a larger room, while smaller values can produce an almost dry sound.
Rel Vol (CC90 & CC91)The Rel Vol knob controls the volume of release samples only. This can be used to fine-tune how loud or quiet the room decay is when a note is released. To turn of playback of release samples altogether, use the small radial button just to the left of the Rel Vol label. This control isn’t included in the staccato preset.
PanThe Pan knob sets the stereo left (“L”) to right (“R”) pan position for each layer.
KONTAKT
7
SOU
ND
IRO
N O
LYM
PUS
MIC
RO C
HO
IR EQ ControlsThe EQ tab contains a three-band equalizer. This special panel can be found in all of the instrument presets. You'll find this control window in the center column of the GUI. To open the window, click the EQ label. To enable the EQ effect in the signal path, click the On button below the EQ tab label.
LO GainThis knob sets the amount of gain for the bass frequency band.
Mid GainThis knob sets the amount of gain for the mid frequency band.
Mid FrequencyThis knob sets the frequency for the mid band.
HI GainThis knob sets the amount of gain for the treble frequency band.
Convolution Reverb ControlsWe’ve incorporated our custom convolution impulses into each instrument preset, with full control over all available convolution effect parameters. You'll find this control window at the top right corner of the GUI. To open the window, click the REVERB label. To enable convolution reverb processing in the signal path, click the On button below the Reverb label.
DrySets the amount of un-effected “dry” gain that is passed through the effect.
WetSets the amount of effected “wet” gain that is passed through the effect.
SizeSets the simulated room size of the convolution.
Low PassSets the low frequency cut-off of the impulse response, allowing you to dull and darken the sound.
High PassSets the high frequency cut-off of the impulse response, allowing you to remove rumble and low end.
DelaySets the amount of pre-delay time before the wet signal is returned
Impulse menusThese menus allow you to select from a wide variety of custom convolution reverb impulses that we've personally captured or created for you, separated into experimental FX impulses and simulated real-world spaces.
FX Drop-down menuThis menu allows you to select one of 10 special effect convolutions. Selecting an impulse from this menu overrides and unloads any currently loaded impulse from the Spaces menu.
Rooms Drop-down menuThis menu allows you to select one of 10 natural environmental space convolutions. Selecting an impulse from this menu overrides and unloads any currently loaded impulse from the Effects menu.
KONTAKT
8
TIPS:
Tempo SynchingAll preset in the “Kontakt 5” instruments directory that feature poly-sustain content are designed to automatically tempo-synch the playback speed of their phrasing to the project tempo settings of most host sequencers. These presets use the “Time-Machine Pro” time-stretching engine built into Kontakt, which may experience CPU spikes and acoustic artifacts and distortion as some playback speeds. Also be aware that these presets will only work in the full version of Kontakt 5 (version 5.0.3) or later. The free Kontakt Player and earlier versions of Kontakt DO NOT support these presets. The versions of these presets in the Kontakt 4 directory do not tempo-synch the polysustain phrases, and instead use the more resource and memory-efficient “DFD” engine mode.
Custom Control AutomationIf you wish to save the knob values in the preset after changing them, save the preset. The values will be loaded the next time you open the preset. To reset a knob to it's default position, simply Right Click on the knob with your mouse (Command Click for Mac). You can also assign any midi controller or host automation envelope to any of the knobs and buttons by using the automation assignment menu on the left side of Kontakt, under the "Auto" tab in the Browser area. Just click on the CC number you want to assign and drag your cursor onto the knob or button you want to automate while holding down your mouse button. Then set the "From %" and "To %" values to the min and max value range you want the automation to stay within. Setting the From % value higher than the To % value will invert the direction of the automation. To remove the automation from a control, press the Remove button at the bottom.
SOU
ND
IRO
N O
LYM
PUS
MIC
RO C
HO
IR Legato ControlsThis simulated legato system allows you to tie notes together as you play an uninterrupted melody. In natural instruments, notes blend together slightly as a performer changes between pitches. This creates a natural smoothing effect. In complex poly-phonetic and multi-syllable content like the Polysustains, this effect is simulated to give them a more life-like quality. As a special added feature for the polysustains, the sequence of syllables will continue fluidly as you play your legato melody, without interrupting the phrasing. For best results, try to place your note transitions close to syllable transitions. You'll find this control window at the center column of the GUI. To open the window, click the Legato label. To enable legato, turn on at least one of the two Legato layer on/off buttons below
To automatically trigger legato transitions in your performances, enable the legato system by turning on the legato on/off button for the layer you would like to use. Then, play a note and hold it. Now play a new note close to it on the keyboard without letting go of the old note until the new note has started. This short time overlap tells the program that you wish to perform a legato transition instead of releasing the old note and starting the new note. You can play simultaneous melodies at once for each of the two section layers as long as you stay within the defined key range of each layer.
Legato 1 On/Off This button turns legato on/off for Layer 1 (or the Men in the combo presets).
Legato 2 On/Off This button turns legato on/off for Layer 2 (or the Women in the combo presets).
RangeThis knob controls the interval range within which a legato transition will occur. When used with Polyphony, any legato transition played greater than this setting will trigger another legato position.
SpeedThe Speed knob controls the speed of the pitch bend when it is enabled. When turned all the way down, the bend is slow; turned all the way up, the bend is fast. Slower legato speeds sound the smoothest, but if you want to play faster melodies, we recommend using higher speed settings.
BendThis knob controls the intensity of the simulated legato bend. Setting this knob to 0 turns the bend off completely.
KONTAKT
9
SOU
ND
IRO
N O
LYM
PUS
MIC
RO C
HO
IR INSTRUMENT PROGRAMS
Kontakt 4 Presets:
You'll find the Kontakt 4 compatible presets in the K4 Instruments folder. These presets require the full version of Kontakt 4.2.4 or later to use. These presets DO NOT feature tempo-synching functionality for the polysustain phrases.
Kontakt 5 Presets:
You'll find the Kontakt 5 compatible presets in the Kontakt 5 instruments folder. These presets require the full version of Kontakt 5.0.3 or later to use. They use the TM Pro engine to provide special time-stretching and tempo synching functionality for the polysustain content that earlier versions of Kontakt are unable to support.
Olympus Micro Full Ensemble.nkiThis standard full chorus instrument includes both the men and women together, with independent section controls for each group. You can choose from the “oo” and “Ah” vowel sustains and “Dominum” and “Raduisya” polysustains independently for both men and women.
Olympus Micro Staccato.nkiThis full chorus instrument includes both the men and women together singing the Oo and Ah staccatos, with independent section controls for each group.
Olympus Micro Divisi Men.nkiThis is the men's section of the choir by itself, with the “oo” and “Ah” vowel sustains and “Dominum” and “Raduisya” polysustains as selectable articulations in the layer 1 and 2 drop-down menus.
Olympus Micro Divisi Women.nkiThis is the women's section of the choir by itself, with the “oo” and “Ah” vowel sustains and “Dominum” and “Raduisya” polysustains as selectable articulations in the layer 1 and 2 drop-down menus.
KONTAKT
10
SOU
ND
IRO
N O
LYM
PUS
MIC
RO C
HO
IR Custom Presets:
Olympus Micro Full Ensemble Cathedral.nkiThis is a simulated cathedral “far mic” version of the preset, using one of our custom convolution impulse files, captured in a real cathedral.
Olympus Micro Full Ensemble Legato.nkiThis version of the main full ensemble preset has legato set up for the men’s and women’s sections with no section interval overlap and a touch of added reverb to provide a smooth natural legato sound.
Olympus Micro Divisi Men Legato.nkiThis version of the men’s divisi preset has legato set up for two-voice legato harmonies and a touch of added reverb to provide a smooth natural legato sound for lead melody performances.
Olympus Micro Divisi Women Legato.nkiThis version of the women’s divisi preset has legato set up for two-voice legato harmonies and a touch of added reverb to provide a smooth natural legato sound for lead melody performances.
Olympus Micro FX Bottomless.nkiThis shifts the entire choir downward in pitch and adds undulating self-resonant reverberation to produce a monstrous mass-heavy oozing pad.
Olympus Micro FX Dilation.nkiThis is a temporal distortion of the staccato preset to create dark, sludgy warped sustain effects, with speed control on CC1 (modwheel).
Olympus Micro FX Distender.nkiThis is a warped, granulated and harmonized atmospheric instrument with formant shifting on CC1 (modwheel).
Olympus Micro FX Ghosts.nkiThis is a stretched, inverted spectral nightmare, with time-manipulation tied to CC1 (modwheel).
Olympus Micro FX Monolithic.nkiThis is a disturbing detuned cluster sustain pad with slowly drifting pitches that harken back to the golden age of science fiction. You can increase the intensity of the effect with CC1 (modwheel).
KONTAKT
11
SOU
ND
IRO
N O
LYM
PUS
MIC
RO C
HO
IR
The .sfz preset files located in the Instruments/SFZ folder are designed to work with any sampler that supports full SFZ 2.0 specifications. There are a variety of samplers available that can read this format, but not all of them support every feature in the same way and some features may not be supported at all by some programs. We've specifically designed these presets to take advantage of the full SFZ 2.0 standard, with a full range of advanced control features and performance capabilities. While the user interface is very simple, and the more advanced functionality and dsp like arpeggiation, legato, effects and convolution reverb we use in the primary Kontakt presets aren't included in sfz, you still have access to all of the same world-class sample content and the most core sound shaping controls that give this library its power.
While there are many things that Kontakt allows us to do far beyond the capacity of the SFZ format, we've still preserved the most important controls, sound and core functionality that powers this library. With that in mind, we highly recommend using the free Sforzano Player based on the ARIA engine by Plougue when using these .sfz presets. It's a powerful and efficient high performance sampling engine for PC and OSX, with both 32 and 64 bit support. It also supports disk streaming and customizable ram allocation, with the capacity to support for even the largest instruments depending on your available system resources. Sforzando is compatible with VST, AU and RTAS plugin formats and also can also be run as a stand-alone player. Most importantly, it fully supports all of the advanced sfz features we've included in this library's sfz programming.
Download the latest version of Sforzando here: http://www.plogue.com/downloads/
To load SFZ presets in SForzando, first install Sforzando and then run it in standalone mode or as a plugin in your sequencer environment. Then simply Drag & Drop one of the .sfz files located in the SFZ folder of this library directly into the Sforzando plugin window to load it. You can also click on the File window to import presets as well. As soon as a preset is loaded, it's ready to play. If you'd like to load multiple presets at the same time, simply load additional instances of Sforzando in your sequencer. You can route audio and midi for each instance independently, giving you full control over your mix and performance, with up to 128 stereo voices per instance.
If you've loaded the player into your sequencer, make sure to route midi in and audio out of the plugin to enable playback. If you run it in stand-alone mode, make sure that you enable your midi input and audio driver output in the Tools > Preferences drop-down menu at the top.
IR SFZ INSTRUMENT PROGRAMSThis library has 4 master sfz presets, similar to the main Kontakt presets. Each preset allows both key-switching and GUI selection for the different available sustaining and staccato choral articulations in real-time. You also have access to a host of independent controls for both the men's and women's divisi sections including: volume swelling, note attack, release time, sample start offset to change where the note or phrase begins when you play a note, release trigger sample volume and simulated vibrato.
CONTROLS
Men's Section Controls:
KeyswitchesClick on the K-Switch window at the top to select an articulation to play, or press the keyswitch midi notes to switch between articulations. If you wish to set the articulation you wish to have play back at the start of a song or phrase, we recommend placing the appropriate midi note in a midi clip assigned to this preset at the start of your song or phrase to set the keyswitch by default. These are the keyswitches available for the men's section:
• Midi Note 1 (C#-2): Latin 100 bpm sustaining (Dominum)
• Midi Note 2 (D-2): “Ah” forte staccato• Midi Note 3 (D#-2): “Oo” piano staccato• Midi Note 4 (E-2): “Ah” forte sustaining vowel• Midi Note 5 (F-2): “Oo” piano sustaining vowel
VolumeAllows smooth volume adjustment for the male chorus. You can automate this with midi cc72.
AttackSets note transient attack adjustment for the male chorus. You can automate this with midi cc74.
ReleaseSets the note release sample decay time for the male chorus. You can automate this with midi cc76.
OffsetSets the sample playback start position for the male chorus, allowing you to skip farther into the sample. This is especially useful when used with the Latin and Russian poly-sustain phrases, to adjust both timing and which syllables are heard. It's also effective when used with the staccatos, to tighten them up and transform them into faster spizzicato notes.You can automate this with midi cc78.
PanAllows smooth pan positioning changes for the male chorus. You can automate this with midi cc80.
Release Volume (“Rel Vol”)Controls the note release sample volume of sustaining articulations for the male chorus. You can automate this with midi cc91.
Women's Section Controls:
KeyswitchesClick on the K-Switch window at the top to select an articulation to play, or press the keyswitch midi notes to switch between articulations. If you wish to set the articulation you wish to have play back at the start of a song or phrase, we recommend placing the appropriate midi note in a midi clip assigned to this preset at the start of your song or phrase to set the keyswitch by default. These are the keyswitches available for the men's section:
• Midi Note 98 (D6): Russian 140 bpm sustaining (Raduisya)• Midi Note 99 (D#6): Latin 100 bpm sustaining (Dominum)• Midi Note 100 (E6): “Ah” forte staccato• Midi Note 101 (F6): “Oo” piano staccato• Midi Note 102 (F#6): “Ah” forte sustaining vowel• Midi Note 103 (G6): “Oo” piano sustaining vowel
VolumeAllows smooth volume adjustment for the female chorus. You can automate this with midi cc73.
AttackSets note transient attack adjustment for the female chorus. You can automate this with midi cc75.
ReleaseSets the note release sample decay time for the female chorus. You can automate this with midi cc77.
OffsetSets the sample playback start position for the female chorus, allowing you to skip farther into the sample. This is especially useful when used with the Latin and Russian poly-sustain phrases, to adjust both timing and which syllables are heard. It's also effective when used with the staccatos, to tighten them up and transform them into faster spizzicato notes.You can automate this with midi cc78.
PanAllows smooth pan positioning changes for the female chorus. You can automate this with midi cc81.
Release Volume (“Rel Vol”)Controls the note release sample volume of sustaining articulations for the female chorus. You can automate this with midi cc92.
SFZ
13
SOU
ND
IRO
N O
LYM
PUS
MIC
RO C
HO
IR INSTRUMENT PRESETS
Olympus Micro Full Ensemble.sfzThis includes all of the primary content and controls detailed on page 12, with the men mapped on the left side of the keyrange and the women mapped on the right, with overlap in the middle octave.
Olympus Micro Divisi Men.sfz This shares the same features as the full ensemble preset, but just includes the men's section content and controls.
Olympus Micro Divisi Women.sfz This shares the same features as the full ensemble preset, but just includes the women's section content and controls.
Olympus Micro Staccato.sfzThis shares the same features as the full ensemble preset, but does not require the release volume control since it does not include any sustaining articulations. It just focuses on 3 staccato variations for men and women.
Men's Staccato Keyswitches: Midi Note 0 (C-2): “Ah” forte staccatoMidi Note 1 (C#-2): “Oo” piano staccatoMidi Note 2 (D-2): “Oom” piano staccato
Women's Staccato Keyswitches: Midi Note 98 (D6): “Ah” forte staccatoMidi Note 99 (D#6): “Oo” piano staccatoMidi Note 100 (E6): “Oom” piano staccato
SFZ
14
SOU
ND
IRO
N O
LYM
PUS
MIC
RO C
HO
IR
15
SOUNDIRON SOFTWARE LICENSING AGREEMENT
SOU
ND
IRO
N O
LYM
PUS
MIC
RO C
HO
IR
LICENSE AGREEMENT By installing the product you accept the following product license agreement:
LICENSE GRANT The license for this product is granted only to a single individual user. No unlicensed use is permitted. All sounds, samples, programming, images, scripting, designs and text contained in this product are copyrights of Soundiron, llc. This software is licensed, but not sold, to you by Soundiron, for commercial and non-commercial use in music, sound-effect creation, audio/video post-production, performance, broadcast or similar finished content-creation and production use. Individual license holders are permitted to install this library on multiple computers or other equipment only if they are the sole owner and only user of all equipment this software is installed or used on.
Soundiron allows you to use any of the sounds and samples in the library(s) you've purchased for the creation and production of commercial recordings, music, sound design, post production, or other content creation without paying any additional license fees or providing source attribution to Soundiron. This license expressly forbids any unauthorized inclusion of any raw or unmixed content contained within this product into any other commercial or non-commercial sample instrument, sound effect library, synthesizer sound bank, or loop or effect library of any kind, without our express prior written consent.
This license also forbids any unauthorized transfer, resale or any other form of re-distribution of this product, or its constituent sounds or programming, through any means, including but not limited to re-sampling, reverse engineering, de-compiling, remixing, processing, isolating, or embedding into software or hardware of any kind, except where included as part of a multimedia production, rendered musical recording, performance or finished work of sound design of at least 8 seconds or more in length. Licenses cannot be transferred or sold to another entity, without written consent of Soundiron, llc.
RIGHTS Soundiron retains full copyright privileges and complete ownership of all recorded sounds, instrument programming, documentation and musical performances included within this product. All past and future versions of this product, including any versions published or distributed by any other entity are fully bound and covered by this agreement.
REFUNDS Downloaded libraries can't be returned, so we can't provide refunds or exchanges. We may choose do so at our own discretion, but please be aware that as soon as you've downloaded it, it can not be returned.
RESPONSIBILITY Using this product and any supplied software is at the licensee’s own risk. Soundiron holds no responsibility for any direct or indirect loss arising from any form of use of this product.
TERMS This license agreement is effective from the moment the product is purchased or acquired by any means. The license will remain in full effect until termination by Soundiron, llc. The license is terminated if you break any of the terms or conditions of this agreement, or request a refund for any reason. Upon termination you agree to destroy all copies and contents of the product at your own expense. All past and future versions of this product, including those released through brands other than Soundiron, are covered under the terms of this agreement.
VIOLATION Soundiron reserves the right to prosecute piracy and defend this copyrighted work to the fullest extent of US and International civil and criminal law.
16
CREDITSSO
UN
DIR
ON
OLY
MPU
S M
ICRO
CH
OIR
The Venus Choir
Conductor:Robert Geary
Choral Directors:Alan KleinschmidtBarbara Heroux
Chorus:Alice KoAudrey HowittBarbara HerouxCatherine HeagertyCeleste WinantCynthia A KingCynthia AdamsDiana FeinbergDiana PrayElizabeth EliassenElizabeth KimbleElizabeth ShassenHeidi L WatermanJennah DelpJennifer KayJennifer PanaraJudith J MurioKathleen DittmerKathy J McMahonKit MurphyKris AshleyLinda K BrewerLindsey McKennanMadison Emery SmithMarry W StodderNancy L RoeserNaomi BraunNine Anne GreeleyNisha AnandShauna FalliheeSusan KalmonVerah Graham
Special Thanks to:SF Choral Society (www.sfchoral.org)Montclair Presbyterian (www.mpcfamily.org)Volti (www.voltisf.org)The Kleinschmidts and GearysConstructive Stumblings
17
THANK YOU.
Thanks for loving the Soundiron Olympus Micro Choir, featuring selected content from our Olympus Symphonic Choir libraries. If you have any questions, troubles, concerns, comments, love-letters or hate mail, feel absolutely free to send it on over to us:
• v1.0: Original 2012 release with basic UI and Dominum polysustain + integrated oom vowel only
• v1.1: Removed a small sonic artisample 9, in the women’ section.
• v2.0: Full Upgrade• Added entirely new GUI system and artwork.• Added dynamic dual layer/dual section loading and articulation selection menus.• Added independent control variables for each section layer. • Added oo vowel sustain functionality, with newly added natural oo release samples.• Added fortisimo Ah vowel sustain functionality, with newly added natural ah release samples. • Added “Raduisya” Slavonic Russian Polysustains• Added 10 FX impulses and 10 room impulses with reverb controls.• Added EQ controls.• Expanded Legato system, improved simulation quality and flexibility and added independent section legato.• Added Ah and oo staccato preset.• Added 5 new custom atmospheric FX presets• Removed old redundant preset files that are no longer needed due to the expanded main preset features
and controls.
• v2.0.1: Added SFZ instrument presets and documentation
