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Zero-G Alien Skies:...
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Zero-G Alien Skies: Cinematic Ambiences 2 - Press Reviews |
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| Reviewed by: Music Tech
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| February 2011 |
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Sound design is an area of music technology that often features more innovation than most modern genres: one in which extreme sampling, synthesis and processing treatments can combine to create startling results. Alien Skies is the latest pack of twisted textures and hits from Zero-G and is the follow-up to the company’s award-winning Dark Skies and Deep Impact cinematic libraries.
The pack comes on two DVDs – 4.3Gb of 24-bit audio in both ACID WAV and apple Loops formats, plus 810 sampler instruments for Kontakt, NNXT and EXS24. In truth, these sampler instruments are little more than the loops and hits laid out; however, this could be useful for pitching the more melodic pads to your track or playing along to a video cue.
The bulk of the library comprises 36 construction kits in different moods, each of which includes a complete cue plus four-to-ten component parts. Most of the cues are dark and ambient, but there are also some beautiful textures and pads, all of which have been created using a huge collection of organic, metallic and electronic instruments processed using numerous different programs and tools. The rest of the pack is divided into ambiences and drones, hits/stingers, sweeps and swells plus several beat loops, all with a professional finish.
The various sections have evocative titles such as Grotesque, Mysterious, Ethnic and Sacred, plus the names of instruments where appropriate. Each sample has been painstakingly crafted and layered to offer a variety of sounds, ranging from deep, gentle and melodic pads and atmospheres to twisted, dissonant drones. The beat section is a nice addition, with well-programmed grooves at 75-173BPM. However, the style is arguably a little out of place with the overall sci-fi/horror vibe and might be better suited to a Miami Vice or the Fast And The Furious role.
Overall, this is a large collection with a surprising degree of variety and a complex, pristine production sound.
Verdict: Cutting-edge production and creative sound design. Another excellent tool for film and media composers from Zero-G.
Rating: 9/10 |
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| Reviewed by: Future Music
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| May 2011 |
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Following on from the success of Dark Skies, Zero-G return with the second released int eh Cinematic Ambiences series. The focus here is on ethereal pads, dramatic soundscapes and portentous FX. The 4.1GB of samples are provided in Acidized WAV and AIFF format, with EXS-24, NNXT and Kontakt patches also supplied. There's no doubt that most of the content is more suitable for soundtrack composers than musicians, but the quality of the sounds is second to none. Not for everyone, but if you're looking for a good all-round ambient sample pack Alien Skies should definitely be on your list.
Rating: 8/10 |
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| Reviewed by: Computer Music
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| February 2011 |
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Alien Skies follows on from where is prequel, Dark Skies, left off. It's a two-DVD package including 36 huge-sounding construction kits full of hits, sweeps, ambiences and FX. Expect deep and atmospheric textures that will remind you of those unforgettable film moments. Each kit has a cue file so you can hear how all the parts work together in context.
You also get descriptively named folders containing ambiences, hits/stings, sweeps/swells - eg, the ambiences are filed under Grotesque, Intense, Sacred, etc.
The sounds demonstrate mind-blowing sound design skills, are insanely inspiring and are presented in 24-bit. While the content is perfect for game and film scores, don't discount its use in any musical project requiring added depth and dramatic tension. Highly recommended.
Rating: 10/10 |
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