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TRANSCRIPT
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© 2017 Orchestral Tools | Schwarzer & Mantik GmbHRev. 2 017-10-2 5
OT Articulation Guide
CONTENT
I About this Articulation Guide 2
II Introduction 3
III Recording and Concept 4
IV Berlin Series 5
1 Berlin Brass - French Horn SFX ...................................................................................... 6
Instruments .............................................................................................................. 8
Articulations ........................................................................................................... 9
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| About this Art iculat ion Guide |
OT Articulation Guide
I About this Articulation Guide
The number of Orchestral Tools is constantly growing and covers all instrumental families of the orchestra,
with some collections even branching out into non-orchestral instruments. This Articulation Guide describes
all contained articulations as well as their technical properties (velocity layers, Round Robins, and many
more).
This document is a special version of the Articulation Guide that only contains features applicable to thecollections listed below.You can download the full Articulation Guide that applies to all Orchestral Tools collections in our Helpdesk.
The following table lists all collections covered by this Articulation Guide with their current Capsule version
as well as the minimum Kontakt version.
Collection Name Collection Capsule KontaktBBR C | Berlin Brass - French Horn SFX 2.1 2.5 Full 5.5.1+
ImportantThis Articulation Guide does not cover the general installation, usage and features of Orchestral Tools
collections. These topics are explained step by step in the respective User Guides and Installation Guides,
which you can find in your collection's Documentation folder. You can also find them in our Helpdesk.
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| Introduct ion |
OT Articulation Guide
© 2017 Orchestral Tools | Schwarzer & Mantik GmbH
II Introduction
Welcome to the Orchestral Tools Articulation Guide!
Orchestral Tools provides high-quality sampled instruments for composers. Thanks to our Capsule Scripting
Framework developed in-house, all Orchestral Tools collections look and work in a very similar way.
Articulation names, labeling and all technical terms are identical in every collections, so you will find it easy
to find your way around.
This Articulation Guide describes all articulations as well as their technical features and is organized as
follows:
- The general Ser ies Overv iew shows you all available Orchestral Tools Series', which group our
collections into broader categories.
- Following this is the respective Ser ies Overv iew Page of one particular Series, which lists all available
collections by name and gives suggestions for expansions options.
- Each individual collection then has its own Col lect ion Overv iew page, which describes the general
content of the collection as well as its most important features at a glance.
- This is followed by the Inst ruments Section, which lists all instruments (or sections) contained in the
collection with a short description of tone, scope or other pertinent information.
- The Ar t iculat ions Section finally lists all articulations in detail along with all their properties.
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| Recording and Concept |
OT Articulation Guide
III Recording and Concept
We are happy to have found a sonic home for our collections at the Teldex Scoring Stage in Berlin.
The large recording stage at Teldex looks back on a long tradition of many well known and Grammy®
award winning recordings. Famous orchestras, like the Berlin Philharmonics and great film composers from
the USA and Europe trust and love the wide and clear acoustics of this room. One of the best sounding
scoring stages in Europe, this room together with a fantastic complement of legendary microphones catapults
our work to a new level of orchestral sampling.
The quality of a sampled collection begins with the recording. Every Orchestral Tools collection is recorded
at 96khz with state of the art equipment. The full editing and post-production process uses these 96khz
recordings without downsampling. We very rarely denoise our recordings and never treat them in any other
automated way. If tuning is needed, it is done by ear without resorting to tuning algorithms. Only at the very
end, right before the samples are mapped into their instruments, the content is converted to 48khz for best
use of resources.
Our goal is to provide a set of tools that easily adapts to any workflow and creates a coherent sonic
representation of the orchestra. The main way we achieved this is by recording every instrument in its
orchestral position. All collections come pre-panned and pre-mixed with their respective volumes
balanced. If there are multiple types of the same instrument, they are recorded in slightly different positions,
yet still in their general section area. The different snare drums in Berlin Percussion, for example, have been
recorded slightly spread over the general "snare drum area" within the percussion section. This allows you to
have a very wide and full sound when combining multiple instruments.
We deliberately choose to also record non-traditional instruments as belonging to a symphonic setup, like
electric guitars and a drumset in our Metropolis Ark Series. Modern media scoring introduces a host of new
instruments into the established orchestral lineup and we feel these instruments deserve the same care and
precision in fitting them into the symphonic sound as their traditional counterparts.
All collections feature a number of microphone positions commonly used in orchestral recording. The
position of these microphones is identical in every collection, which means that for example the Tree is much
nearer to the string section that it is to the percussion section (because the percussion section is situated at
the back of the orchestra). This enabled lively acoustics that come pre-mixed for the respective stage
position. The choice of mic positions also depends greatly on the instrument. Some instruments, especially in
the percussion section, benefit greatly from a M/S position to enable accurately positioning the sound
source.
Wherever possible, similar instruments use the same mapping scheme so it is usually possible to transfer
MIDI data from one instrument to another easily. This is especially important and useful for percussion.
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| Berlin Series |
OT Articulation Guide
© 2017 Orchestral Tools | Schwarzer & Mantik GmbH
IV Berlin Series
The Berlin Series is Orchestral Tools' ongoing journey to harnessing the sound of the Teldex Scoring stage
in an all-purpose orchestral sample collection.
Every major section of the orchestra is represented by one Main Collection, which contains all essentials
instruments and articulations and forms the backbone of any symphonic piece. These collections are
expanded and continued by special expansion collections, which add additional instruments or playing
techniques.
The following table lists all Berlin Series Collections currently released - underlined names jump to a
description of its content and unique features. You can download a version of this Articulation Guide that
applies to all released Collections on our Helpdesk.
When you load any Berlin Series patch inside Kontakt, the instrument slot will show an icon representing the
orchestral section as shown below.
Berlin Orchestra Inspire Berlin Orchestra Inspire
Berlin Woodwinds Berlin Brass Berlin Percussion Berlin Strings
Main Collection Main Collection Main Collection Main Collection
Additional Instruments Additional Instruments The Timpani Special Bows I
Soloists I Muted Brass Special Bows II
Soloists II Horn SFX First Chairs
SFX SFX
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| Berlin Series | Berlin Brass - French Horn SFX
OT Articulation Guide
4.1 Berlin Brass - French Horn SFX
Berlin Brass represents our vision of symphonic brass sampling. This series is currently in active production.
Berlin Brass - French Horn SFX marks Orchestral Tools‘ first foray into the exciting world of orchestral brass
sampling. We have recorded four french horns at our favourite scoring stage - the Teldex Studio in Berlin.
The sound of the french horn forms an important part of film music: Not only does the instrument lend itself
beautifully to sweeping melodic lines as well as providing a harmonic backbone to the orchestration, but
also french horns come to shine in the effects department. Under the hands (and lung capacity) of a skilled
player, the instrument is capable of an almost infinite number of interesting effects.
For Berlin Brass - French Horn SFX, we took a 4 horn section and recorded them in position both with tutti
articulations, as well as each instrument individually. The result is a never before-seen flexibility in creating
horn arrangements. Berlin Brass - French Horn SFX gives you a quality set of standard articulations, but the
real focus of the collection lies on effects. Our innovative cluster builder allows you to assign the articulation
for each horn separately without the need for multiple tracks. Automatic voice detection makes playing a
breeze.
All divisi articulations have been recorded in place for each horn. We hope you will be as blown away as
we were when we heard the different approaches of each player to the same articulation. Using the divisi
articulations, you in effect get four unique takes of each articulation - it is like four solo horn libraries in one.
Plus they blend beautifully.
And then there‘s the tutti stuff. Last but not least, we took greatest care to make our piano really piano and
our fortissimo really fortissimo. Sampled brass tends to hold back. This won‘t happen here! These
instrumentalists gave it all they got and now you have the fruit of their labour right under your fingers.
We hope you find this collection inspiring and useful for your work. Let the FX begin!
Instrumentation and Recording
Berlin Brass - French Horn SFX features four french horns played both as a tutti
section as well as individually.
The patches are organised inside the Instruments folder in Divisi and Tutti
subfolders with Single Articulation patches containing a single articulation and
Multi Articulation patches providing access to all articulations in one single
patch. The Tutti folder contains all tutti articulations, with one articulation per
patch. The Divisi folder contains the Cluster Builder and Random Staccato
patches, with the four individual instruments controllable inside the patch. It
also contains four subfolders for the four instruments with the articulations
separated (again one articulation per patch). All instruments are subtly different
instruments played by different musicians, not just additional recording passes
and have been recorded in orchestral seating position including panning.
You have free choice between three microphone positions, Close, Mid and Room, the latter being a
splendidly lofty Decca Tree with M50s.
All instruments within a section are different instruments played by different musicians, not just additional
recording passes.
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| Berlin Series | Berlin Brass - French Horn SFX
OT Articulation Guide
© 2017 Orchestral Tools | Schwarzer & Mantik GmbH
These microphone positions are switchable in the GUI and can be controlled via MIDI CC. Additionally, all
core articulations have been recorded with multiple velocity layers for realistic dynamics.
All samples have their natural panning.
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| Berlin Series | Berlin Brass - French Horn SFX
OT Articulation Guide
4.1.1 Instruments
The French Horns in Berlin Brass - French Horn SFX bring extensively sampled French Horn SFX to your
compositions.
This section briefly explains the individual instruments and points out usage scenarios and expansion
options.
Berlin Brass - French Horn SFX consists of two areas: French Horn Ensemble FX, which are recorded with the
full 4 Horn Ensemble, and the individual Horns 1-4 with their assorted articulations as well as the FX
Builders.
French Horn Ensemble a4
The French Horn Ensemble FX contain standard articulations like Sustain and Staccato to allow easy blending
with the other articulations in Berlin Brass - French Horn SFX and also other brass collections like Berlin
Brass. Then there is a broad range of FX recorded with the full section including Rips in different intervals,
Flutter-tongue, Atonal Figures, Glissandi, and even nice Doppler Effect patches.
A special multi with three interval layers of flickering notes is also available for the Horn Ensemble.
Solo Horns I-IV
Each of the four horns that make up the section has been recorded in its seating position with five standard
articulations. These are available in two special FX Builder patches: A Cluster Builder that lets you build
custom "divisi" clusters with independent tuning and articulations for each horn, and the Cluster Builder
Staccato that plays random staccati, again with customizable ranges.
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| Berlin Series | Berlin Brass - French Horn SFX
OT Articulation Guide
© 2017 Orchestral Tools | Schwarzer & Mantik GmbH
4.1.2 Articulations
All Orchestral Tools collections focus on providing a versatile pallet of articulations to help you shape your
sound.
This section lists all articulations contained in Berlin Brass - French Horn SFX.
All Berlin Brass - French Horn SFX Patches have ORTS, AB and Tree mic positions. As such these positions
are not listed in the tables below.
Articulations Legend
Symbol Name Description
R Range The playable range of the instrument.
L Layers Lists the number and musical dynamics of velocity layers the
instrument uses.
T Transition Range The interval range of recorded legato transitions.
S Transition Styles If multiple legato styles are present, these are listed here by
name
V Vibrato Layers The number and type of vibrato layers
M Microphone Positions Any special mic positions that deviate from the collection
standard.
TM Time Machine Denotes a patch that uses TimeMachine for tempo-sync.
+ TimeMachine Patches
All patches marked with a "+" (plus sign) also exist as a TimeMachine patch. These patches allow you to
adjust the length of the sample to your liking. For more Information refer to the User Guide.
French Horn Ensemble a4
Articulation Properties
01. Horn Ensemble Sustains R: B0-D#4 | L: 3 (p, mf, ff) | +
02. Horn Ensemble Staccato R: B0-D#4 | L: 2 (p, f) | RR: 3 | +
03. Horn Ensemble Trills R: B0-D#4 | L: 2 (p, f) | HT Trill | +
04. Horn Ensemble Fluttertongue R: G#1-D#4 | +
05. Horn Ensemble Rips Short R: G#1-D#4 | RR: 2 | +
06. Horn Ensemble Rips Long R: G#1-C4 | RR: 2 | +
07. Horn Ensemble Rips 3rd R: G#1-A#3 | +
08. Horn Ensemble Rips Tritone R: G#1-A#3 | +
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| Berlin Series | Berlin Brass - French Horn SFX
OT Articulation Guide
Articulation Properties
09. Horn Ensemble Rising Figure R: G2-D3 | +
10. Horn Ensemble Atonal Risers R: G2-A4 | +
11. Horn Ensemble Atonal Falls Short R: C1-G#2 | RR: 2 | +
12. Horn Ensemble Atonal Falls Long R: C1-G#2 | RR: 2 | +
13. Horn Ensemble Glissandi Oct Short R: G#1-E3 | +
14. Horn Ensemble Glissandi Oct Long R: G#1-E3 | +
15. Horn Ensemble Doppler Short R: B1-E4 | RR: 2 | +
16. Horn Ensemble Doppler Long R: B1-E4 | RR: 2 | +
Horn Ensemble SFX Multi -
Horn Ensemble SFX Flicker MultiThree Flicker Intervals over the whole instrument
range
French Horn Individual Builders
Articulation Properties
01. Horns Divisi Cluster Builder4 individual Horns with all articulations (see below)
with pitch control.
02. Horns Divisi Cluster Builder Stacc4 individual random staccato Horns with pitch and
speed control.
French Horn I
Articulation Properties
01. Horn I Sustains R: B0-D#4 | L: 2 (p, f) | +
02. Horn I Stopped Sustains R: G1-D#4 | L: 2 (pp, mf) | +
03. Horn I Trills R: B0-D#4 | L: 2 (p, f) | +
04. Horn I Fluttertongue R: B0-D#4 | +
05. Horn I Bendings R: B0-D#4 | L: 2 (p, f) | +
Horn I Multi -
French Horn II
Articulation Properties
01. Horn II Sustains R: B0-D#4 | L: 2 (p, f) | +
02. Horn II Stopped Sustains R: G1-D#4 | L: 2 (pp, mf) | +
03. Horn II Trills R: B0-D#4 | L: 2 (p, f) | +
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| Berlin Series | Berlin Brass - French Horn SFX
OT Articulation Guide
© 2017 Orchestral Tools | Schwarzer & Mantik GmbH
Articulation Properties
04. Horn II Fluttertongue R: B0-D#4 | +
05. Horn II Bendings R: B0-D#4 | L: 2 (p, f) | +
Horn II Multi -
French Horn III
Articulation Properties
01. Horn III Sustains R: B0-D#4 | L: 2 (p, f) | +
02. Horn III Stopped Sustains R: G1-D#4 | L: 2 (pp, mf) | +
03. Horn III Trills R: B0-D#4 | L: 2 (p, f) | +
04. Horn III Fluttertongue R: B0-D#4 | +
05. Horn III Bendings R: B0-D#4 | L: 2 (p, f) | +
Horn III Multi -
French Horn IV
Articulation Properties
01. Horn IV Sustains R: B0-D#4 | L: 2 (p, f) | +
02. Horn IV Stopped Sustains R: G1-D#4 | L: 2 (pp, mf) | +
03. Horn IV Trills R: B0-D#4 | L: 2 (p, f) | +
04. Horn IV Fluttertongue R: B0-D#4 | +
05. Horn IV Bendings R: B0-D#4 | L: 2 (p, f) | +
Horn IV Multi -