9 Soundware has released Drum Key version 2, a collection of unique presets for the Ultrabeat drum synthesizer within Apple Logic Pro .

Using the synthesis component of Ultrabeat which does not incorporate audio samples, the sound set is designed to repurpose the plug-in as a generator of abstract timbres, while remaining true to its rhythmic spirit. The patches utilize elements such as noise LFOs and velocity modulation to imitate human gestures and randomness. This latest release is version 2 of an existing product. All registered owners of the previous version will receive free updates.

Each of the 20 patches of Drum Key is designed to depart from the bias of drum kit paradigms, they are based on a single timbre (“Timbre 0”) which harnesses the technical resources of Ultrabeat. All 20 patches contain 25 component patches which mirror identical derivational variation concepts and key maps.

Echoing the General MIDI Percussion Key Map, variations of Timbre 0 are shaped and arranged accordingly between C1 and C#2 (drum voices 1-16) to its aural or conceptual attributes, allowing simplified reorientation of drum kit sequences. Drum voices 17 (E2) and higher house transpositions of Timbre 0 to sonic expressions of their respective names. In summary, utilizing the Ultrabeat architecture which is composed of 25 modules per plug-in instance, can give you 500 discrete timbres in the 20 patches.

Drum Key is not your typical percussion sound set. Although it has some patches that are intended to mimic drum timbres (notably kicks, snares, and hi-hats), the purpose of Drum Key is the exploration of the synthesis capabilities of Ultrabeat beyond applications for which it was designed. Examples include settings which produce complex rhythms through utilizing multiple tempo locked LFOs (Note: All patches were programmed at 120 BPM, and therefore use in some tempo ranges may yield unintended results due to the release time of the amp envelope.), morphing timbres based on the heavy modulation of parameters in the FM synthesis engine, patches which incorporate randomization through non key-synced noise LFOs, and sustaining textures suited for use as backdrops.

Atypical loudness is a quality present throughout Drum Key. Many of its patches will cause the Channel Strip meter to be pegged to 0dB, as the sound set was designed with headroom clipping taken into account to maximize loudness, and it can also be used with digital distortion effects.

The 2 MB download includes 20 .pst files. Drum Key version 2 is ready for purchase at 9Soundware for only $29.99.

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