When allowing the smart legato to do its thing, this lib sounds like real players to ears. Even the trills sound convincing. Well done Fracture Sounds!
First of all, I want to acknowledge something that I greatly appreciate: you finally named all the instrument players. This is something all library companies should learn from you. It’s essential to respect and highlight everyone involved in the creation of a product, especially the performers, in my opinion. The legatos sound great on first listen. However, I was a bit surprised that you didn’t follow the vision I prefer from your libraries, like Dan Keen's Petrichor. In Petrichor, Dan made some excellent compositional and sound design decisions: recording small ensembles, blending instruments across the full range of octaves, courageously mixing unexpected instruments (like saxophones), and including improvisational textures (as you brilliantly did with String Formations). This library, on the other hand, feels more like a collection of separate instruments. That's still great, but perhaps more focused on a traditional approach? Not a bad thing at all, just different! I was also surprised that you didn’t include trombones and tubas, which I think would add a lot of value to the ensemble. But maybe this aligns with your vision of a brass band in your country’s cultural tradition, which is definitely interesting and appreciable. All in all, I still miss what I had hoped for in the poll you did a year ago: something like Petrichor, but for brass. Please take this as positive feedback-you make fantastic instruments, regardless!
Thanks for your comments! I am glad to hear you liked what we achieved with Dan in Petrichor and our own String Formations library. These types of projects are definitely still part of our identity and future plans next year- stay tuned! Brass Band Soloists represents a new line of libraries that are focused on realism above everything else. Whilst the articulations may be less experimental and represent a more traditional industry approach, the tools provided with this library such as the legato programming and instrument placement are what makes the products in this line stand out amongst other libraries on that market. Specifically, the instrumentation was foremost selected as a curration by the team of instruments we thought worked as soloists in the context of the Brass Band. But a secondary reason, and why there is no Trombone and Tuba, is that these are perhaps instruments composers already own, so we wanted to limit any crossover and make sure this library adds a new palette to a composer's toolbox.
Sounds great, even better to hear a fellow Westcountry accent in the video ! ( just wanted to clarify that for non native English speakers or our US cousins who might get confused, as it was mentioned that the company is based in the North of England and the library is recordings from a northern band)
As a former brass band player myself, this library is wonderful as, up til now, there has been no sample library that creates the unique sound of a brass band. Thank you!!
You guys should be proud of this one, the vibrato is stunningly realistic and dynamic blending is so good, much better than a lot of spitfire brass. I often find it's goes from pp-p then suddenly mf-ff, they always lack that middle range blend in dynamics. This is a perfect blend between the dynamic layers that have been recorded, bravo!
That sounds absolutely wonderful! I love the warm, mellow tone of the instruments and the legato is incredible! The concept of the performance shorts is great as well! Can't wait to see what is next for Fracture Sounds!
Wow. Gorgeous sounds. I downloaded the free Gentle Brass ensemble library a few days ago. It really sold me on this one, which of course is their intent.
The intent with the Blueprint libraries is to give people a way of 'demoing' our sounds before they commit to purchasing, so we're glad you liked Gentle Brass so much it gave you the confidence to purchase Brass Band Soloists!
This is just what I’ve been waiting for! Definitely a gap in the market that needed filling. It really does sound fantastic. How about an update at some point with baritone, as well as tutti sections?
You guys have smashed it again. I use to play 2nd Cornet in a brass band back n the 70's. I was asked if I would like to move to 1st trumpet, no thanks, I just loved the cornet too much. I just did a piece using Blue Street Brass, which isn't bad with a tweek. Now I can use this. Maybe an update sometime in the future with a Descant Horn added? Wallet out again I suppose. Your libraries have a uniqueness about them, please don't ever change.
Thanks for your kind words! We don't plan to add any more instruments at this stage, but if there is demand for a follow up we can of course look into that for a sequel.
I have not played with it but I like what I hear in the video. I will probably get it at some point. I think you will get sucess with legato libraries. If you do, maybe go for panflutes or guitars next?
If my hunch is right, it's about time we had a beautiful soft delicate Brass Band style library, hopefully with solo parts too. I do hope I'm right. Been looking for something like this for a very very long time. A delicate Yorkshire Brass Band style that featured in an old song 'You're a Lady', by peter Skellern. Fingers crossed a?
Such a beautiful sound! Well done. Question: can this library be used for a faster/brighter type of music , like funk, latin or pop? Or is it only focused more on the gentle side?
The library is focussed on the mellow, lyrical side. One of the demo tracks on the website features it in a more jazzy context ('Village Shenanigans'), but it might not be the best fit for latin or funk :)
I really like the sound of this, but I miss some ADSR control. Often I get inspired by recording free of the sustain pedal and just set the release a bit longer, and then adjust it back for the mix. I really miss that option here.
2 หลายเดือนก่อน
very nice musical colors with these instruments, an original library, the GUI is great but I would have expected at least 1 ensemble patch...
Thank you! We spent a lot of time refining the legato on this library so didn't have space for added extras like ensemble patches, which we can look at for an update in the future. For now, you can experience the full ensemble with Gentle Brass: th-cam.com/video/Hu3pvQGfQqo/w-d-xo.html
The tone of these is lovely. Legato sounds great. Controls and interface are tops. I'm tempted, because I've wanted an ensemble just like this for Ásgeir type music! But the thing about that is the brass do sometimes reach maybe forte, or at least mf. The longs in this library sound like they max at mp. Beautiful, but not enough dynamics for me :/ I know it would have been a lot more time and money, but having just one more dynamic layer would have sold me. A bit like the Max Richter piano 😂 (not a FS library)
We have chosen to go for a very focused sound on this project, much like Spotlight Piano. Using the teams experience of performing in Brass Band Ensembles we focused on a dynamic range that was most suitable to the mellow and lyrical sound we were aiming for. Even with this refined palette, there was still six days of recording involved in this project, and countless hours refining the legato programming- which is where the depth really is. That said, there are modelling happening in the background that helps extend the dynamic range, and the Colour control can extend the timbre of the instrument further. We went into this project knowing it wasn't going to be for everyone, but we were focused on authenticity above everything else!
Go behind the scenes of the library with our documentary, made by Marcus Warner, here: th-cam.com/video/_frt2yAmvdw/w-d-xo.html&lc=Ugx9s5kLUWeIrEt33tt4AaABAg
The hard part seems to be transitions between notes. I know only one company that has succeed on that part. You probably don't want me to say their name here but their initials are M S.
Obligatory comment to let people know it's a NativeVS Faderbox and a Casio PXS1000 🎺
When allowing the smart legato to do its thing, this lib sounds like real players to ears. Even the trills sound convincing. Well done Fracture Sounds!
This has to be the best brass soloist sound I have ever heard in a VST library!
Thank you!
First of all, I want to acknowledge something that I greatly appreciate: you finally named all the instrument players. This is something all library companies should learn from you. It’s essential to respect and highlight everyone involved in the creation of a product, especially the performers, in my opinion.
The legatos sound great on first listen.
However, I was a bit surprised that you didn’t follow the vision I prefer from your libraries, like Dan Keen's Petrichor. In Petrichor, Dan made some excellent compositional and sound design decisions: recording small ensembles, blending instruments across the full range of octaves, courageously mixing unexpected instruments (like saxophones), and including improvisational textures (as you brilliantly did with String Formations).
This library, on the other hand, feels more like a collection of separate instruments. That's still great, but perhaps more focused on a traditional approach? Not a bad thing at all, just different!
I was also surprised that you didn’t include trombones and tubas, which I think would add a lot of value to the ensemble. But maybe this aligns with your vision of a brass band in your country’s cultural tradition, which is definitely interesting and appreciable.
All in all, I still miss what I had hoped for in the poll you did a year ago: something like Petrichor, but for brass.
Please take this as positive feedback-you make fantastic instruments, regardless!
Thanks for your comments!
I am glad to hear you liked what we achieved with Dan in Petrichor and our own String Formations library. These types of projects are definitely still part of our identity and future plans next year- stay tuned!
Brass Band Soloists represents a new line of libraries that are focused on realism above everything else. Whilst the articulations may be less experimental and represent a more traditional industry approach, the tools provided with this library such as the legato programming and instrument placement are what makes the products in this line stand out amongst other libraries on that market.
Specifically, the instrumentation was foremost selected as a curration by the team of instruments we thought worked as soloists in the context of the Brass Band. But a secondary reason, and why there is no Trombone and Tuba, is that these are perhaps instruments composers already own, so we wanted to limit any crossover and make sure this library adds a new palette to a composer's toolbox.
Sounds great, even better to hear a fellow Westcountry accent in the video !
( just wanted to clarify that for non native English speakers or our US cousins who might get confused, as it was mentioned that the company is based in the North of England and the library is recordings from a northern band)
As a former brass band player myself, this library is wonderful as, up til now, there has been no sample library that creates the unique sound of a brass band. Thank you!!
Glad you like it!
You guys should be proud of this one, the vibrato is stunningly realistic and dynamic blending is so good, much better than a lot of spitfire brass. I often find it's goes from pp-p then suddenly mf-ff, they always lack that middle range blend in dynamics. This is a perfect blend between the dynamic layers that have been recorded, bravo!
Seriously, everything about this is great. The choice of instruments, the sound, the UI, the features, great walkthrough. Amazing!
Thank you so much!
Good heavens, it's phenomenal!
The legatos sound really good, impressed with the attention to detail. Great work, Fracture Sounds!
amazing. can't wait to dig into this one.
Look forward to hearing your comments!
About time someone made this!
Fracture Sounds have been producing some wonderful libraries lately, I appreciate it greatly!
This one sounds terrific! 😃
More to come!
Oh wow, okay this is great, I'm definitely getting it. The legatos are sooo good. Hoping to see a solo woodwinds band next!!!
Thank you, the team have worked very hard refining the legato programming!
@@fracturesounds It really shows, I would definitely love to see more stuff done by the same team (strings, winds) you name it!:)
This library has Muppet Christmas Carol written all over it - wonderful.
That sounds absolutely wonderful! I love the warm, mellow tone of the instruments and the legato is incredible! The concept of the performance shorts is great as well! Can't wait to see what is next for Fracture Sounds!
We can't wait to unviel what's next too!
Well done!! A much needed addition to our libraries.
This is such a beautiful virtual instrument, reviewed by my favorite composer. The feeling this library conveys is truly incredible..
Truly a beautiful sound. I love the varied implementation of Smart Legato.
Ppwayeettre
Wow. Gorgeous sounds. I downloaded the free Gentle Brass ensemble library a few days ago. It really sold me on this one, which of course is their intent.
The intent with the Blueprint libraries is to give people a way of 'demoing' our sounds before they commit to purchasing, so we're glad you liked Gentle Brass so much it gave you the confidence to purchase Brass Band Soloists!
@@fracturesounds Good strategy. Worked for me. Bought it. Installed it. Love it.
This is just what I’ve been waiting for! Definitely a gap in the market that needed filling. It really does sound fantastic. How about an update at some point with baritone, as well as tutti sections?
Eeeeh, by heck, this'll be grand for me Big Big Train Mock-Ups! :)
sounds gorgeous
You guys have smashed it again. I use to play 2nd Cornet in a brass band back n the 70's. I was asked if I would like to move to 1st trumpet, no thanks, I just loved the cornet too much.
I just did a piece using Blue Street Brass, which isn't bad with a tweek. Now I can use this. Maybe an update sometime in the future with a Descant Horn added?
Wallet out again I suppose. Your libraries have a uniqueness about them, please don't ever change.
Thanks for your kind words! We don't plan to add any more instruments at this stage, but if there is demand for a follow up we can of course look into that for a sequel.
@@fracturesounds Niiiiice. lol.
Brilliant 👍
any chance you would make woodwinds like this?
We will consider it ;)
Awesome!
I have not played with it but I like what I hear in the video. I will probably get it at some point. I think you will get sucess with legato libraries. If you do, maybe go for panflutes or guitars next?
If my hunch is right, it's about time we had a beautiful soft delicate Brass Band style library, hopefully with solo parts too. I do hope I'm right. Been looking for something like this for a very very long time. A delicate Yorkshire Brass Band style that featured in an old song 'You're a Lady', by peter Skellern. Fingers crossed a?
And the winner is….. Wow 🤩 you had a great hunch 🎉
Happy that you mention him. Skellern's arrangements for brass band and choir were always incredible.
Such a beautiful sound! Well done.
Question: can this library be used for a faster/brighter type of music , like funk, latin or pop? Or is it only focused more on the gentle side?
The library is focussed on the mellow, lyrical side. One of the demo tracks on the website features it in a more jazzy context ('Village Shenanigans'), but it might not be the best fit for latin or funk :)
@@fracturesounds thank you
Could have told me this was a Spitfire library and I'd believe you from the UI alone.
I really like the sound of this, but I miss some ADSR control. Often I get inspired by recording free of the sustain pedal and just set the release a bit longer, and then adjust it back for the mix. I really miss that option here.
very nice musical colors with these instruments, an original library, the GUI is great but I would have expected at least 1 ensemble patch...
Thank you! We spent a lot of time refining the legato on this library so didn't have space for added extras like ensemble patches, which we can look at for an update in the future. For now, you can experience the full ensemble with Gentle Brass: th-cam.com/video/Hu3pvQGfQqo/w-d-xo.html
I NEED the name of the modulation controller , please😢
Pinned!
The tone of these is lovely. Legato sounds great. Controls and interface are tops. I'm tempted, because I've wanted an ensemble just like this for Ásgeir type music! But the thing about that is the brass do sometimes reach maybe forte, or at least mf. The longs in this library sound like they max at mp. Beautiful, but not enough dynamics for me :/
I know it would have been a lot more time and money, but having just one more dynamic layer would have sold me.
A bit like the Max Richter piano 😂 (not a FS library)
We have chosen to go for a very focused sound on this project, much like Spotlight Piano. Using the teams experience of performing in Brass Band Ensembles we focused on a dynamic range that was most suitable to the mellow and lyrical sound we were aiming for. Even with this refined palette, there was still six days of recording involved in this project, and countless hours refining the legato programming- which is where the depth really is. That said, there are modelling happening in the background that helps extend the dynamic range, and the Colour control can extend the timbre of the instrument further.
We went into this project knowing it wasn't going to be for everyone, but we were focused on authenticity above everything else!
Go behind the scenes of the library with our documentary, made by Marcus Warner, here: th-cam.com/video/_frt2yAmvdw/w-d-xo.html&lc=Ugx9s5kLUWeIrEt33tt4AaABAg
😮
W..wait, what?!
The hard part seems to be transitions between notes. I know only one company that has succeed on that part. You probably don't want me to say their name here but their initials are M S.
I need to know.😢
P.S. also have something
Ah yes. Microsoft Excel is what I turn to every time I need legato.
Google spreadsheet for me 😂
At least it's something musical. 😉
Sounds gorgeous