The Attic : a project to document and sample interesting, characterful instruments that may not always be the obvious choice when we think of classics. Instruments which, when added to a track, instantly add some special magic, even if it is due to the fact that it sounds a bit cheap or quirky.
We asked around some friendly producers: Neil Davidge, Adrian Utley and Liam Howe were all happy to open up their attics to us, and the resulting collection is a fascinating journey into the corners early analogue synthesis, offering a huge palette of sounds to reach into when you need colour, character and exuberance.
The Instruments
10 different virtual instruments in one package.
Meticulous sampling : every single note from each orginal unit is recorded, capturing all the variation and inconsistencies that make vintage analogues so appealing.
Modelled analogue behaviour : oscillator drift, natural attack variation, custom chorus and ensemble effects, mono mode & legato
Extensive effects section with bespoke convolution effects, phaser/chorus/delay, compression, EQ, filters, amp modelling, overdrive etc.
Mini 700
A simple monosynth by Korg from 1974, the same era as the Minimoog and the Roland SH2000. It has semi-fixed parameters, with a selection of toggle switches offering limited editing of these. It has a very fat, zappy sound, and fantastic chunky coloured controls. The filter (Traveler) is particularly interesting, with a LPF and HPF semi linked by interlocking faders.
Original waveforms and presets fully sampled
Traveler dual filter behaviour modelled
Polyphonic and detune modes added
RS202 String Machine
Dating from 1976, the RS202 is 61 note polyphonic, with Strings I, Strings II and Brass sound sources, and a split keyboard – any sound could by assigned to either section of the keyboard. The ensemble chorus effect was a key part of the sonic signature, contributing to its classic, fizzing disco string sound.The RS202 is an all time classic string machine.
Brass, String II & String II settings fully sampled
Original switch settings modelled
Ensemble detune effect modelled
Additional filter and EGs added