To present a unique take on a familiar sound, we worked with vibraphonist Alexander Gagatsis to distill the intimate velvet tones found at the softest of dynamics of his vibraphone. To expand on the main instrument patch that includes ‘true tremelo’ control, Alex performed arpeggios and swells, as well as a technique of using the stick end of the beater. Combined with the ‘Seven Days Kontakt engine’ that stacks reverb and delays, it’s easy to create ethereal soundscapes or loop-like experiments, and explore a whole new take on the sound of the vibraphone.
Mic positions:
OMNI – stereo capturing of the studio offering air to the sound
RIBBON – More up close and personal, a beautiful warm, direct sound
X-Y – a more focused second stereo option
FX:
Reverb 1
Reverb 2
Delay 1
Delay 2
Tape
Stereo
Simply click which effect you would like to use and the controls will appear. The stacking of reverb and delay allows easy creation of ethereal and modified soundscapes. Behind the scenes the FX chain is as follows:
Tape – Reverb 1 – Delay 1 – Delay 2 – Reverb 2 – Stereo – Limiter
Controlling levels:
Stacking reverbs and delays can quickly add up and increase the volume significantly, so be sure to keep an eye on levels to avoid any distorted sounds coming through. To help control levels when you feel like cranking things up, the ‘limiter’ toggle is available on all screens. The limiter can also be used as a creative tool when an over-driven crushed sound is desired. Simple turn the limiter on and crank the ‘verb and delay mixes up, and also try cranking the warmth and gain in the tape FX too. This crushed sound is a flavour favourite here at Waverunner Audio.
Articulations:
Vibraphone Main: the velvet vibraphone with true tremolo control, modulating between open and closed valve samples
cc1 for tremolo control / velocity for dynamics
Valves Closed: perform with the valves fully closed. A quieter, softer tone
no cc control / velocity for dynamics
Valves Open: perform with the valves fully open. A brighter, louder tone
no cc control / velocity for dynamics
Swells: performed octave swells, increasing then decreasing in dynamic
no cc control
Arpeggios: major and minor arpeggios
no cc control
Alt Hit: performed with the stick end of the beater for a very bright sound
