An Impact Soundworks Sample Library for Kontakt™

Designed, edited and produced by Andrew Aversa and Wilbert Roget, II of Impact Soundworks
Performed by Thomas Flanagan (sitar, tampura) and Jeremy Dyen (tabla, baya)
Recorded by Alec Henninger

Visit www.impactsoundworks.com to see the rest of our catalog!

INTRODUCTION
We came up with the idea for Sitar Nation: Classical Instruments of India in mid-2007, after noticing that despite the
growing popularity of ethnic instrument libraries, few products sampled non-Western instruments with a level of depth
expected from a modern sample library. We spoke with numerous composers and producers who were unhappy with the
current offering of ethnic instrument samples which only provided an “overview” of sounds and lacked the detail necessary
to provide realistic solo performances.

The sitar, tampura, tabla and baya were chosen for our library not only because these instruments have remained a
foundation of Indian classical music for centuries, but also because they have even permeated Western music since the
50s and 60s. Sitar Nation is the first library to capture these instruments with a level of detail and realism normally
reserved for violins and pianos, allowing the composer to control and play these beautiful sounds without relying on
excessive programming.

The library comes with 16 main patches and 2 multis, covering a variety of important playing techniques for all four
instruments. All of these sounds can be loaded from up to three positions: close, room, and ambient. This, combined with
extensive sampling, allows you to carefully reproduce authentic sounds OR simply add flourishes of flavor to your
compositions with a minimum of time spent.

Also included with Sitar Nation is a set of 15 FX patches and 2 multis which take the core audio content into new
directions using both pre-rendered offline processing and effects/programming within Kontakt. The result is a wide variety
of highly useful sounds, from drones and percussion to chimes, pads and keyboards.

All samples are 24-bit, stereo, 44.1 kHz.

INSTALLATION
To install the Sitar Nation library, just move the “Sitar Nation” folder from the content DVD to a directory of your choosing.
This folder should contain six subfolders: Ambient, Close, FX, MIDI Grooves, Room and UI. The Ambient, Close, FX and
Room folders contain various .NKI and .NKM files and all but Ambient also have further subfolders with audio content.
The MIDI Grooves folder has its own subfolder structure to organize a set of .MID format drum groove files, while the UI
folder holds the .TGA files used for the graphical skins within Kontakt.

Patches from Sitar Nation are loaded and used simply by opening an instance of Kontakt 2 (or higher) and loading the
.NKI instrument or .NKM multi file you wish to play. There is no authorization or registration required. To use the MIDI
groove files, drag and drop the .MID file you wish to load on to a MIDI track within your sequencer that is set to the
appropriate Tabla, Baya, or Tabla&Baya patch. If you load grooves from the “Tabla” folder, for example, you must drag it
on to a track using Tabla – Main Patch (RH) or Tabla and Baya.

All audio content for this library is “unlocked” and editable in WAV format! To access the content, browse to the
Close, Room, or FX folder, then open up one of the subfolders, such as “Tambura – Main Patch Samples.” However, be
aware that if you rename, rearrange or destructively edit files while they are in the same directory location, this may create
problems in the NKI files or cause them to not load properly. If this occurs, you can always copy the original library files
from your content DVD.
PATCHES DESCRIPTION
All non-FX patches are available from three positions: close (c), room (r), and ambient (a). To select which position you
want to use, just load an .nki instrument or .nkm multi file from the appropriately named folder.

Note that all patches from the Ambient folder have a knob labeled “Set Ambience” which controls the level of distance
and wetness in the sound when increased. The spatial effects are provided through Kontakt’s built in Reverb, Delay and
Phaser units. When set to 0, there is no wetness in the sound. You can automate this control using MIDI CC3.

C3 = Middle C

Sitar – Main Patch – Contains the standard plucking of a sitar with four velocity levels and three round robins, extending
across the instrument’s entire range (C1-A4). Lower velocities are struck with the thumb, and higher ones use a
metal thumb pick. This patch should be loaded on the same MIDI channel as the Sitar – Chikari, Sitar -
Releases and Sitar – Mordent patches for a full representation of the instrument’s core playing
techniques.

The modwheel (CC1) acts as a switch between normal playing on this patch and the Sitar – Mordent articulation.

Sitar – Releases – This patch consists of a variety of fret and string noise samples that are randomly triggered at the end
of notes while playing Sitar – Main Patch (as long as they are loaded on the same MIDI channel.) These are very
useful in adding realism to performances.

Sitar – Mordent – A rapidly thumbed ‘turn’, bending the melodic string up and back down a half step. This was recorded
three times per note and can be played on any note within the sitar’s melodic range (C1-A4).

*** Important: This patch should be used on the same MIDI channel as Sitar – Main Patch. Use the modwheel
(CC1) at higher values to activate the mordent patch.

Mordent Notation

Sitar – Chikari – Quick rhythmic strums across the sitar’s chikari strings, recorded with three velocity layers and three
round robins per layer. All strums consist of three notes spaced a fourth and fifth apart, such as D-A-D or C-F-C.
This patch is intended to be loaded on the same MIDI channel as the Sitar – Main Patch and as such is playable
in the C5-B5 range.

Sitar – Chikari Slow – Modified version of the normal chikari patch, suitable for softer rhythmic drones.

Sitar – Tremolos – Fingered tremolos played at an even tempo from D2 to A4. There are no velocity layers for this patch,
but it is still velocity sensitive. For full expressive control, use the modwheel (CC1), which controls volume and
brightness. Release samples are automatically included in this patch.

Sitar – Tremolos (leg) – Similar to the normal tremolo patch, but uses a custom Kontakt script for realistic legato playing.
This is a monophonic (one voice) patch. The “Time” knob controls the time it takes to glide from one note to
another when playing legato, while the “Amount” knob controls the depth of the legato effect; greater Amount
values will result in a more exaggerating slurring or gliding effect. For best results, use the modwheel to control
volume/brightness and load the patch Sitar – TremolosRLS on the same MIDI channel.

Sitar – TremolosRLS – Fret and string noise samples triggered at the end of a note. This should be loaded with the
above Sitar – Tremolos (leg) patch.
Sitar – WT Bends – A whole tone bend starting from a pitch one whole tone below the note that was actually played. All
bends were recorded at three velocity layers from the range D2 to A4.

Wholetone Bend Notation

Sitar – Phrases (KS) – A selection of five common articulations & phrases, played and mapped at different pitches. The
different phrases are selected using keys in a lower octave of the keyboard, and the playable range for all
phrases is F2 to F4. See below for the notation of each phrase.

Phrase 1 (C1 to select) Phrase 2 (D1 to select) Phrase 3 (E1 to select)

Phrase 4 (F1 to select) Phrase 5 (G1 to select)

Sitar – Phrases (leg) (KS) – Similar to the normal keyswitched phrase patch, but with a Kontakt script implemented for
realistic legato playing. This patch is monophonic (one-voice) - use the “legTime” knob to change the time it
takes to glide from one note to another, and the “legAmount” knob to change the depth of the legato effect: eg.
when legAmount is set to a high value, the gliding between notes will be very pronounced, whereas at low values,
it will be very subtle. Lastly, the “RandomArt” button, when activated, will trigger a random phrase on each
played note.

Sitar – Glissandos (KS) – A variety of discrete glissandos played on the sitar at multiple pitches and speeds and in both
major and minor.

C1: Switches all glissandos to very fast playing speed (default.)

D1: Switches all glissandos to ‘standard’ playing speed.
E1: Switches all glissandos to ‘slow’ playing speed.

G#2-G3: Major glissandos – note played determines key.

G#3-G4: Minor glissandos – note played determines key.

Tambura – Main Patch – Contains traditional plucking of the tambura, an instrument often used to accompany the sitar.
This patch achieves the traditional low drone sound very easily, occupying the C1 to G5 range. Multiple velocity
layers were recorded as well as three round robins per note.

Baya – Main Patch (LH) – A highly playable, 10-inch drum meant to be played with the tabla for lower pitched hits. All
strokes have nine velocity layers and three round robins per layer. This patch is meant to be played with the left
hand on the keyboard, using the white OR black notes from A1-B2.

A1-B1: Downwards bend using the base of the palm (ghe)

C2-C#2: Open strike in the center of the drum (ghe)
D2-D#2: Slow upwards bend using the base of the palm (ghe)
E2-F#2: Fast upwards bend (ghe)
G2-G#2: Another fast upwards bend, starting at a higher pitch (half ghe)
A2-B2: Muted stroke with fingers (ke)
Tabla – Main Patch (RH) – The smaller, 6-inch drum that accompanies the baya and whose distinctive sound you will
immediately recognize. All strokes have nine velocity layers and three round robins per layer. This patch is meant
to be played with the right hand on the keyboard, using the white OR black notes from C3-A#3.

C3-C#3: Muted palm stroke in the center of the drum (te)

D3-E3: Pitched stroke on the edge of the drum (di)
F3-F#3: Muted stroke using two fingers (nat)
G3-G#3: Partially-muted stroke in the center of the drum, slightly pitched (tin)
A3-A#3: Pitched open strike in the center of the drum (tun)

Tabla and Baya – A combination of the Tabla and Baya patches.

(FX) Additive Morph – A keyboard sound resembling a synthesized piano or EP generated using FM/additive synthesis.
Based on processed tampura samples and enhanced further with Kontakt 2 processing. This patch is playable
across the entire key range.

(FX) Air Tampura – An airy sound with many overtones, created primarily from heavily granulizing and re-synthesizing
tampura samples. Playable on all keys.

(FX) Air Tampura (RT) – A variation on the Air Tampura patch applying a release. For best results, play rhythmic
staccatos.

(FX) Chikari Resonator – Highly dark and inharmonic droning originally derived from chikari strums. Best suited in the
low range, but playable from C1 – C4.

(FX) Deep Chime – Pitched bell and chime-like sounds with metallic, inharmonic overtones. A lowpass filter is linked to
velocity, so soft hits are darker while hard ones bring out upper harmonics. Playable from C1 – C4.

(FX) Electric Taraf (Multi) – Powerful, polyphonic lead patch that has a synthetic flavor, but also a very dynamic response
to velocity.

(FX) Livewire Drone – An “electrified” set of pitched drones and vibrations with an aggressive, turbulent sound
reminiscent of FM synthesis. This patch is playable from A0 – C5 and is velocity-sensitive, with the ‘bite’ and
distortion of the sound increasing at higher velocities.

(FX) Percussive Chime – A variation on the Deep Chime patch that is more suitable for standard playing and polyphony.

(FX) Shaped Kit – Heavily processed drum kit based on table and baya stroke that is ideal for electronic percussive parts
and loops. This patch will change in tone at different velocity levels. See below for a list of hits.

B0-C1: Thick and aggressive kick/bass drum.

C#1-D#1: High-pitched rimshot or filler snare sound.
E1-F1: Dark, woody snare or strike sound.
F#1-G#1: Low-tuned hihat-like hit that opens up at higher velocities.

(FX) Shaped Kit Crushed – A modification of the Shaped Kit patch with further Kontakt processing: very gritty and lo-fi.

(FX) Soft ROMpler Sitar – An immediately playable sitar sound with attenuated harmonics modeled after the
processing of hardware workstations and ROMplers. Playable from C1 – C5.
(FX) Soft Sitar – Modifies the Sitar – Main patch to include only the soft, thumbed plucks of the sitar at all velocity levels.
Playable from C1 – C5.

(FX) String Constructor – Uses Kontakt scripting and processing to allow real-time morphing of the sitar’s timbre. Use
the “Set Timbre” knob or CC5 to morph the sound, and the “Set Ambience” knob or CC3 to control reverb level.
Playable from C1 – C5.

(FX) Tabla Melodic – A marimba-like keyboard sound intended for normal polyphonic play, based on the pitched strokes
of the table. Uses round robins, too! Playable from C0 – C7.

(FX) Trempad – Sitar tremolos manipulated into an infinitely sustaining, atmospheric pad. Use the modwheel (CC1) to
lower and raise the low pass filter cutoff.

(FX) Twilight Air – Beautiful, soft poly/pad sound with a fast and airy attacked followed by a subtle sustain.

(FX) Warp Field – Tonal drone/pad with intense movement and modulation. Playable from C0 – C4.
ABOUT THE SESSIONS
Sitar Nation was recorded at a high-end facility in Philadelphia, PA with Alec Henninger engineering all recording
sessions over the course of several months. Our signal chain consisted of two Neumann TLM-103 microphones and an
AKG C 414 B-XL (for room ambience) running through an API 3124+ mic preamp and finally into a Pro Tools HD system
at 96khz.

TROUBLESHOOTING & FEEDBACK

If you are experiencing difficulties with Sitar Nation, or would like to share any comments, questions, feedback, or
experiences with the library (eg. projects you’ve used it on recently), please email [email protected]. We’d
love to hear from you!

COPYRIGHT & LICENSE AGREEMENT

All sound recordings, performances, scripting and/or code contained in this product is the property of Impact Soundworks
unless otherwise noted, and remain the property of Impact Soundworks after the product is purchased.

This license extends only to the individual who purchases this product, unless that individual is purchasing on behalf of
another individual, in which case it is the actual user of the product who is granted this license.

The licensee is entitled to the use and unlimited editing of the product within the scope of music production and
composition. The product may be installed on as many computer systems used by the licensee as desired, but in no case
does a single license allow multiple individuals to use the product.

The licensee may not use the product in the creation of other sample, sound effect, or loop libraries.

The licensee may not use sound recordings contained in the product as individual sound effects for sound design work,
unless the sounds are significantly processed, layered, and otherwise altered beyond recognition.

The licensee may use the product in the creation of music for production libraries.

Redistributing, reselling, electronically transmitting, uploading, sharing, or renting the product in any way, shape, or form is
prohibited by law. The licensee may create a physical backup copy of any digitally purchased and downloaded product.
This backup copy is subject to the same limitations as the original copy of the product, and may not be transferred to any
other individual for any reason.

Copyright © 2008 by Impact Soundworks, LLC. All Rights Reserved.