OCEANIA II
100-Singer Thematic Choir
Oceania II is a choir built for thematic writing, and improves upon the original Oceania with twice the ensemble size, more syllables, and two speeds of releases (the faster of which helps for fast phrases). The library was created using phrases chopped out of connected performances (for many assets, including the releases), resulting in patches that provide spontaneity, energy and syllable cohesion. Multiple speeds of releases in combination with intricate programming methods allow flexibility with phrase length and faster phrases.
- 100 singers (50 women and 50 men, recorded separately)
- Twelve syllables
- Two speeds of releases which trigger in depending on playing speed (allowing more fluent fast phrases)
- Created using phrases chopped out of connected performances
- Two release suffix types (per speed): normal and ones ending in “-s”
- Recorded in a hall with 2 mic positions (close and decca)
- 48kHz / 24bit
- NCW-compressed, ~3.58 GB total
- Built for Kontakt 5.8.1 and above – full, retail version of Kontakt required
- Download via Continuata
GUI
M: main page
S: syllable selection
B: balance controls (flatten out part of the register, etc)
Main Page
Dynamic CC: choose the CC which controls volume.
Sus Pedal / Velocity: switch between how you want to trigger the “-s” releases, either by holding down the sustain pedal, or playing at a hard velocity.
KS Root: sets the root key of the keyswitch block. The library has a predetermined syllable sequence which it will cycle through unless you override with keyswitching. The keyswitch block allows you to move to specific syllables, where the sequence will then proceed from. The primary use for this is that some phrases may work better with a particular portion of the syllable sequence. You can also use this keyswitch block for RR resets at the beginning of your passages, and to align the syllables between the men and women sections.
Syllable Selection
With this page, you can choose how many syllables you want total, and then you can assign each drop-down to the syllable of your choice. The recorded order is default.
Release Types
Release Types: For every syllable, aside from the release speeds, you have two types of releases (per speed): normal and “-s.” So for every “eeh” release, you also have an “eehs” release. The “-s” releases can help transition between syllables based upon the phrases you write. You can select the way that “-s” releases are triggered on the main page. Velocity mode means velocity determines the release type.. 1-99 for normal and 100-127 for “-s.” Sus Pedal mode triggers “-s” if you hold down the sustain pedal during release.
Sample Delay
You’ll notice some delay in the samples: 80 ms. Simply set your MIDI track settings to -80 ms. The sample assets are timed, so you can quantize and with -80 ms track delay it will be on the beat.
Library Limitations
- Overlapping notes can cause note hangs. This can be alleviated by a quick fix in your sequencer.
- There are slightly extended ranges on on the very ends of both registers. These may sound odd in exposed setting because of the pitch-shifting.