Toontrack EZ Keys Melodic Percussion - Metal EKX Expansion

A vibraphone, a glockenspiel, MIDI and presets - all in one expansion for EZkeys 2.

This EKX for EZkeys 2 includes two absolute staples when it comes to melodic percussion: a vibraphone and a glockenspiel. Heard in not only countless classical arrangements but also across all genres of popular music, these staples from the metallophone family of instruments have become two of the definite go-tos for audio creatives across the board. The vibraphone, with its vivid tremolo and sustained colourful, metallic timbre, boasts a strikingly distinct character. Likewise, the glockenspiel, with its curious tinkle and bright, bell-like tone, simply has an inimitable harmonic voice able to cut through in any musical context. Undoubtedly, if you’re looking for percussive and melodic instruments that have an extraordinary ability to carry melodies that sing, ring and soar, these two gems are essential.

To capture the instruments, the Toontrack sound design team returned to the same complex that the Superior Drummer 3 core library and Orchestral Percussion SDX were recorded in; Galaxy Studios. Built with an unprecedented attention to detail and designed to withstand virtually any noise interference from the outside world, this is the epitome of a studio for sampling delicate instruments of this kind.

To offer flexible use in anything from the full-scale and orchestral down to the intimate and natural, the setup used to capture the two instruments boasts an array of 17 individual microphones. In the final product, these mics are used to give you mix-ready presets showcasing the instruments in all imaginable mixes, tonalities and colours. In addition, the vibraphone was recorded in both the main hall and the smaller Studio 1 room as well as sampled with mallets and a violin bow, offering you three completely opposing tonal takes. Aside from the instruments themselves, this EKX also includes a basic library of MIDI enabling you to start creating from the get-go.

If you're looking to supercharge your EZkeys 2 with a vividly vibrant EKX adaptable in any context from orchestral to singer-songwriter, jazz, rock, electronic and pop - this is one that should top your list.

• Features a vibraphone and a glockenspiel
• Captured at the Galaxy Studios in Belgium
• Vibraphone recorded in two different rooms and with both mallets and a violin bow
• A total of 17 microphones used, offering extreme variation and tonal options
• Ready for mixes in stereo up to 5.0 surround
• Comes with mix-ready presets for different configurations, microphone setups and tonal flavours
• Includes a MIDI library unique to the product
• This EKX requires EZkeys 2
• Note: The MIDI included with this EKX is unique and not related to any existing or yet-to-be-released EZkeys MIDI pack.

THE VIBRAPHONE.

Brand: Bergerault BV35 | Recorded in: Hall and Studio 1 | Recorded with: Wool/yarn/cord-wrapped mallets (soft to hard) and violin bow

Since it was first introduced back in the first quarter of the 1900s, the vibraphone has been a mainstay in all kinds of music, arrangements and styles - particularly so in jazz. With its massive two-manual set of "keys",big pipe organ-like resonators and and motor-driven tremolo, this acoustic-electric instrument sounds as grand as it looks.

THE GLOCKENSPIEL.

Brand: Bergerault KG25S | Recorded in: Studio 1 | Recorded with: Synthetic mallets

What this little instrument lacks in size, it makes up in tone. In fact, throughout music history the glockenspiel has intrigued classical composers, songwriters and listeners alike across all genres and styles. It simply has an irresistible tone that cuts through in any musical narrative you place it in. Essentially, it's melody maker and a storyteller all at once!

ONE HALL TO RULE THEM ALL

Immaculate acoustics in utter silence.

With its 330 square meter room and eight meter ceiling height, the main hall at Galaxy Studios in Belgium was the ideal location for capturing these instruments with a surround setup of microphones. In addition to having immaculate acoustic qualities, the entire studio complex is built on springs to ensure that any outside interference is literally nonexistent. In fact, with only 14 dBA of environmental noise, this room is the most quiet recording space of this size in the world.

THE MICS & THE ROOMS.

In addition to the carefully positioned close mics intended to pick up the attack and direct total presence of the instruments, this sound library was recorded using eleven additional room microphones set up in a surround configuration. This will enable you to use these instruments way beyond the conventional.

The microphone setup is identical between the Hall and Studio 1 rooms.

1. Sonodore RCM-402
2. Neumann U67
3. Neumann U87
4. Neumann U87
5. Neumann M49
6. Neumann M150
7. Royer R121
8. Schoeps CCM 2S
9. Schoeps MK-4
10. Schoeps MK-4

THE PRESETS.

Both instruments have their own bespoke selection of mix-ready presets. Each preset opens up its own set of controls for microphones and effects. With these, you can easily alter, tweak or fine-tune the sound to perfectly suit your mix. Should you wish to route an instrument to your DAW for further processing, use any of the various Multi-Out out presets. In addition to offering unsaturated takes of each instrument, these settings will distribute all stereo microphones in each recorded configuration of the instrument to its own channels and allow you to mix in up to 5.0 surround.

THE MIDI.

This EKX includes its own unique collection of song parts and phrases inspired by popular music genres commonly associated with the instruments. Close to all "song" folders contain one corresponding section each for the vibraphone and the glockenspiel, allowing you to arrange custom ensemble pieces where both instruments play together.

As always, the profound set of features in EZkeys 2 designed for tailoring MIDI to fit your needs will let you expand on these basic ideas and take them to whatever musical space your songs call for.