Overview

Imagine typing words into your computer, in any language, and hearing a world class Symphonic Choir sing those words in any key(s) you play "live" on your keyboard controller! Well imagine no more, that's exactly what this revolutionary "award-winning" virtual instrument does. In addition, this is the first 24-bit Choir virtual instrument to include three simultaneous stereo mic setups (close, stage and hall), so users can mix any combination of mic positions to control ambience. The Choirs were recorded in the same concert hall, by the same team as the EastWest/Quantum Leap Symphonic Orchestra and blend perfectly with EWQL Symphonic Orchestra.

To achieve the feel of a live concert hall performance, each instrument and section was recorded with three mic positions: close, stage (conductor‘s position) and hall. By selecting different mic positions, users can mix these sounds together to create any kind of natural ambience their project requires. This eliminates the need for artificial reverb.

The Symphonic Choirs Expansion (Voices of the Apocalypse content) was recorded separately, at 24-bit resolution with a single mic position.

WordBuilder is the word building software for both MAC and PC that enables Symphonic Choirs and Symphonic Choirs Expansion users to type in words for the Choirs to sing. This revolutionary software also includes a pop-down menu that includes popular pre-built phrases that you can load instantly. This is a real time saver for those on a tight deadline. The phrases have been optimized for each Choir. The phrases menu is customizable so you can add your own phrases to WordBuilder for quick and easy access. This is the most powerful vocals solution available.

New Features

• 64-bit* with 32-bit compatibility PC (*see system specifications)
  
• Mac Intel compatible
  
• New WordBulder software (plus new pre-built English phrases and words)
  
• Full memory access MAC (requires 64-bit MAC)
  
• Extended ranges (Sopranos - D3 to E5, Altos - F2 to A4, Tenors - C2 to D4, Basses B0 to D3)
  
• Intuitive custom interface
  
• Intelligent Performance section including Portamento, Repetition, Legato, Round Robin Reset
  
• Improved articulation window and controls
  
• On screen mic position mixing
  
• State of the art Convolution Reverb with pre-delay and additional Master control to route reverb to all instruments in an instance
  
• Convolution includes hall orchestra was recorded in for additional control of hall ambience
  
• Intelligent release trail engine that follows the note-on samples volume at all times, so release trails always match
  
• Release trails unaffected by mod-wheel cross-fade programs, radical mod-wheel movements do not degrade release trails
  
• Recall custom key-switches instantly
  
• Key-switch sizes now unlimited
  
• Improved sound quality with high-resolution audio engine
  
• Hi fidelity one pole filter for natural cross-fades
  
• Stereo image editing now possible using channel sourcing
  
• Completely re-programmed for PLAY from the original recordings

New WordBuilder Tutorials from Nick Phoenix

Part 1 (13:10) — Quicktime (298MB) | MP4 (86MB)
Topics: MIDI Configuration, VOTOX Alphabet, VOTOX Phrase Examples, Time Editor Overview, Optimzing Phrases, Keyswitching Vowel Sounds

Part 2 (12:38) — Quicktime (285MB) | MP4 (83MB)
Topics: Using Convolution Reverb, Disabling Release Trails, Adjusting the Speed, Stereo Imaging, Symphonic Choirs VOTA Expansion, Melismas, Portamento Scripting

Part 3 (6:44) — Quicktime (151MB) | MP4 (45MB)
Topics: Combining Vowels, Pitched Consonants, Staccato Notes as Accents, Adjusting Letter Volume  

• G.A.N.G. (GAME AUDIO NETWORK GUILD) "SAMPLE LIBRARY OF THE YEAR AWARD"
  
• ELECTRONIC MUSICIAN "2006 EDITOR'S CHOICE" AWARD
  
• KEYBOARD MAGAZINE "KEY BUY" AWARD
  

Review quotes

“Every year we have to readjust our categories to reflect changes in the industry, and this is no exception. What once might have been a sound library now is more than that because it includes a playback engine. Symphonic Choirs is extremely impressive, and we're delighted to give it an award.”
— ELECTRONIC MUSICIAN

“Symphonic Choirs is an ambitious and powerful instrument capable of recreating the sound of a real choir with an incredible degree of realism. Nothing else quite delivers the control, sonic quality, and flexibility that SC offers. If you absolutely, positively must have the most natural and realistic choir (and you can’t afford to hire one), Symphonic Choirs is really the only choice, a clear Key Buy.”
— KEYBOARD

“The Symphonic Choirs package is a true breakthrough product that will forever change the way that producers work. This is not an ordinary sample library but a highly realistic and expressive vocal instrument that ushers in a new era of creative power.”
— FUTURE MUSIC