Impact Soundworks released the freely downloadable Orchestral Hit System: High Intensity Transients sound library for Kontakt Player.

Orchestral Hit System: High Intensity Transients can be downloaded for free, but the developer welcomes any donations to help with download bandwidth costs (suggested price $5).

The library is compatible with the free Kontakt Player version 7.8 upwards.

This library allows you to craft unique high-impact hits with eight tutti orchestral sections, including strings, brass, winds, timpani, bass drum, cymbals, synths, and piano.

In addition to the mixer, you have two dynamics: forte and fortissimo (what else do you need for maximum impact.

There’s an interesting “stretch last note” function that plays the last hit combination pitch-shifted, getting closer to the 90s techno sounds of groups like 2 Unlimited.

Orchestral hits are typically one of two things: perfect or incredibly annoying. Of course, that’s down to how we use them, and context is everything.

80s pop music is an ideal vehicle for these high-intensity transients, and Impact Soundworks highlights that with a little demo of the Yes record, Owner of a Lonely Heart.

The developer also demos the Mortal Kombat theme; it’s like reliving my childhood years.

I think people often ignore these kinds of impact sounds, assuming they won’t use them, but there are plenty of ways to use orchestral hits besides orchestral music.

Whether it be orchestral music, pop, video game soundtracks, or anything else, orchestral hits make great high-impact target notes. One hit in the right place can create a perfect transition point or even a sudden ending, which is pretty common in video game music.

Short-pitched bursts that aren’t quite fully developed melodic lines work well in pop music. Hip-hop often gets more melodic with impact hits, doubling with basslines; 50 Cent and G-Unit aren’t averse to some cheesy hits.

And, if you go back to the 90s techno sound I mentioned earlier, you can play the entire melody with orchestral hits (a sound that makes sports fans go wild in stadiums around the world every weekend).

If you’re looking for a different sort of orchestral library, check out the amazing Whispering Winds by Sonixinema, which is compatible with the free Kontakt Player.

Download: Orchestral Hit System: High Intensity Transients (FREE – Kontakt Player 7.8 or higher required)

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