Spitfire Audio LABS, the new library of FREE virtual instruments
Spitfire Audio LABS – an outstandingly simple yet high-fidelity range of virtual instruments to be expanded on a monthly basis.
Spitfire Audio has long been renowned for their incredibly high-quality sample libraries and virtual instruments, their focus is on capturing the nuances of the real instrument using the best microphones and studios at their disposal. Spitfire Audio have a series of product collaborations with famous composers such as Hans Zimmer and Ólafur Arnalds, it’s safe to say they’re in the big leagues.
“LABS” is actually an acronym, standing for “Let’s All Become Something” – testament to the fact that virtual instruments and sample libraries of this quality are often far more expensive than casual and amateur producer’s budget can support. Spitfire Audio LABS is free, at the moment the package is made up of two instruments, however they have endeavoured to launch a new instrument for free, every month. Starting off with some more traditional instruments, although Spitfire Audio has some experience creating some more experimental virtual instruments as well.
What makes LABS such high-fidelity?
Spitfire Audio LABS launches with two staple instrument sounds. Soft Piano is a virtual instrument made up of a sampled felted piano. It was originally recorded at the legendary Air-Edel Recording Studios in Marylebone, Central London. Nick Taylor used a pair of Schoeps CMC 5U microphones with mk4 capsules, the quintessential microphone rig for capturing the delicate nuances of quiet pianos, specifically for cinematic and deep compositions.
Strings is Spitfire Audio LABS’ new string ensemble virtual instrument, if the inner microphone geek in you wasn’t captured by the pair of Schoeps used on Soft Piano – enter a BBC AXB microphone (which has been known to fetch a value close to that of a decent car!). The BBC AXB was used to capture the essence of the real string ensemble, recorded at the Spitfire Audio HQ.
Spitfire Audio LABS virtual instruments are designed to be easy-to-use, they come as VST, AU and AAX.
Sign up at the Spitfire Audio website for access to LABS
