Checking Out: Vessels by Noon Instruments

This thing feels alive like it is breathing! Noon Instruments’ Vessels offers an innovative exploration of object resonance and experimental re-amping, delivering a breathtaking palette of sounds perfect for cinematic and ambient music.

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Checking Out: Vessels by Noon Instruments

Noon Instruments’ Vessels is an innovative sampled instrument that delves deep into of object resonance and experimental re-amping. This library for the free Kontakt Player offers a compelling toolkit for composers and producers seeking raw, textured, and deeply atmospheric tones.

The developers at Noon Instruments have pushed creative boundaries by transforming analog and digital synthesizer recordings through experimental re-amping techniques. This process involves capturing sound through resonating objects and employing boutique signal chains to infuse unique character and depth into every sample. The result is a wonderfully rich textural collection that feels alive and responsive, with an evocative quality that’s hard to pin down with words.

Vessels includes three preset banks comprising 440 sounds, all recorded at Holy Mountain Studios. The library is categorized into three distinct folders: Convergent, Divergent, and Relics. Each folder reflects a different facet of the instrument’s sound design philosophy.

The Convergent bank features 220 presets crafted by using surface transducers to vibrate metallic objects. Resonances from materials like oil drums and thunder sheets create abstract, elemental sound variations were capture and the results are hauntingly organic and ideal for ambient soundscapes or experimental compositions.

The Divergent bank utilizes re-amping techniques, running sounds through 180-watt cabinets and capturing them with various microphones, including Sanken CU-41s and SM-57s. The sounds were further processed through a Korg MS-20, adding layers of texture and these 220 presets excel in creating gritty, dynamic tones with plenty of movement.

For the Relics bank the developer focuses on 20 presets re-recorded onto ¼-inch tape and cassette, then processed through boutique effects pedals. The outcome is warm, nostalgic, and inherently organic, perfect for adding a lo-fi charm to your productions.

The preset categories in Vessels range from Arps, Atmospheres, Keys, Pads and Pulses. That said the library develops new definitions from its own unique zeitgeist which with a beautiful balance between cutting edge-cool retro and modern contemporary sonic playback.

The Arps presets shine in their sound design, offering inspiring quick score starters. I find for me they will be especially useful for cranking out basslines, providing rhythmic drive and sonic intrigue.

The Atmospheres presets lean twards more contemporary and cinematic sounds. This collection is steeped with drift and wobble reminiscent of scores ala-Dune. Many have an evolving and ethereal quality, making them perfect for otherworldly textures. And best of many of these presets could act as one note wonders painting entire sounds beds for the modern scoring composer.

The Keys preset seems to have a focus on clarity and precision in my opinion. From my ears I would say this collection lean more towards a Blade Runner-esque Vangelis aesthetic rather than Hans Zimmer’s more contemporary tones. The sound quality and recording process here are a stand out.

The Pads seems to draws inspiration from the more moody, layered scoring stylings of Reznor and Ross. I found many of this collection to contain lush, emotive sounds with darkly cinematic tendencies.

As for the Pulses collection, this was perhaps the most surprising category as I was checking out the instrument. These presets defy expectations by moving beyond the typical sequenced, one-note motifs that often pigeon composers into cranking out more-of-the-same short-on-time scores. While some Pulse presets offer rhythmic, minimal pulses, others explore more complex and expressive patterns, reflecting the library’s zeitgeist.

Its easy to praised Vessels for its innovative approach to sound design. The library delivers a unique palette of raw, textured synth tones with exceptional depth and character. The library’s thoughtful curation and attention to detail become more evident the deeper you dive into it. From dystopian soundscapes to minimalistic sonic explorations, each patch captures the ephemeral magic of sound in the air—a feat Vessels achieves with flying colors.

If you’re a producer or composer looking for a library that transcends conventional sound design, Vessels by Noon Instruments is a a fantastic collection. Its blooming, drifting textures and meticulously crafted presets make it an invaluable addition to any music production toolkit.

Vessels normally sells for £99 from Noon Instruments

Facts

Analog & Digital Synths
Captured Through Resonating Objects
With Boutique Signal Chains
3 Preset Banks from 440 sounds
Capturing samples at Holy Mountain Studios

Requires Kontakt 7.7.2 or later
NKS Compatible

Vessels normally sells for £99 from Noon Instruments

Demos of Vessels

Videos of Vessels