Checking Out New Orleans Brass 2 by Insanity Samples
Insanity Samples bringing the Big Easy to your finger tips. New Orleans Brass 2 hits sll the right notes with a stellar update packed with character, realism and flexibility
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Checking Out: New Orleans Brass 2 by Insanity Samples
Insanity Samples has taken their already versatile New Orleans Brass Band library and pushed it further with New Orleans Brass Band 2, introducing 10,000 new samples, expanded articulations, and two new instruments: the Baritone Saxophone and a marching percussion ensemble. These additions bring a new level of depth, warmth, and realism to the collection, and the reworked playback engine enhances both flexibility and ease of use.
The moment I began working with New Orleans Brass Band 2, the increased realism and character were immediately noticeable. The new instruments, particularly the Baritone Saxophone, deliver a rich, authentic brass sound that evokes the vibrant energy of a New Orleans street band. The added marching percussion rounds out the ensemble, making the library feel fuller and more complete.
One of the standout features is the library’s keyswitch-free articulation performance mode matrix, called the Threshold Overlay System by the developer. The allows you to trigger articulations based on velocity, making it easy to craft realistic performances without fussing with key switches which adds a lot of nuance to the performance, allowing for more expressive and dynamic compositions. Some articulations even have further control over dynamic playback, ensuring that even the most detailed programming yields authentic results. That said, if you prefer working with key switches or program separate articulations per track, key switches are still available. This flexibility makes the library accessible to a wide range of composers, whether you’re looking for quick mockups or precise control over each instrument’s performance.
The array of articulations included in this update is impressive. The library features mute articulations, adding depth and character, and the crescendo articulations are a wonderful addition, though they can be a bit inconsistent across different ranges on the keyboard. The four legato controls, including adaptive speed, velocity, fixed fast, and fixed slow, provide flexibility in shaping your performances. The true legato and expression controls for dynamics bring even more realism into the mix, allowing for detailed and natural phrasing.
Each NKI (Kontakt Instrument) has a slightly different range of articulations, which is tailored to the strengths of the specific instrument. And the library offers six built-in reverb options, though the real magic lies in the dry samples. The sample capturing is where this library truly shines, giving each instrument the raw character you expect from a New Orleans brass band. The built-in reverb options are smooth, with controls for size and mix, offering a surprising range of possibilities given the limited number of reverbs.
In terms of microphone options, the library provides access to three different mic signals: a ribbon mic for a vintage sound, and two others that deliver a modern, true-to-life brass tone. I particularly loved how the Percussion NKI gives individual control over each instrument’s mic signals, allowing for more detailed mixing options.
The developers did an excellent job streamlining the sample set. Even with all the added depth and features, the library maintains a manageable footprint and runs efficiently. In my testing, each instrument instance rarely pushed beyond 3% CPU usage, making this an efficient tool even for larger sessions.
New Orleans Brass 2 is a great update to an already wonderful library. The developer’s commitment to improving and expanding their libraries is commendable, and it’s refreshing to see such a thorough overhaul rather than a simple reissue. The added flexibility between key switch functionality and velocity-based articulation selection gives composers more freedom to create realistic performances, and the new instruments and articulations significantly enhance the library’s versatility.
This library the closest I’ve heard to capturing the raw, warm, and jazzy energy of a real New Orleans brass band. Whether you’re working on jazz, cinematic scores, or anything in between, New Orleans Brass 2 will bring the spirit of New Orleans to your fingertips with an impressive balance between its size and detail. If you own the original, this update is a must- (check your inbox for upgrade pricing) if not, now’s the perfect time to jump in.
New Orleans Brass 2 normally sells for $197.00 from Insanity Samples
Facts
Downloads as 6 GB
Updated Overlay Threshold System
2 Trumpets, 2 Trombones, 1 Baritone Sax, 1 Sousaphone, 1 Percussion Rig
Up to 9 core articulations
3 Microphone Signals: Dynamic, Ribbon & Pencil
Up to 10 Round Robins
Up to 4 Dynamics
New Orleans Brass 2 normally sells for $197.00 from Insanity Samples
