Checking Out: Schema Dark by Native Instruments
Schema:Dark takes us on a voyage to a world of twisted loops and mangled sequences. Using a huge array of inspiring samples within an inventive interface this is a next level pulse generator from Native Instruments. It delivers a variety of sounds, from pounding hybrid basslines to propulsive percussive strings.
Jump to the Videos of Schema:Dark by Native Instruments
Jump to the Demos of Schema:Dark by Native Instruments
Checking Out: Schema:Dark by Native Instruments
Schema:Dark is a collaboration between Native Instruments and 10 Phantom Rooms and focuses on deep manipulation of over 1700 loops in a 4 layer, 16 step sequencer. By design it is a dark, gritty and driving, but within that remit it boasts a great deal of variety; full on distorted mayhem to brooding basslines and powerful percussive patterns to moody, hybrid pizzicatos. These innovative loops are presented in an intuitive Kontakt interface that gives instant results via the mod wheel and macros, but can also be more intricately programmed if desired. There is a broad division between tonal and non-tonal patches and it’s all NKS ready, which makes it relatively sprightly in terms of being able to find the type of sound you want, be that orchestral, synth, drums, bass, drones or SFX.
Schema Dark normally sells for $149 from Native Instruments
Thoughts
Main Page
Working with loops can sometimes feel a bit restrictive, but definitely not with Schema:Dark. There is such a wealth of raw material within a deep engine that it puts the end user firmly in the driving seat. Although overwhelmingly dark and futuristic that does come in a variety of shades. Much of this is as a result of the hybrid approach to the original samples that encompass orchestral, synthetic and field recorded content processed though a variety of vintage gear, stomp boxes and modular devices. Once in the engine the malleability of them is supreme, especially if you have an NKS keyboard, as the macros all map automatically. A big draw for me is simply having the tonal content pitch perfect and the atonal content being easily tuned – not all such libraries take care of these basics and it is critical once in the creative zone to keep the flow going. The 340 presets are really well designed and curated, but the fun really beings when you dive behind the main page and start editing parameters. All that said, some elements of the engine can be frustrating as I have highlighted earlier, though hopefully improvements might come in future updates.
Edit Page
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1l-7Fm-BzJWBzVKMZhZwEeSF5Ur9HYd0B/view?usp=share_link
Although this kind of loop library is something we’ve seen from other developers before, it is pretty unique within the Native Instruments line of products. Also, when you can count sound design master, Robert Dudzic, amongst the devotees that should be enough for even the most addicted sample library junkie to take note. The original loops are really inspiring and when combined in layers the result can be some brutally effective cinematic pulses. The variety of timbres also sets it apart, as it is capable of going from very minimal, raw and organic all the way to frenetic, distorted cyberpunk. As such, if you do not have such a tool in your arsenal it might be the ideal one-stop shop pulse generator and for those of us with similar libraries already it still offers plenty that is unique, fresh and exciting.
Facts
1732 loops
343 presets
Created from orchestral, synthetic and found sound recordings
16 step sequencer for each of the 4 layers
Extensive macro controls
Editable patterns and effects
Randomiser function
1.87 GB download
Retails for £129
A single NKI with full NKS integration
Available for the free Kontakt Player
Schema Dark normally sells for $149 from Native Instruments
Demos of Schema:Dark by Native Instruments
Videos of Schema:Dark by Native Instruments
Contributor Sam Burt reviews Schema Dark by Native Instruments
“Schema:Dark takes us on a voyage to a world of twisted loops and mangled sequences. Using a huge array of inspiring samples within an inventive interface this is a next level pulse generator from Native Instruments. It delivers a variety of sounds, from pounding hybrid basslines to propulsive percussive strings.”
