Review: Contemporary Soloists Viola by Sonixinema

With both traditional and unique articulations, Contemporary Soloists Viola continues Sonixinema’s tradition of bringing a unique approach to familiar solo strings.

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Review: Contemporary Soloists Viola by Sonixinema

The third in the Contemporary Soloists series, this 19th century sampled viola includes both traditional articulations like legato, sustains, and pizzicato, as well as more unique articulations like the fantastic arpeggio crossings, across three distinctive styles (Clean, Distant, and Space).

Contemporary Soloists Viola normally sells for £99.00 from Sonixinema

Thoughts

Sonixinema are back at it with their Contemporary Soloists series – this time, presenting us with a 19th century viola to accompany the previous cello and violin releases. Contemporary Soloists Viola captures 17 traditional and unique articulations, ranging from the familiar sounds of sustains and legato to the beautifully unique arpeggio crossings and circular bowings. Sonixinema have presented it all in an intuitive engine that is easy to use while being flexible enough to provide adequate sound design capabilities.

Though I would like to have seen portamento included, the legato feels connected and sounds great. Each articulation is presented in three different sound varieties – Clean, Distant, and Space.

The Clean version presents the instrument in its natural habitat – mic’d in an intimate setting but with options to expand the sound using close mono, close stereo, mid, far, and mixed mic positions. The Distant version adds a good bit of reverb and processing to create a beautiful, distant timbre that works well on many of the more experimental articulations. The Space version is the most experimental of the three – providing a sense of otherworldliness to each articulation. While the Arpeggio Crossings remain the standout articulation of the series, Contemporary Soloists Viola provides some nice new sample fodder for those looking for new shades of sound within a solo viola instrument.

Facts

Contemporary Soloists Viola downloads as 4.15GB as is compatible with the free Kontakt Player. It includes a close mono, close stereo, mid, far, and mix microphone positions. There are 34 presets included as well.

Contemporary Soloists Viola normally sells for £99.00 from Sonixinema

Demos of Contemporary Soloists Viola by Sonixinema

Videos of Contemporary Soloists Viola by Sonixinema

Contributor Raborn Johnson reviews Contemporary Soloists Viola by Sonixinema
“With both traditional and unique articulations, Contemporary Soloists Viola continues Sonixinema’s tradition of bringing a unique approach to familiar solo strings.”