Pictured at the 2007 Winter NAMM show are (L-R) Ocean Way Recording studio owner Allen Sides and Sonic Reality CEO Dave Kerzner. Photo by David Goggin.
At the recently completed 2007 Winter NAMM show in Anaheim, Calif., Sonic Reality introduced its new Ocean Way Drums sample library. The brainchild of acclaimed engineer/producer and studio owner Allen Sides, the library features 24-bit/96kHz drum samples that were recorded in Ocean Way’s renowned Studio B, designed by recording legend Bill Putnam, using Ocean Way’s extensive collection of vintage microphones and the studio’s custom console, also designed by Putnam.
Sides’ partners in the project are engineer/producer and label executive Steven Miller, and Sonic Reality CEO Dave Kerzner. OWD incorporates Ocean Way’s legendary studio acoustics and expert engineering with Sonic Reality’s highly expressive, proprietary I-Map MIDI note mapping in sample formats such as Native Instruments’ Kontakt 2.
Sides and Miller recorded full, high-end drum kits using a multi-microphone recording technique that captures the sound of each instrument with optimum sonic impact and spatial depth. A variety of sounds are instantly available via preset mixes created by these top engineers, giving users the raw drum sounds as well as a range of album-quality sounds that are ready for professional mixes. Additionally, users can experiment with the stereo submixes and control the samples’ pitch, tone and effects processing.
Also employed in the sampling session were highly customized classic outboard gear by Neve, API, UREI and Fairchild, along with rare hand-selected vintage tube microphones and special drum kits that have appeared on albums by top artists recorded at Ocean Way over the years.
Additionally, Sonic Reality created special maps for high-end MIDI percussion controllers such as Roland’s V-Drum Series. Many of I-Map’s performance articulations were designed to be triggered with maximum dynamics and alternate randomization. Finally, access to individual mic-channel samples is also available for direct drum replacement in DAWs such as Pro Tools, Nuendo, Logic and more.
For more information, visit www.sonicreality.com and www.oceanwayrecording.com.
