While recording our upcoming expansion pack for The Recorder, a VI-Control forum member requested we make a comparable library for whistles. In our remaining time, we set out to sample several of the most common instruments: high D, C, and low F at the same quality as our flagship recorder library.

Featuring the same ultra-natural “True Legato+” process, 6 mic positions, performer, and space as The Recorder, Whistles is a compact but highly adaptable library ideal for a wide range of contexts.

State-of-the-Art Recordings

6 sets of microphones were used to record the whistles at various distances and with various sound qualities. These microphones were hand-chosen for their low noise and high accuracy, over more traditional recording mics, many of which are an order of magnitude or two more noisy.

Up close, the AEA N28 stereo ribbon mic provides a warm, focused sound while retaining 100% mono compatibility with its coincident Blumlein configuration.

Via dropdown, you can alternately select a close pair of Neumann TLM 170’s, which provide more articulation and detail and are a top choice for soloist spot mics.

For mids, two pairs of SDCs also provide two contrasting views: the laboratory reference Gefell M221 measurement omnis vs. M310 supercardioid SDC’s. Spaciousness vs. detail.

Rather than compromise by choosing one or the other, VISAGE lets you mix continuously between the two mid mics, creating a “virtual mic” of any pattern between omni and supercardioid.

The main position is filled by a pair of the mighty Gefell UM930’s. Among the most expensive and rarest solid state mics in existence due to its unique dual-capsule design, this microphone is extremely low noise (7 dBA) with an articulate, present character inspired by vintage designs.

Further out in the room, a pair of Gefell M950 wide cardioids with equally low self noise and spacious but detailed wide cardioid pattern provide the perfect sound for blending with your favorite samples from scoring stages and concert halls.

Advanced Control

Utilizing the VISAGE 3 engine to its fullest, Whistles packs in a range of controls over every aspect of the instrument including but not limited to:

• Volume, pan, width, solo/mute, purge, and routing for each mic position
• Blendable OH microphones (continuous variable pattern control)
• Full velocity curve control
• Dynamic range control
• Velocity-based accents
• Complete control of Legato behavior per-articulation
• Separate control over volume & length of releases
• Moveable keyswitch block
• Transposition
• Range limiting for building splits/multis
• Easy-access reverb settings
• Fully customizable tuning & temperaments engine
• Neighbor-borrowing RR (customizable)
• Integration with NKS/NI keyboards
• MIRAGE FX control panel
  • • Exposes and simplifies Kontakt’s internal FX engine
    • Utilizes the latest FX in Kontakt 7
    • Easy FX Presets system interoperable between VISAGE 3 products
    • Modular construction allows updates to VISAGE/MIRAGE FX separately

What is True Legato+?

True Legato+ is a more realistic form of legato sampling where the entire landing note of every transition is recorded. As a result, a second crossfade is eliminated and the momentum of the musician’s phrasing remains intact. This results in a dramatic improvement in realism.

Can you play legato repetitions?

In Whistle legato repetitions are mid-note ornaments. Simply hold down sustain while pressing a note a second time to activate.

How do Pitch Bend Ornaments work?

By flicking the pitch bend wheel up or down, you can bring up ornaments in Legato articulations. Then, use high or low velocity to trigger ornaments. This way you can avoid needing to use KS when playing live.

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