Phonautograms is an extraordinary vocal instrument with a remarkable origin. It features chromatically sampled vocal sustains captured over 160 years ago using 'Phonautography', an early recording method invented in the 1850s by Édouard - Léon Scott de Martinville. Sounds were projected into a cylindrical horn, and vibrations were transferred to soot - blackened paper. The French Academy of Sciences preserved these raw recordings, which were later decoded by First Sounds with laser scanning at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. We selected an early human sound recording, a vocal scale by Martinville, and crafted it into a playable chromatic solo vocal instrument. Then, we used sound design techniques to transform it into various ambient soundscapes, textures, pads, synths, atmospheres, drones, and resynthesized drums. The Kontakt interface offers automation - ready sound - shaping controls, 20 custom FX presets, an adaptable LFO system, 12 types of filters, a customizable arpeggiator, and a key and scale lock system. The modular FX rack panel has 18 DSP effect modules. The reverb includes convolution impulse responses for different environments and custom FX impulses. This library is for Native Instruments Kontakt 5.5 or later, with features like a master NKI instrument bank, sustaining vocal instrument, ambience patches, and high - quality samples.
Using this library is easy. First, make sure you have the full retail version of Native Instruments Kontakt 5.5 or later installed. You can import the library into the Kontakt Quickload window through the standard File browser tab. Once loaded, you can use the automation - ready controls on the Kontakt interface to shape your sound. Play around with swell, attack, release, and other parameters to get the desired effect. The 20 custom FX presets are a great starting point for creative sound design. For the LFO system, select the shape, target parameter, speed, etc. according to your preference. When using the filters, assign them to modulation targets like velocity or mod wheel to add more dynamics. The arpeggiator can be customized for different rhythms. Use the key and scale lock system to make melodic composition easier. Remember, the free Kontakt Player only supports it in a limited 'demo mode'. If you want to use the sample directories in other wav - compatible software, you can do so as they are unlocked. Keep your software updated to ensure smooth performance and compatibility.
