The world's top steel pan recording artist and the 'father of the modern steel pan' have joined forces to create this ultimate steel pan collection. There are five types of pans, each a unique voice in the steel orchestra. A total of 22 instruments were recorded, presented in solo and ensemble combos, and grouped on the GUI console. From steel band music to jazz, film scores to electro DJ music, this collection offers authentic and beautiful - sounding instruments. It comes with the Kontakt player engine and is NKS compatible. The first steel pans emerged in Trinidad in the 1940s. Teenage Ellie Mannette was a pioneer in tuning pans for melodies. He became 'the father of the modern steel pan' over 70 years of perfecting his techniques. Andy Narell, a 50 - year - veteran recording artist, has played Ellie's pans since he was 12. The steel pans in this virtual instrument are from their personal collections. Andy played, recorded, and balanced the instruments, and created the virtual instrument with Tracy Collins. Ellie endorsed the project and tuned pans, but passed away before seeing the finished product. This collection is a versatile instrument. It captures solo pans, pre - mixed sections, and the full sound of a steel orchestra. You get the entire tonal and dynamic range of steel pans in one virtual instrument. There are five types of steel pans with multiple instruments of each type, 21 sampled Mannette instruments in logical presets, and a bonus vintage 1960s tenor pan. It also has performance enhancements like rolls, harmony, keyswitches, and MIDI velocity control. Andy's recordings set the standard, and this five - year project is part of Ellie's legacy, offering endless possibilities for contemporary music.
Using this Andy Narell Steel Pans - The Ellie Mannette Collection is easy. First, make sure you have the Kontakt player engine installed as it comes with this collection. Once installed, open the virtual instrument on your music software. You can choose from different presets for solo or ensemble playing. If you want to explore different sounds, use the intuitive controls to mute or solo instrument groups. To add more dynamics, try the 'Rolls' feature or use the MIDI velocity control. For chords and intervals, use the 'Harmony' function. When it comes to maintenance, since it's a virtual instrument, you just need to keep your computer's operating system and the Kontakt player engine updated. Also, make sure to backup your project files regularly so you don't lose any work. Don't forget to explore all the different types of steel pans in the collection to get the most out of it and create unique music.
