In the last few months, I reviewed several libraries from Italian developer Dream Audio Tools. It seems that these guys never rest, developing one library after another. So now, I have yet another opportunity to take a closer look to their latest library, MBD (Marching Bass Drums).
What is MBD (Marching Bass Drums)?
MBD is a sample based library and virtual instrument for Native Instruments Kontakt. MBD features an accurately sampled marching bass drum, with eight different mallet striking techniques and two rolls, each recorded with round robins. The library features one main set and five designed patches, with three separate mixable microphones – Close, Overhead, and Room, offering maximum sonic flexibility from “roomy” to extremely dry. The whole library was designed with film scoring in mind.
Features Overview
- Eight different mallet striking techniques (with round robins) and two rolls
- All samples are 24bit/44.1Khz
- 390 MB sample weight
- Separate mixable mics for each single patch (Close, Overhead and Room)
- Low memory usage, Laptop ready
- Full version of Native Instruments Kontakt 4.2.3 or above is required
- Delivered as digital download
- Price tag: €12.90
Installation
After purchase, you will be able to download the installation file. Once unzipped, open your file browser in Kontakt and load your patch of choice from the Instruments folder. As is the case with all the libraries offered by Dream Audio Tools, MBD needs the full retail version of Kontakt, and it will not appear in the libraries tab pane. It can be added, however, to the quick launch menu instead.
Sound
As written in my other reviews, Dream Audio Tools products have always a great sound, bearing witness to the good and careful recordings. All the patches are well recorded, and there will be no issues getting them to cut through the mix. As usual, Dream Audio Tools provides simple enough patches, which I really love, since they don’t distract from actual composing. This is one of the most important features to me in a library, besides its sound.
As words can’t fully explain how things really sound, we will, as always, have a listen to the excellent demo tracks of MBD:
Conclusion
I like MBD. It will be one of those small little helper libraries that I will always use, sometimes as a main voice, and sometimes as a layering tool. Tools that help you maintain a fast workflow without distracting you with tons of features – these are things I personally look for, and Dream Audio Tools seem to know this well. I can’t explain how else they always cater to my taste! For €12.90, this little library is truly a no brainer.
MBD (Marching Bass Drums) by Dream Audio Tools
Installation – 90%
Sound – 95%
Interface – 100%
Patches – 90%
Value – 100%
95%
95/100
As always: Dream Audio Tools have hit the nail on the head. Small focused libraries without fancy bling – those are the true friends of a composer who needs to work fast. And this is exactly what is provided by MBD.