To that end, the cellos were played con sordino (ie. Normally you’d expect cellos to outnumber basses, but the intent here is to ensure the low register never gets overpowered. As in the first library, the sound is intensified by some unusually large section sizes, epitomised by a formidable low strings section of 12 double basses and eight cellos played in octaves. In contrast to the high-decibel performances of its predecessor, MA2 exploits the orchestra’s quieter dynamics, producing an overall darker, more sombre tone. You can read the review of Metropolis Ark 1 at Deep Strings

In this review we’ll take a look at both collections, starting with an exploration of the uncharted depths of Metropolis Ark 2 (henceforth called MA2). Metropolis Ark 2 is 54GB, while Berlin Percussion Main Library is 75GB (installed sizes). In a separate initiative, they’ve also extended their 1920s-cinema-inspired ‘monumental orchestra’ range with Metropolis Ark 2: Orchestra Of The Deep, featuring a completely new set of strings, brass, woodwind and harps sections, three choirs, pianos, harmonium, pipe organ, percussion (including large drums) and a set of synth and waterphone effects.īoth libraries were recorded at the Berlin Teldex Scoring Stage from multiple microphone positions, and work with the free Kontakt Player as well as the full version of Kontakt 5.5.1. Following the success of their Berlin Woodwinds, Strings and Brass sample collections, these young developers have released Berlin Percussion, thereby completing a full hand of sections for their impressive orchestral series.

To use a horse-racing metaphor not often seen in the pages of music technology magazines, Orchestral Tools appear to have the bit between their teeth. Orchestral Tools add orchestral percussion to their Berlin symphonic project and unleash a second cinematic epic. MA2’s monumental low strings ensemble features a panoramic spread of 12 double basses and eight cellos playing in octaves.

Metropolis ark 1 vs ark 2