e-instruments Slower [KONTAKT]

Slower is an instrument library featuring high-end sample content, recorded to four distinct tape machines. The recordings are then played back at half-speed so all sounds are pitched down by one octave. Familiar instruments become magical, warm, and tangible. Explore a diverse range of sounds, including keys, guitars, strings, woodwinds, brass, and much more.

Why Half Speed Tape?

Half-speed tape transforms familiar sounds – like pianos, strings, and more – into something uniquely textured and captivating. By pitching down analog tape, you achieve a depth and warmth that digital methods can’t replicate. The natural tape characteristics, such as wobble, noise, and flutter, add rich, organic layers.

This technique enhances acoustic timbres, making wind instruments, for example, breathier and more expressive. The process also brings out low-end frequencies, creating thick and mellow sounds. This distinctive texture evokes emotion and adds a magical, nostalgic quality to your music, enriching your sonic palette in profound ways.

Four Tape Machine Types

The Slower sample content is recorded onto four different kinds of tape machines for you to choose from.

–Studio: Studer A812 and Revox PR99 – large open reel to reel

– Portable: Uher 4400 Report IC and Uher 4400 Report Monitor – small reel to reel

– Cassette: Tascam Portastudio 424mkiii – standard cassette

– Dictaphone: Sony M650v dictaphone – micro cassette

Each offers unique audio qualities and characteristics, particularly at half speed. From the subtle warmth and fidelity of the Studer A812 High-End open reel to reel recorder to the lo-fi crunch of the Sony M650v Dictaphone, these machines provide a range of vibes and moods.

Diverse Instruments

With 65 different sound sources, each recorded on four distinct tape machines, and a wealth of synthesized sounds, Slower offers a deep collection of unique tones. The extensive variety includes categories such as keys, guitars, strings, woodwinds, brass, and rarities like dulcimer, glockenspiel, and harmonium.

The tape recording process transforms classic instruments such as grand and upright pianos, electric and acoustic guitars, and orchestral strings, offering a broad spectrum of textures. Additionally, synthesizer recordings from renowned models add rich, evolving pads and intricate textures to your palette. This comprehensive sound library ensures endless inspiration and possibilities, allowing you to find the perfect sound for any musical context and genre, from Hip-Hop to Ambient and Electronica.

Powerful Sound Design Engine

Slower features a powerful effects section with 27 built-in effects and comprehensive sound design capabilities, including an amp envelope, LFOs, modulation envelope, step modulator, aftertouch, and more. A customizable five-slot FX chain allows you to get creative with delay, distortion, reverb, filters and more, all curated by sound designers to complement the sound content in the Slower library. The reverse samples enable the creation of ethereal sounds with slow attack, adding a unique dimension to your music. Separate noise and wobble controls further enhance tape characteristics, allowing you to dial in the perfect amount of analog imperfections. Most parameters can be modulated, enabling extensive sound processing possibilities. Whether through subtle enhancements or dramatic alterations, the Slower sound design engine ensures a truly unique and engaging music production experience.

Macro Controls

Slower features three macro controls that provide single-knob control over multiple parameters, facilitating real-time sound transformation. These macros allow you to perform automation changes effortlessly, making it easier to create dynamic and expressive performances. This intuitive control system helps you to quickly and creatively manipulate sounds, adding an interactive layer to your music production.

Preset Library

Slower comes with 230 presets crafted by top sound designers in the industry, offering instant inspiration and a starting point for your creations. Explore warm, moody pianos, unique and tangible string instruments, and deep, textured wind instruments that bring authentic, imperfect, and rich qualities to your music. Whether you need lush pads, emotive textures, or characterful sounds, the diverse range of presets ensures you can quickly find sounds that fit your project and spark your creativity.