Heavyocity - Intimate Textures - Review and Tutorial

[@DatAnydex]

“Design a feeling” ... could be the most powerful statement in this video. I have been hearing music inside me for decades. I’ve already purchased numerous Heavyocity products because they are some of the BEST plugins presently available to use as tools to bring forth the hidden, secret sounds conceived within the heart and spirit. Intimate Textures is my next purchase. TOBY ALWAYS DOES A GREAT JOB, even though the software is so good it sells itself. Thank you!

[@TobyRyan]

It's definitely something that isn't talked about much for musical compositions. We only have 12 notes and at the end of the day our goal is to translate that feeling to the listener and/or viewer. Some of the best work comes from a composer's own emotions and personal experiences. That's the fun part! Exploring and asking yourself 'have I had an experience close to this' and getting in that frame of mind to compose. They call it "Method Acting" in the world of acting. I've tried to incorporate various philosophies and techniques of art outside of music and blend it into my own writing and it's been quite enlightening.

[@davidroberts8092]

Great review thanks. I use IT and RT all the time. Bought analog strings in the NI sale this week they sound great too. Well worth it imo. If I ever win the Lotto I'm sure I'll add a Spitfire library or 10 but, until then it's the sales for me.

[@TH3_ST4ND4RD]

beautiful intro and first song. intro reminds me of "Martin David" from Matteo Zingales on The Hunter's OST. You make this instrument shine, Ryan. the first song (starts 1:10 or so) reminds me of somewhere beautiful I've never been, someplace I'd like to remember, or something like that. When the world was more peaceful. I wanna place it on The Walking Dead, but that show got really dark after season one. Like if there were a more angelic and peaceful version of mercy of the living. aw you got me thinking.... you really designed a feeling. great work!

[@TobyRyan]

Thank you so much for saying that! I went to listen to Matteo Zingale's music and wow! That sounds very similar, instrumentation and everything. I agree - Walking Dead did get darker and a lot more gritty. The theme is still a classic. Intimate Textures is still one of the unsung gems in the virtual instrument world that really bring out all kinds of inspiration for me. Being able to sit down, fire it up and feel the tones is pretty special. There’s not too many VI that can bring that out as it can. Glad you enjoyed the video! ✌🏻

[@TH3_ST4ND4RD]

@@TobyRyan It's a pleasure ... you mentioned in your video that when you feel chills composing something, you know you've got something special. That's what i felt listening to your demo there, and it's why i bought the VST. Let me ask you, the hushed arpeggiating synthy instrument that overlays the strings in the video from 0:59-1:49, is that also in this VST? I'm traveling and won't be playing any sounds until later this summer, or I'd have looked myself. Thanks, Toby.

[@downpatmusic]

Sweet Strings, I like the smaller size ensembles like this.

[@scentline]

Thanks for this review, Toby! I just bought IT and RT a couple of days ago and this is very helpful tutorial for me! I think Spitfire Audio's Olafur series or Albion V Tundra also have this kind of aleatoric, sensitive and modern articulations and sound designs, but IT's cool and easy-to-use UI wins definitely. BTW, May I suggest one thing as a drummer? Your score compositions are great, but if you play and record the master bundle drum sound in the score on launchpads and somewhat less quantize it, it will sound more natural and human. Please keep posting! I love your videos!

[@TobyRyan]

I’ve been wanting to pick up a few of Spitfire’s libraries. A lot of them are cozy and moody. Thanks for the tip on the quantize! I’ve been experimenting with that exact area as of late because I feel I need more practice when it comes to drums and instrument articulations. Thanks again 🙏🏻 😃

[@jinhochoi1175]

@@TobyRyan My great pleasure, Toby! I think Spitfire Audio will go for 50% off in this Black Friday sale. I love Arvo Pärt style minimalistic and deeply lonely, but clear and pure (even meditative) Scandinavian sound. Happy creating! :D

[@eylam9690]

How many string libraries is too many?

[@TobyRyan]

I’ve been asking myself this question for a long time.

[@oddfellow8366]

Question.... is it possible to change the temp to 3/4 instead of 4/4???

[@jameseverett4976]

Can I get a natural string sound from this? Everything so far sounds either "synth-ish" and distorted or overly raw, like they aren't playing correctly with the bow - just dragging it over the strings like a beginning student who doesn't know how to bow. For the last 20 years, one major goal was to make synths sound like real instruments, then samples came along and we refined them for realism. Now it seems we're trying to go back the opposite direction and make realistic samples sound like synthesizers and sound effects. Are people just tired of realistic orchestral sounds, or did we just give up on realism and decide to embrace the limitations of samples, to see what else was possible? Also, around 9:02 it sounds like some woodwinds - but I thought this package was just violin, viola, and cello? Are there other sounds in this package besides the 3 string instruments?

[@TobyRyan]

To answer, I’d say no, but also yes, but it depends on your definition as everyone has their personal preferences when it comes to string libraries. This one in particular is based on Heavyocity’s standard orchestral string library called NOVO and is a standalone expansion pack giving extended bowing techniques and unconventional sounds to compliment, layer or use however you see fit. It does have more sounds, too many to showcase in a video. 5000 samples, to quote their webpage, and 192 snapshots which are essentially presets using those samples and effects. I’d typically reach for this when layering with a standard orchestral library, for example, to add textures. I love the unconventional now, and layer it in to make a fuller less synthy sound when using strings, however, I also have a few favorite standard string libraries with various articulations to choose from so this has been a breath of fresh air creatively. If you’re needing a solid string library, I recommend looking into either NOVO by Heavyocity, or Spitfire string libraries or Session Strings Pro 2 by Native Instruments or really any of their products, like the Symphony Series - String Ensemble for a richer standard approach to strings. I think you’re right, people are growing tired of the conventional as there’s a plethora of standard and realistic already available. It really depends on your ear and what you like. Trust that and don’t settle for strings that don’t really make you happy or provide the features you need. Hopefully, that was helpful.

[@jameseverett4976]

@@TobyRyan Thank you so much for the reply! Actually I would love me some unconventional string sounds, as long as they still sound like something the instrument can really make - maybe something like the sharp bow sounds on "She's Leaving Home" on the Beatles Sgt. Pepper album. I'm still only interested in real Orch sounds, but would like some new articulations, since to me synths are a dime a dozen now and can make practically any sound except realistic orch. instrument ones [and I think they even have some synths now that emulate pretty well]. I think it's great that others are tired of realism - less competition for me :) I do have lots of string libraries at this point, so I'm looking for "idea engines" like this, that make patterns and textures, but still limited to authentic instrument sounds, as there seem to be plenty of synth engines like this, usually less expensive.

[@ryansylvester3405]

I've always wondered which ensemble setting you were using at 4:10!! Did you just load multiple instruments through one channel?

[@TobyRyan]

Great question! That is one instance of Intimate Textures. The specific ensemble is called 'III Celli - Textures 2' and I'm using the included 'Vlc Txt 2 - Full Mix' snapshot of that ensemble. I recorded the chord progression while also using the dynamics knob via a midi controller to add a more lively feel. Lastly, program/draw in articulation changes to taste.

[@ryansylvester3405]

@@TobyRyan Wow good memory! I'll try it out later. Thank you very much

[@user-id4sx9oi7l]

i can sense the joker's soundtrack @ 3:29

[@TobyRyan]

There’s definitely a lot of those vibes in here. That is one of my favorite sound tracks of 2019!

[@Teeb2023]

Hi Toby. Forgive me, but I'm very new to Kontakt, still finding my way around the UI, and I'm very interested to know how (at 2.57) you got that browse list to open up on the left side of your screen? Thanks.

[@TobyRyan]

Hey Anthony! No worries, Kontakt can be overwhelming. Keep at it! That list view is visualized using Native Instruments Maschine browser. That same browser is also found in Komplete Kontrol midi controller app and plugin. Kontakt's browser can be found using the "Snapshots" menu. Select the drop down list in the Kontakt menu like @ 9:52 in the video. The Snapshots are more conveniently organized by type/instrument (depending on which instrument you have loaded up, example Texture Designer will have it's very own Snapshots since it has it's own unique features as will the Violins, Cello nki instruments, etc.). If for some reason you don't see the dropdown list, click the little camera icon located in the top right of that middle top section of Kontakt, right next to the little letter "i" button and you're ready to go. Thanks for watching!

[@farimir475]

If You have Omnisphere 2, is it necessary to get something like Gravity?

[@TobyRyan]

That really depends on personal preference and the direction you’d like to go. Omnisphere is quite a capable beast on its own. Combine it with a DAW and some time - you can absolutely make your own hits, risers, stings, stabs, pads and more with it to build your own custom library. That is absolutely a great way to go. Then there’s the Kontakt sample library direction that offers a particular niche sound for immediate use. One way you’ll learn by trial and error - developing your own way, the other you’ll learn by seeing the inner workings of a convenient workflow for this particular type of sound that may also save you time. I find value in both, however if you’re feeling unsure, try your hand at creating these types of sounds with the tools you have first. Then ‘if’ you decide you’d like to supplement and fill an area that you feel isn’t quite there or offers the exact sound you’d like to have and saves you time, that’s when you’ll know if sample library is necessary and right for you.

[@farimir475]

wow I appreciate this so much man, thank you for taking the time to answer me.

[@hodshonf]

love it - wish it had bass

[@TobyRyan]

You know, I found that odd as well, so I decided to read up on why - the TL;DR is: historically ‘chamber strings’ aka ‘string quartets’ are for smaller audiences arranged in 2 violins, 1 viola and 1 cellist. Since some of the greatest composers arranged the players like so, others followed in the same direction - calling the intimate musical ensemble - chamber strings. I agree with you. I still want bass, however if it’s a fuller orchestral ensemble you’re looking for - NOVO Modern Strings has 6 Traditional Sections (Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, High Ensemble, Low Ensemble) and it sounds gorgeous. kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3a1Z4qIqquHj8k

[@hodshonf]

Thank you for the great reply! After playing with IT, i think it is great as is. I have been using it layered with my VSL and Ark libraries, and it is fantastic for that dash of seasoning.

[@DatAnydex]

Frederic Hodshon Check out the plugin called “SUBSTANCE” by the company called Output.

[@TobyRyan]

Output makes great instruments. Substance is really, really good. I might need to make some videos on them as well since they've found their way into my own productions.

[@hodshonf]

i like the quirky ones like Sound Dust.

[@marcelouz1]

Sorry I don't like so much this texture of this library, I don't know how many hours the company spent in recording sessions, when you are able to archive hundreds of musical texture with a normal synthesizer .