Spitfire Audio has launched LABS, a new product lineup which will feature free sample-based instrument libraries in VST and AU plug-in formats. The company has also released Soft Piano and Strings, two free instrument patches for LABS.
LABS is a new project by Spitfire Audio, described as “an infinite series of software instruments, free and easy to use”. In practice, LABS is a virtual rompler instrument which loads free sample libraries released by Spitfire Audio for this particular platform. It’s completely free to download and use, as long as you register for a Spitfire Audio user account (also free). The LABS plugin features a streamlined control scheme consisting of volume, pan, and pitch parameters, as well as a built-in reverb unit.
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Along with the launch of LABS, the company has released two free sample libraries: Soft Piano and Strings. Downloading and installing the sample content is a fully automated process. You should first download the Spitfire Audio app which will then fully handle the installation of free LABS sample libraries.
As for the sound of the Soft Piano instrument, the demo video embedded below says it all. This is a beautifully mellow, soft piano patch which oozes emotion and melancholy. The samples were recorded all the way back in 2008 by Nick Taylor at Air-Edel Recording Studios. The signature soft piano sound was achieved by placing a layer of soft felt between the hammers and the piano strings. As a result, the piano sounds filtered and soft, yet powerful and certainly not dull.
The Strings instrument is a string ensemble featuring the performances of fourteen of London’s best string players. The samples were recorded by Harry Wilson at Spitfire Audio headquarters, using an array of microphones including a vintage BBC AXB1 mic. Much like the Soft Piano library, Strings sound amazing right out of the box and require little to no additional processing.
A full review of Spitfire Audio LABS and the platform’s first two sample libraries coming soon on BPB, courtesy of our sampling guru Drogomir Smolken. Stay tuned!
UPDATE: Here is our Spitfire Audio LABS review, written by Drogomir Smolken.
LABS is available for free download via Spitfire Audio (3.04 MB download size, EXE installer, 32-bit & 64-bit VST/AU plugin formats for Windows & MacOS).
Last Updated on March 12, 2023 by Tomislav Zlatic.
