Author Archive

This little singing bowl got the Critical Vibrations treatment, and is now a playable Sampler instrument. Two instruments, in fact! We recorded it being played with a violin bow drawn across the edge, to create an ethereal pad sound. Then, for a more typical effect, a struck version for some bell-like tones. Stick this on a track where you need a mystical ethnic feeling. Make sure to twiddle the macro knobs around for some interesting effects. Read the rest...
The hoop drum (or frame drum) is one of the most culturally widespread forms of percussion. It takes form as the bodhran of Ireland, the daf of Iran, the bendir of Morocco, and the kanjira of India. The one we recorded for this Impulse kit is a traditional Native American one from Taos, New Mexico. Sometimes called a buffalo drum due to the customary use of buffalo hide, the Native American style hoop drum is often made of deer skin, like this one. Get it on Why Impulse instead of a drum rack? Well, Read the rest...