New EASTWEST Quantum Leap SD2 PRO Upgrade Provides 2.5 Gigs Of New Sounds

EASTWEST has announced a power-packed upgrade for the popular Quantum Leap SD2 virtual instrument software with SD2 PRO Upgrade, which made its European debut at the 2009 Prolight+Sound-Musikmesse in Frankfurt.

“Building on the fantastic response to the SD2, we have created an exciting upgrade package that features a generous combination of new percussion sounds and a collection of the ‘best of sounds’ from the SD1 package,” states Quantum Leap producer Nick Phoenix. “We are sure the combination of new additions and time-tested sounds will inspire every composer to reach for new persuasive percussion passages to enhance every style of music.”

The upgrade delivers 2.5 gigs of percussive sounds featuring an imaginative variety of strike and brush solos and ensemble recordings:
– The sound of three giant Chinese Lion Drums played by six percussionists in sync;
– The Middle Earth Ensemble features eight percussionists playing various bass and battle drums combined with floor and small toms;
– Two large Persian Battle Drums played in sync bridge the gap between Middle East and West, while Trailer Toms feature eight sets of huge tom ensembles.

New solo instruments include the mridangam, a two-headed Indian drum capable of dozens of tones like tablas, but with a different harmonic structure, played by a lifetime mridangam master.

Following in the tradition of the popular brushed percussion from SD2, 10 new sampled drums are played with a variety of brushed techniques.

The rare Indian stringed percussion instrument, the Khamak, offers a wild sound, while the Daf, a Persian hand drum, offers high-pitched drum sounds. There are also samples of Chinese toms in sets of four, various new Chinese gongs and cymbals played with many techniques, and Chinese blocks.

For the maximum customization without sound degradation, SD2 delivers MIDI performances created with Roland V-Drums and Zendrum percussion controllers. This allows the user to change anything with no effect to sound quality. MIDI performances are pre-mixed, panned and produced for quick use.

All recordings were made with vintage Neumann microphones in the EASTWEST STUDIO 1. Superior reverb impulses are also included, recorded by Prof. Keith O. Johnson and Nick Phoenix.

The SD2 PRO Upgrade retails for €149.00.

EASTWEST Website

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