Sample Logic Cinematic Keys review

8

Hey what’s good!

Sample Logic has another new product coming so you know I had to check it out.

It’s called Cinematic Keys….sounds nice, let’s see what’s up!

So what is Cinematic Keys?

CK_lead_downloadIt’s an entire cinematic/sound design library made with sounds and samples from keyboard instruments.

That means pianos, eps, xylophones, toy pianos, harpsichords, etc.

They give you some “regular” multi-samples, but of course the sexiness comes in with the way they take the instruments and subject them to all kinds of torture and abuse.

We’re talking fire…and probably stuff like ice, nails, hammers, saws, buckets, and more.

I wouldn’t’ be surprised if they crashed vehicles into some of the instruments….I’m not saying they did, but it wouldn’t surprise me one bit!

Quick Specs

Sooooooo….. how does it sound?

Reel to Reel Tape RecorderMan look…I love keys, all types of keys and mallet style instruments make me happy.

I also love cinematic, sound design, weird, space age, alien-landscape type sounds.

So the fact that they mixed keys with sound design to build a cinematic library had me very excited, and for good reason.

The sounds are really good, there’s plenty of ambient but also hard hitting/edgy sounds so it doesn’t fall into one type of category.

The step animator and trigger appregiate allow for some crazy movement and effect modulation as well.

They give you everything from sequenced melodies and rhythms, to hits, synths, atmospheres, and pad-like sounds.

Oh yeah…the multis…man…I’ll say it a gain, simply not fair.

You get construction beds, instrument stacks, and the always totally unfair one-note glory patches.

However, with the addition of the step animator I find there’s just some crazy amount of movement and evolution in the patches that simply wasn’t possible previously.

I love that there’s an organic/acoustic feel to the sounds, even when mixed with the synth wave button/effect thrown in.

Overall the sound quality is great and the variety of sounds coming from keyboard based instruments and their untimely demise makes for a great collection of cinematic tools.

So what’s the bottom line?

As if you couldn’t tell…I love this library.

5subsI give Cinematic Keys 5 out of 5 subs without a doubt! It sounds amazing, the interface looks amazing, and the control you have over quickly tweaking your sound gives this instrument endless potential.

For my personal tastes in sounds and what I like to use in my music, this is definitely at the top of my list in terms of favorite products from Sample Logic…I really dig it.

I really like what they are doing with their interfaces as well, you KNOW I’m a sucker for a great interface and I can’t stand a bad one.

Their designs are looking very crisp, clean, with an almost almost “airy” vibe to them from some of the panels that almost appear to be transparent.  Whatever it is, I dig it, visually it’s very appealing and functionally it’s totally usable.

Grab a copy: https://www.samplelogic.com/products/cinematic-keys/ref/4/?campaign=sag

Leave a  comment below and let me know what you think.

 

8 Comments

  1. Damn Doc, the Christmas list is getting bigger with every review.
    Good review I’m sold, and you know I don’t like Kontakt so that speaks volumes.
    My only complaint which is a half star nit pick, is for not supporting other platforms besides Kontakt.

    Reply
    • They have some pick and staccato pianos in there. Not sure specifically about a “tack” piano though. They also have unique names so it’s hard to tell just looking at the patch list.

      Reply
  2. Hey man – I just wanted to express my appreciation for your in-depth Cinematic Keys review.
    While I was interested after looking at the SampleLogic site, it was your work that sold me.
    Why manufacturers don’t take the time to create In-Depth Demos is beyond me. Glad you did!

    -Gary
    3GMusicworks.com

    Reply

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