Wallander Instruments WIVI Band physically modeled horns and winds

What’s going on folks!

Back at you with another review, this time I’m checking out some horns and winds from Wallander Instruments.

Wallander is known for their physically modeled instrument libraries, but today I’m not checking out their full collection, I’m looking at a smaller more condensed version called WIVI Band.

Same technology, same sound, with a much more concise interface and not as many options as the larger libraries.

I think it’s perfect for many producers and electronic musicians that just need a quick way to access some nice, realistic sounding brass and winds.

So let’s check it out!

What is WIVI Band?

This is a new, “easy to use” virtual instrument which contains 10 physically modeled brass and wind instruments.

It comes with it’s own, dedicated “WIVI Band player” which comes in both 32 and 64 bit

It takes some of the most commonly used instruments from their larger libraries and packages them in an easy to use product.

You don’t get access to some of the advanced features available in the larger libraries in regards to stage settings, and other features, but you get what you need to use the library.

I also believe you can purchase more of the instruments in the larger libraries and still use them through the simplified player if you prefer, instead of using the more advanced SE or Pro player.

Quick Specs

• content: 10 physically modeled brass and wind instruments
• format: VST, AU, Rtas
• price: $149

How does it sound?

Of course you know this is all that matters, and to me they sound pretty realistic. I think my favorites are the Tenor Sax and the Concert Flute, absolutely awesome sounding. I like how the flutter and virbrato is easy to activate from the keyboard which allows more expressive playing.

The fact that you get access to different mute types as well as overblown playing on some of the instruments is cool too.

But really, all that matters is the sound and it sounds good. It responds to your playing and I like how you can quickly add more players to the mix using the voice settings, which will also do automatic divisi when you lay a chord. This means it will split the voices to different sides automatically giving a more realistic sound.

The built in reverb is useful but I’m glad that unlike many sample based libraries, this library allows you to turn the reverb off so that you can apply your own or have a totally dry sound.

This is straight to the point, brass and winds, that sound really good.

What is the bottom line?

I’m always getting asked about a good brass/wind library, most don’t want or need a full orchestra library and aren’t looking to pay multiple hundreds for that type of library.

I also dig the fact that these don’t have that “big stage” sound imprinted into the library that many orchestral brass and wind libraries have, so they fit just as well in contemporary or electronic music as they would in a film score or trailer.  Yet the reverb allows you to dial in just the right amount if needed.

I really like the interface as well and if I had access to the rest of the instruments in the larger libraries, I would probably still use the WIVI Band Player because it’s so simple and to the point.

I give this library 4 out of 5 subs, it’s really useful, no frills, just great sounding brass and winds.

It’s not difficult to play, or load, allowing you to just open it up and go!

If you’re looking for some great sounding brass and wind that doesn’t totally have that static “big stage” sound and can fit into contemporary pop, urban, or electronic music as well, check this out.

http://www.wallanderinstruments.com/