1. Authentic Expressiveness
Phoenix Scream is built on real-recorded expressions that reflect the full nuance and versatility of the Suona. These performances are not just lifeless samples but include nuanced, expressive control options that mimic a live performance. Using MIDI CC, you can manipulate tone changes in real time, creating the same emotional depth as a real Suona performance.
Realistic Articulations Include:
- Mordent: A rapid alternation between a note and its lower neighbor.
- Finger Pole Popping: A distinctive sharp sound created by finger popping.
- Trill: A rapid alternation between two notes.
- Flutter: A technique involving rapid breath fluctuations.
- Vibrato: Both fast and slow vibrato, adjustable in intensity.
- Staccato: Short, sharp note executions.
- Glissando: Smooth sliding between notes, with adjustable speed.
2. Self-Developed Vibrato Engine
Phoenix Scream features a self-developed vibrato engine, which uses real-sample-based LFO technology to produce authentic vibrato effects. This allows for more organic tone variation and smoother expression control than standard virtual instruments, bringing the Suona to life in a way that feels natural and intuitive.
3. Advanced Legato and Glissando
The library’s legato samples are recorded at three different speeds, applied dynamically based on your playing speed. For a truly immersive experience, Phoenix Scream offers two unique forms of legato: “Popping Legato” and “Flutter Legato”, capturing the distinctive sounds that are integral to traditional Suona performances.
Additionally, glissando is supported with three different real-recorded speeds and can be adjusted freely, allowing you to transition smoothly between pitches or execute rapid shifts as needed.
4. Self-Developed Spectrum Fusion Legato Technology
To address common issues found in traditional legato transitions, spectrum fusion technology replaces conventional cross-fading with frequency domain fusion. This unique approach prevents phase-cancellation, resulting in smoother transitions between samples, particularly in legato playing. This innovative technology ensures that your performance remains cohesive and lifelike, no matter how fast or intricate the legato connections.
5. Adjustable Sound Field
To accurately capture the spatial characteristics of the Suona, Phoenix Scream was recorded with five different microphones placed strategically to capture its natural reverb and spatial qualities. The final samples are mixed down into four adjustable channels: Yin, Yang, and Far Stereo, with the volume of each channel easily adjustable in the software. This flexibility allows you to dial in the perfect tone, from close, intimate sounds to more expansive, room-filling performances.
6. Abundant Sound Effects
Phoenix Scream doesn’t just offer traditional Suona articulations; it also includes a variety of special effects commonly used in both Chinese traditional music and cinematic soundtracks. This includes:
- 29 Suona Techniques: These include classical performance techniques, as well as effects used in Chinese film scores and ancient-style compositions.
- Animal Sounds: In line with the Suona’s ability to mimic natural sounds, the library contains expressions like bird songs, monkey cries, and frog croaks, adding an extra layer of flexibility and creativity to your compositions.
7. Convolution Reverb from Iconic Chinese Locations
Phoenix Scream includes convolution reverb samples recorded in awe-inspiring locations across China. Imagine the Suona being played at the Great Wall or among the ancient Terracotta Army. These unique reverbs capture the atmosphere of these majestic environments, adding richness and depth to your sound.
8. Effect Rack for Creative Sound Design
Phoenix Scream features an effect rack with built-in tools for further sound manipulation. The rack includes:
- Compressor
- EQ
- Chorus
- Ping-Pong Delay
These effects enable you to refine your sound, adding flexibility to how you shape and sculpt your Suona tones to suit any project.
9. Pattern Library for Seamless Workflow
Included with Phoenix Scream is a Pattern Library that offers a complete set of pre-designed patterns, ready for you to use in your compositions. The library includes both traditional and contemporary presets, which can be easily adapted for a variety of contexts. Additionally, you can create your own patterns by dragging MIDI clips directly into the software, allowing for quick and intuitive workflow integration.
