Sonokinetic is a unique, historical sample library for the Native Instruments Kontakt
sampler that captures the sound of ancient Greek music and performance.
It is often praised as a "good piece" because of its meticulous focus on authenticity, featuring reconstructed instruments and performances based on the oldest known notated music Key Features and Content Vocal Performances:
The library includes chants, melodies, and dramatic readings from Greek tragedies by Sophocles and Aeschylus, performed by classically trained vocalist Veronica Iliopoulou. Historical Accuracy: It features reconstructions of the (a historical harp), various (drums), finger cymbals like Unique Compositions: Users can access performances of the Seikilos Epitaph Stasimon from Orestis , which are among the earliest surviving musical fragments. Engine & Compatibility: It is built for the full version of
(4.2.4 or higher) and uses "Time Machine Pro" for tempo-syncing performance elements to your project. Why It Stands Out
Reviewers and composers often value it for its "mythological" and "timeless" sound palette, which is difficult to find in standard orchestral libraries. While some modern Greek pronunciations are used for practical performance, the library's primary goal is to provide a "cradle of music performance art" for cinematic and atmospheric scoring. Are you looking to use these sounds for historical scoring modern cinematic project Delphi Walk Through - Video : Sonokinetic Support Portal
Sonokinetic is a historical Ancient Greek ensemble library for Native Instruments Kontakt
that serves as a musical "cradle of performance art". It bridges the gap between modern technology and the foundational origins of Western music. The Sound of Antiquity
The library is built around the "mythological" sound of Ancient Greece, featuring a 1.3+ GB sample pool that includes: Performances by classically-trained Greek vocalist Veronica Iliopoulou , featuring songs like the Seikilos Epitaph (the oldest known complete musical composition) and Stasimon From Orestis
Spoken ancient texts and phrases from legendary tragedies by Sophocles and Aeschylus Reconstructed Instruments: Period-authentic sounds including the (an early stringed instrument), (finger cymbals/bells), and various Functional Interface Delphi Reference Manual
details a custom Kontakt interface designed for intuitive manipulation: Dynamic Visuals:
A large round stone tablet acts as a phrase length indicator, with a blue light sliding around the rim to show playback position. Three Sample Groups: Users can toggle between Vocal, Instruments, or Drama groups to layer historical textures. Performance Tools:
Includes built-in controls for EQ, envelopes, and impulse response (IR) reverb to seat the ancient sounds in a modern mix. Time Machine Pro:
In Kontakt 5 and above, the library utilizes Time Machine Pro for seamless tempo manipulation without audio artifacts. Historical Authenticity vs. Modern Utility
While the library aims for "lost in time" authenticity, it does make some concessions for modern playability. For example, it uses modern Greek pronunciations for certain consonants (like "th" and "ph" sounds) rather than strictly reconstructed ancient phonetics. Despite this, it remains a rare and specialized tool for composers looking to evoke the cradle of theater and music. integrating these ancient phrases into a modern cinematic orchestral project? Delphi Walk Through - Video : Sonokinetic Support Portal
Sonokinetic Delphi is a specialized virtual instrument library for Native Instruments Kontakt that reconstructs the sounds of Ancient Greece. It is part of Sonokinetic's historical and world instrument collections, focusing on authentic recreations of "lost" sounds based on modern interpretations of ancient stone and clay musical notation. Key Features and Content
Vocal Performances: Features Greek classically-trained vocalist Veronica Iliopoulou. Includes chants, melodies, and dramatic readings from ancient tragedies and dramas by playwrights like Sophocles and Aeschylus (e.g., Agamemnon, Electra).
Ancient Instruments: Includes reconstructed instruments such as:
Phorminx: A chromatic recorded reconstruction of a historical harp. Tympanons: Hand and stick-played drums in various sizes.
Idiophones: Small finger cymbals (Krotala Dio) and finger bells (Krotala Delphi), along with rattles.
Oldest Notated Music: Contains performances of some of the world's oldest known music, including the Seikilos Epitaph and Stasimon from Orestes.
Sample Pool: Over 1.3 GB of content with more than 1,500 samples recorded at 44.1 kHz, 24-bit quality. Technical Specifications
Software Requirement: Requires the full version of Kontakt 4.2.4 or higher. Kontakt 5 is recommended to take advantage of Time Machine Pro for better tempo-syncing of performance elements.
User Interface: The GUI features a stone tablet aesthetic with controls for: 3-Band EQ: Adjust Low, Mid, and High frequencies.
Impulse Response (IR) Reverb: Simulates realistic acoustic environments with adjustable wet/dry levels.
Phrase Indicators: A blue light on the tablet's rim tracks the current position in the playback of songs or chants.
Customization: Offered in an open Kontakt format, allowing users to customize samples and programming. Pricing and Availability Launch Price: Originally released at €59,90. Purchase: Available through the Sonokinetic Store. Delphi Walk Through - Video : Sonokinetic Support Portal
Product Report: Sonokinetic Delphi Sonokinetic's is a specialized virtual instrument library for Native Instruments Kontakt that focuses on the music and performance arts of Ancient Greece
. It is designed to capture what the developers call the "cradle of music performance art," blending reconstructed historical instruments with authentic vocal performances. Core Content & Instruments The library consists of over 1,500 samples
(approx. 1.3 GB) organized into three main categories: Vocals, Instruments, and Drama. Ancient Greek Instruments : Features reconstructed period instruments such as: : An archaic string instrument related to the lyre. Percussion : Includes the Megalon Tympanon , and various finger cymbals like Krotala Dio Krotala Delphi : Performed by Greek classically-trained vocalist Veronica Iliopoulou . It includes: Seikilos Epitaph sonokineticdelphikontakt
: The oldest surviving complete musical composition in the world. Stasimon From Orestis : One of the oldest known pieces of notated music. Dionysus Chants : Improvisational séances and chants. Dramatic Readings
: Features poems and theatrical performances from the tragedies of , including works like Technical Specifications : Programmed for Kontakt 4.2.4 and above . Kontakt 5 is recommended to utilize the Time Machine Pro engine for better time-stretching. Audio Quality : All files are provided in 44.1 kHz, 24-bit AIFF User Interface : The main interface resembles a stone tablet and includes: Phrase Length Indicator
: A blue light that slides around the rim of the tablet to show the playback position. Sound Controls
: Dedicated dials for EQ (Low, Mid, High), Envelope, and Reverb. Key Indication
: A harmonic root key display at the bottom of the interface. Unique Features Tempo Syncing
: Melodic performance elements are tempo-synced to your DAW using Sonokinetic's Intelligent Tempo Mapping (ITM). Authenticity
: While the library uses modern Greek pronunciations for vowels and consonants (for smoother performance), it focuses heavily on reconstructed melodies and authentic ancient texts. Sound Design Utility
: Beyond historical recreation, it is frequently used by composers for "mythological" soundtracks and cinematic soundscapes. Sonokinetic's World Series Delphi Walk Through - Video : Sonokinetic Support Portal
Sonokinetic Delphi is a specialized virtual instrument for Native Instruments Kontakt that meticulously recreates the music and atmosphere of Ancient Greece. This collection serves as a "cradle of music performance art," offering a blend of reconstructed instruments and dramatic vocal performances based on ancient scientific interpretations of stone-carved music. Core Features and Content
Authentic Instrumentation: The library includes a range of multi-sampled ancient Greek instruments:
Phorminx: A historical harp recorded with chromatic reconstructions. Tympanons: Hand and stick-played drums in various sizes. Misc Percussion: Authentic bells and rattles.
Dramatic Vocal Performances: Featured artist Veronica Iliopoulou provides a collection of melodies, chants, and voice FX based on ancient texts by Sophocles and Aeschylus.
Ancient Literature: Includes readings and poems from famous Greek tragedies and dramas. Technical Specifications
Compatibility: Requires the full version of Kontakt (v4.2.4 or above). It is not compatible with the free Kontakt Player.
Recommendation: Kontakt 5 is suggested to take full advantage of Time Machine Pro for high-quality time stretching of vocal phrases.
Format: The library is typically managed and downloaded via the Sonokinetic Manager. Typical Workflow for Users
Redemption: Licenses can be redeemed on the Sonokinetic website using codes from retailers like PluginBoutique.
Installation: Use the Sonokinetic Manager to extract and install the RAR files to your desired drive.
Loading: Because it requires the full version of Kontakt, it is often loaded via the Files tab or by dragging the .nki file into the Kontakt rack rather than the "Libraries" tab. Delphi Walk Through - Video : Sonokinetic Support Portal
Title: Echoflux
Concept: A dynamic, immersive installation that explores the intersection of sound, movement, and marine life. Inspired by the mysterious clicks and whistles of dolphins, Echoflux creates an otherworldly environment where visitors become an integral part of an interactive soundscape.
Description:
Upon entering the installation, visitors are surrounded by a large, darkened chamber filled with a network of suspended, transparent tubes of varying lengths. The tubes are embedded with sensors and speakers, creating an immersive sonic environment. As visitors move through the space, their movements trigger a responsive soundscape that echoes and evolves in real-time.
The soundscape is generated through a combination of:
Interactive elements:
Goals:
Technical details:
Artistic statement: Echoflux embodies the poetic intersection of sonics, kinetics, and human interaction. By engaging with this immersive installation, visitors become co-creators in a symphony of sound and movement, reflecting the mesmerizing complexity of dolphin communication. As we interact with Echoflux, we begin to appreciate the incredible potential of interdisciplinary art to foster new perspectives on the natural world.
Sonokinetic Delphi is a specialized Kontakt library focused on the music, instruments, and literature of Ancient Greece. It features authentic reconstructions of ancient instruments, performances by expert Veronica Ilopolo, and dramatic readings of Greek tragedies. 1. Getting Started Sonokinetic is a unique, historical sample library for
Requirements: Delphi requires the full version of Kontakt 4.2.4 or higher. It is highly recommended to use Kontakt 5 or newer to take advantage of Time Machine Pro for high-quality tempo syncing.
Quick Trigger: Load the instrument and use the yellow keyswitches (starting at C0) to select your sample group: Vocals, Instruments, or Drama. 2. Performance Controls Sample Group Selector: C0 (Yellow): Vocals (Ancient Greek melodies and chants).
C#0 (Yellow): Instruments (Reconstructed lyres, flutes, etc.). D0 (Yellow): Drama (Dramatic readings and poems).
Tempo Syncing (ITM): The Intelligent Time Machine (ITM) syncs performances to your DAW's tempo.
ON: Samples will automatically stretch or shrink. At extreme tempos, it may switch to half-time or double-time.
OFF: Samples play at their original recorded speed (typically 90 BPM or 120 BPM). 3. Sound Shaping
Bespoke Reverb: Includes a dedicated convolution reverb to simulate ancient acoustic spaces.
Size Dial: Adjusts the length/start point of the reverb tail. Amount Dial: Controls the wet/dry mix of the effect.
Fine-Tuning: Users can further customize effects by opening the Kontakt Instrument Editor (wrench icon) and navigating to the Insert Effects panel to swap IRs or adjust EQ. 4. Key Tips for Users
Cohesion: Because Delphi is recorded in high detail with specific microphone placements, it is best used as a "performance" library where phrases are triggered rather than played as individual MIDI notes.
Troubleshooting: If you experience no sound, ensure your Kontakt output routing is correct and that you are using the Full Version of Kontakt; Delphi is not compatible with the free "Kontakt Player".
For a deep dive into the specific musical theory and phrases included, you can view the official Delphi Walkthrough Video on the Sonokinetic Support Portal. Delphi Walk Through - Video : Sonokinetic Support Portal
Sonokinetic Delphi is a unique Kontakt library that captures the sounds of ancient Greece, featuring reconstructed instruments and vocal performances of the world's oldest notated music. Core Content The library is divided into three primary categories:
Vocals: Includes the Seikilos Epitaph (the oldest known complete musical composition), Dionysus Chants, and chants from the Stasimon from Orestes.
Drama: Features professional readings and whispered performances of Greek tragedies by Sophocles and Aeschylus, such as Agamemnon and Electra.
Instruments: Includes rare, reconstructed period pieces like the Phorminx (ancient lyre), Krotala (finger cymbals/bells), and various Tympanon (drums). Interface & Controls
The interface is centered around a large round stone tablet graphic:
Phrase Indicator: A blue light slides around the rim of the stone tablet to show your current position in a phrase or song.
Sound Sculpting: The left side of the UI contains a 3-band EQ (Low, Mid, High) and Envelope controls to adjust attack and release.
Reverb: Includes a bespoke convolution reverb. You can adjust the Size and Amount or toggle it off entirely.
Intelligent Time Machine (ITM): This function automatically syncs phrases to half-time or double-time based on your DAW's tempo. It can be toggled on/off to prevent sudden rhythmic shifts during tempo automation. Quick Setup Guide
Software Requirement: Delphi requires the full version of Kontakt (4.2.4 or higher); it is not compatible with the free Kontakt Player.
Loading: Drag and drop the .nki file from your browser into the Kontakt rack.
Selection: Use the three main switches on the UI to jump between Vocal, Instruments, and Drama groups.
Key Indication: Look at the bottom of the song/text list in the UI to find the harmonic root key for the selected phrase.
Unlocking Ancient Sounds: A Deep Dive into Sonokinetic Delphi for Kontakt
In the world of virtual orchestration, few developers venture as far off the beaten path as Sonokinetic. While they are widely celebrated for their cinematic phrase-based libraries like Minimal or Noir, their Delphi library stands as a unique, historical anomaly. Based on the music and performance arts of Ancient Greece, Sonokinetic Delphi is a meticulously researched sample library designed to transport composers back to the "cradle of music".
Whether you are scoring a mythological epic, a historical documentary, or looking for avant-garde textures, here is everything you need to know about this specialized Kontakt instrument. The Vision Behind Delphi
Sonokinetic’s goal with Delphi was to capture a "sample set lost in time." They achieved this by collaborating with Veronica Iliopoulou, a classically trained Greek vocalist and expert in ancient performance. The library doesn't just offer standard samples; it features reconstructed instruments and performances based on historical interpretations of music found "in stone and clay". Key Features and Specifications Interactive elements:
Sample Pool: Over 1.3 GB of uncompressed data with 1,500+ individual samples.
Compatibility: Built for the full version of Kontakt 4.2.4 and above, with Kontakt 5 recommended for its Time Machine Pro capabilities to ensure seamless tempo-syncing.
Historical Accuracy: Includes interpretations of the Seikilos Epitaph and the Stasimon From Orestis, recognized as some of the oldest notated music in the world. Included Ancient Instruments
The library features a selection of rare, reconstructed instruments that are difficult to find in any other digital collection:
Phorminx: A historical harp captured with chromatic multi-sampling.
Tympanon & Megalon Tympanon: Large and small hand/stick-played drums.
Krotala Dio & Krotala Delphi: Traditional finger cymbals and finger bells. Roptron: A specialized ancient rattle. Vocal Performance and Drama
One of Delphi's most powerful components is its focus on the human voice. It goes beyond simple "oohs" and "aahs" to provide a dramatic toolkit for storytelling:
Tragedy and Drama: Dramatic readings and phrases from the works of Sophocles and Aeschylus, including Agamemnon, Electra, and Eumenides.
Cinematic Textures: Features "cinematic whispered" performances and natural breath simulation samples to add an eerie, intimate atmosphere to a score.
Dionysus Chants: Improvisational séances and chants that evoke a ritualistic, mythological vibe. User Interface and Performance
Like many Sonokinetic libraries, Delphi utilizes their proprietary Intelligent Tempo Mapping (ITM) and Harmonic Shift technology (in later updates). This allows melodic phrases to automatically sync to your DAW's host tempo, making it easy to layer ancient Greek melodies over modern orchestral backdrops without manually stretching audio.
Are you looking to integrate these ancient sounds into a specific project, or do you need help with technical setup in Kontakt?
Minimal - Sonokinetic - Sample libraries and Virtual Instruments
Sonokinetic Delphi is a specialized virtual instrument for Native Instruments Kontakt that focuses on ancient Greek musical heritage. It is highly regarded for its niche focus, though its specialized nature makes it more of a "textural" tool than a standard orchestral library. 🏛️ Sound Content & Authenticity
The library is built on extensive research into ancient Greek music and features:
Vocals: Performances by Greek classical vocalist Veronica Iliopoulou, including dramatic readings from tragedies by Sophocles and Aeschylus.
Ancient Songs: Includes some of the oldest notated music in history, such as the Seikilos Epitaph and Stasimon From Orestes.
Instruments: Reconstructions of long-lost instruments like the Phorminx (historical harp), Tympanons (various drums), and Krotala (finger bells/cymbals). ⚙️ Interface & Features
Niche UI: The interface uses a unique "round stone tablet" design where a blue light indicates the phrase position.
Performance Controls: Includes built-in Convolution Reverb, EQ, and envelope controls specifically tuned to the library's atmospheric style.
Tempo Syncing: Melodic elements and chants are tempo-synced via Kontakt’s Time Machine Pro (recommended for Kontakt 5 and above). 📝 Critical Reception Pros:
Unique Atmosphere: Users praise its ability to create a "Mythological" or "lost in time" soundscape.
Authenticity: The inclusion of period-accurate dramatic whispers and natural breath simulations adds a level of realism rare in other libraries. Cons:
Specific Use Case: It is highly specialized for cinematic scoring, documentaries, or period-specific gaming tracks; it is not a general-purpose library.
Legacy Interface: Some users find older Sonokinetic interfaces less intuitive compared to their modern "phrase-picker" engines.
For a detailed look at the performance options and ancient instrument sounds, check out this walkthrough: Delphi Walk Through - Video : Sonokinetic Support Portal Support• Apr 4, 2018 ℹ️ Technical Requirements
Platform: Full version of Kontakt 4.2.4 or higher (Kontakt 5+ recommended). Size: ~1.3 GB sample pool with over 1,500 samples. Format: 44.1 kHz, 24-bit AIFF. If you'd like, I can: Compare this to other world/ethnic libraries Help you find the best current price or sales Explain how the tempo-syncing works with your DAW Let me know how you'd like to explore further. Delphi Walk Through - Video : Sonokinetic Support Portal
Omni or 1.This paper provides a comprehensive examination of Delphi, a virtual instrument library developed by Sonokinetic for the Native Instruments Kontakt platform. Delphi distinguishes itself as a dedicated solution for composers seeking authentic representations of Ancient Greek instrumentation and performance styles. By analyzing its User Interface (UI), script programming, sample content, and unique "Phrasing" engine, this paper highlights how Delphi bridges the gap between static sampling and the idiomatic performance techniques required for historical composition.
In the crowded landscape of cinematic sample libraries, two extremes dominate: the hyper-realistic solo instrument and the massive, pre-orchestrated phrase-based juggernaut. Sonokinetic has carved a unique niche at the intersection of these two worlds. While many know them for their 12th Century or Maximo phrase libraries, Delphi stands as a curious, often misunderstood artifact.
Released as part of their "Kontakt" line (now often updated for the full Player), Delphi is not a conventional instrument. It is a gestural, aleatoric solo voice library masquerading as a medieval text. To understand Delphi is to understand the tension between control and chaos in film scoring.