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Tension: Orchestral FX & Elements | SoundsAndGear.com

Reviewer: JK Swopes | Rating: 4 out of 5 Back to Tension: Orchestral FX & Elements product details

Tension

So what is Tension?

It's a library dedicated to orchestral fx, rips, runs, rises, clusters, chords and percussion elements recording with a 76 piece orchestra.

It's aimed to be a go-to toolbox for those needing various orchestral hits, runs, and phrases played by a large orchestra.

It's ready to go with a simple to use, straight-forward Kontakt interface so you can quickly tweak your sounds as needed.

No matter if you're looking for a few key elements for your next score or you want to add some high quality orchestra section performances to your own tracks, I'm sure you'll be able to find something in here.

Quick Specs

• content: 2.89GB, 100 patches

• format: Kontakt, MachFive3, NNXT, EXS24

• price: $149.95

How does it sound?

There are no solo instruments, everything is done with the orchestra sections, some include the entire orchestra and others include separate sections for flexibility.

It definitely has a large orchestral sound to it. Think cinematic or epic movie trailer styled content and you'll be on the right track.

One thing I did notice is there is quite a variety, I like being able to pull up entire orchestral phrases or simply finding brass, winds, and strings separately.

There are also some percussion instruments in there and even a folder with complete orchestral cues broken out so you can play or build them up as you wish.

Overall it has a great sound, the only think I could think would be a good addition is maybe some piano phrases, chords, and stabs in the same style as the rest of the library.

I love the fact that it has plenty of chords to mix together, while the crazy clusters and fx give you something really unique to work with.

The collection of rises, rips, and runs definitely live up to the name "Tension".

So what's the bottom line?

If you need these types of orchestral phrases and elements then you'll definitely find plenty to work with here.

I give Tension 4 out of 5 subs, it's a large collection of great sounding orchestral performances with a very simple to use interface for quick customization.

This isn't something I would suggest as your only orchestral library, as mentioned, there are no solo instruments or even a lot of "traditional" section style recordings.

It's mainly large clusters, chords, performances and fx....useful no doubt, just not something you'd want to have if you're looking to cover all your orchestral needs.

That said, this wasn't made to be your main orchestral library, it was made to be a supplement and quick dose of types of phrases, elements, and fx that aren't all that easy to put together on your own, or that sound much better when recorded as a section.

To see this product in action, check out JK's video review at SoundsAndGear.com

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