SOLOIST Sample Library by Wrongtools

SOLOIST is a sample library created by Wrongtools, designed for use with Kontakt by Native Instruments. It is a sampled recreation of the iconic ARP Pro Soloist synthesizer, a monophonic analog synthesizer from the 1970s. Rather than relying on digital emulation, SOLOIST uses a detailed, multi-sampling approach to capture the authentic sound of the original hardware, offering an accurate and expressive recreation of the ARP Pro Soloist’s unique tonal characteristics.

History of the ARP Pro Soloist

The ARP Pro Soloist was first released in 1972 by ARP Instruments as a successor to the ARP Soloist. It was designed as a preset synthesizer, offering 30 built-in sounds with a monophonic voice architecture. Unlike many other synthesizers of the time, which were more complex and programmable, the ARP Pro Soloist was known for its simplicity and live performance features, such as aftertouch sensitivity, real-time control buttons, and preset sounds that emulated brass, woodwinds, and other instruments.

The ARP Pro Soloist became a favorite of many musicians in the 1970s and was used in the music of Genesis, Herbie Hancock, and other prominent artists of the era. Its analog circuits provided rich, expressive sounds that were shaped in real-time through its performance controls, which allowed musicians to dynamically modify the sound’s filter, vibrato, pitch bend, and other parameters.

Sampling Process

Wrongtools’ SOLOIST sample library was developed with the goal of faithfully capturing the character and nuances of the original ARP Pro Soloist synthesizer. Rather than relying on digital modeling or synthesis to emulate the sound, the team at Wrongtools employed a multi-sampling approach. Each note of the original synthesizer was sampled multiple times to capture the full dynamic range and tonal variations produced by the analog circuitry.

Key elements of the sampling process include:

• Per-Note Sampling: Each key of the ARP Pro Soloist was sampled individually to ensure that the subtle differences in tone and texture across the keyboard were captured accurately.
• Multiple Layers per Note: Each note was sampled several times to preserve the natural fluctuations that occur with analog synthesizers, such as variations in pitch and timbre. This approach gives the library a more organic and authentic sound compared to static digital emulations.
• Analog Imperfections: The inherent imperfections of the ARP Pro Soloist, such as slight detuning and envelope variations due to its analog components, were preserved. These subtle details contribute to the “alive” feeling of the instrument, distinguishing it from modern digital synthesizers.

Key Features

SOLOIST is designed to be an accessible yet detailed tool for modern producers and musicians, capturing both the original analog sound and the performance flexibility of the ARP Pro Soloist. The key features of the SOLOIST library include:

• Authentic ARP Sound: The sounds in the library are based on multi-samples directly taken from an original ARP Pro Soloist, ensuring that the tone and character of the synthesizer are faithfully recreated.
• Expressive Control: In keeping with the performance capabilities of the original synthesizer, the SOLOIST library offers aftertouch emulation and mod-wheel control, allowing users to manipulate parameters like vibrato, filter brightness, and pitch bend in real-time, just as they would on the original hardware.
• Diverse Presets: SOLOIST includes a variety of presets that cover the original sound palette of the ARP Pro Soloist, from sharp leads to warm basses and brass-like textures. It also includes new sounds created from the sampled content, expanding its usefulness for modern production.
• Kontakt Integration: The library is designed for use with Kontakt and Kontakt Player, making it compatible with most modern digital audio workstations (DAWs) such as Ableton Live, Logic Pro, and Cubase.