Superball - Innovative Evolving Percussion
An innovative collection of evolving percussion samples from Sonixinema. Featuring a unique ensemble of instruments such as Orchestral Bass Drums, Taikos, Timpani, Gongs and Thunder Sheets. Perfect for creating dark cinematic soundscapes and atmospheres. The library was performed by world class percussionist Joby Burgess, who is known for his virtuosic performances across blockbusters such as Black Panther, Mission Impossible, Alien and many more. The library was recorded by Emmy nominated engineer Nick Wollage, who has recorded iconic soundtracks such as Solo: A Star Wars Story, Wonder Woman, How to Train Your Dragon and countless others.
Using Superball friction mallets, we sampled a variety of Orchestral Bass Drums, Timpani, Taiko, Thunder Sheet and Gongs to create a library of evolving sonic textures. Working in close collaboration with virtuoso percussionist Joby Burgess and Emmy nominated recording engineer Nick Wollage, we have created a virtual instrument like no other. Superball is a rare type of mallet with a rubber ball end, which is used by percussionists to create a unique waling drone-like sound. It is performed by dragging the rubber head of the mallet along a surface, creating friction, which produces a wave of unusual and unique sonic textures that vary depending on the size of the Superball, type of percussion and technique. Superball is a non-transient sound that open-endedly shapes and transforms as the motion, pressure and intensity of dragging of the mallet continues.
British Grove Studios
To capture Joby’s performance on these magnificent instruments we chose the world famous British Grove Studios, built by legendary Dire Straits front-man Mark Knopfler, located in the heart of West London. We chose it for its lush sounding large live room (Studio 1), cave of both vintage and modern microphones and a fantastic Neve 88R desk running through world’s best Prism Sound analogue to digital converters. Studio 1 has been used to record such scores as Gravity, Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation, Macbeth, Stardust, and frequently visited by the bands like The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, Adele and The Who.
Abstract - Unique Metallic Percussion
From Sonixinema, Abstract is a steel percussion library like no other. Recorded in exceptional detail and performed with a range of sticks, mallets, bows, this wonderful library features a range of energetic hits and abstract effects. The library was performed by world class percussionist Joby Burgess, who is known for his virtuosic performances across blockbusters such as Black Panther, Mission Impossible, Alien and many more. The library was recorded by Emmy nominated engineer Nick Wollage, who has recorded iconic soundtracks such as Solo: A Star Wars Story, Wonder Woman, How to Train Your Dragon and countless others.
We spent countless hours with percussionist Joby Burgess testing out different mallets, sticks, brushes and bows to curate a highly versatile and varied collection of hits and abstract textures. The aim was to capture Joby's performance and expression in intimate detail, whilst maintaining the authentic quality of the instruments unique sonic identity. This was the first time Joby has played the 'Marvin' percussion instrument, created by the company Morfbeats, which gave him the freedom to be totally free and experimental in his playing and brought an exciting energy to the sound.
Superball And Abstract
Recorded at British Grove Studios
Performed by Joby Burgess
Recording Engineer Nick Wollage
Released 13th December 2018 and 28th February 2019 by Sonixinema