Mntra Instruments Tenebrae is a virtual instrument plugin that delves into the realm of dark, synthetic textures. Developed in collaboration with LA-based artist Joseph Holiday, known as SNAKES OF RUSSIA, this instrument captures the essence of apocalyptic electronic visions. Tenebrae is conceptualized as an exhumed creature, buried for over a century and now resurfaced, bringing forth the dark dust from the depths of the earth. The plugin offers a deep collection of sounds curated from SNAKES OF RUSSIA’s distinctive sonic palette, featuring complex modular synth patches, heavy analog subs, and gritty drum samples. These sounds are processed through chains of rare outboard gear and tape, creating a unique world of dirt and darkness. Powered by Mntra’s advanced MNDALA 2 engine, Tenebrae provides users with limitless options to sculpt their own sound, making it a versatile tool for producers and composers seeking to explore the darker side of electronic music.
Pros:
• Unique and dark sonic palette inspired by SNAKES OF RUSSIA’s signature sound
• Advanced MNDALA 2 engine offering extensive sound shaping capabilities
• High-quality sound sources processed through analog gear and tape for authentic texture
• Intuitive interface with animated controls for dynamic performance
Cons:
• Specialized sound palette may not be suitable for all genres or productions
• Relatively large file size (12 GB installed, 24 GB recommended for setup) may be challenging for users with limited storage
Tenebrae boasts an impressive array of features that set it apart in the world of virtual instruments. At its core are 70 instrument sound sources, meticulously crafted from analog origins and processed using rare outboard gear and tape. These sound sources encompass a wide range of sonic elements, including modular and analog synths, obscure bowed instruments, and gritty percussion. The plugin offers up to 14 round robins per sound, ensuring a natural and varied performance. The instrument comes loaded with over 170 presets, including 79 crafted by SNAKES OF RUSSIA himself. These presets showcase the full potential of Tenebrae’s sound palette and serve as excellent starting points for further sound design. The MNDALA 2 engine powering Tenebrae allows for deep sound manipulation, giving users the ability to sculpt and transform the raw sound sources into entirely new textures.
One of Tenebrae’s standout features is its collection of exclusive effect processors modeled after SNAKES OF RUSSIA’s signature signal chains. The BESTIAE processor offers destructive filters, drive, and compression in either parallel or series configurations, allowing users to dramatically shape and distort their sounds. The DIRTY BUCKETS processor provides a series of gritty Bucket Brigade Delay based reverbs, adding depth and character to the instrument’s output. These effects can be manipulated in real-time, offering dynamic control over the sound during performance.
The plugin’s interface is designed for intuitive use, featuring animated controls that respond to user input. This visual feedback enhances the overall user experience and aids in understanding the complex sound shaping processes at work. The layout is optimized for both quick preset browsing and deep parameter tweaking, catering to users of all experience levels.
Tenebrae’s sound sources are recorded at 24-bit resolution, with sampling rates up to 96 kHz, ensuring high-quality audio reproduction. The plugin is available in AAX, VST3, and AU formats, making it compatible with a wide range of digital audio workstations on both Windows and Mac platforms, including support for Apple’s M1 chip.
The instrument also features a unique copy protection system that encrypts the plugin to be used within the user’s system upon installation, eliminating the need for dongles or complex authorization processes. Updates and installations are seamlessly handled within the MNDALA 2 engine when users are logged into their Mntra account, streamlining the user experience.
When comparing Tenebrae to similar plugins in the market, it stands out for its focused approach to dark, synthetic textures. While many virtual instruments offer a broad range of sounds, Tenebrae specializes in a specific sonic aesthetic, making it a unique tool for producers seeking that particular flavor. Its collaboration with SNAKES OF RUSSIA adds an artist-driven perspective that sets it apart from more generic sound libraries. In terms of sound design capabilities, Tenebrae competes with high-end synthesizers and samplers. However, its pre-processed sound sources and specialized effects give it an edge in quickly achieving complex, layered textures that would require significant effort to create from scratch in other instruments. The MNDALA 2 engine’s flexibility puts Tenebrae in league with advanced sound design tools, albeit with a more focused sonic palette. Compared to other cinematic or dark-themed virtual instruments, Tenebrae offers a more contemporary, electronic-focused sound. While many orchestral or hybrid orchestral libraries cater to traditional film scoring, Tenebrae is better suited for modern, edgy productions that require a more synthetic and experimental approach to sound design.
This plugin is best for:
• Electronic music producers seeking unique, dark textures
• Film and game composers working on dystopian or horror-themed projects
• Sound designers looking for complex, pre-processed sound sources
• Artists interested in exploring apocalyptic and industrial sonic landscapes
• Producers who value artist-driven sound libraries and presets
Mntra Instruments Tenebrae excels in creating dark, synthetic textures. Its collaboration with SNAKES OF RUSSIA brings a unique artistic vision to the plugin, resulting in a sound palette that is both distinctive and versatile within its niche. The advanced MNDALA 2 engine provides extensive sound shaping capabilities, allowing users to go far beyond the included presets and craft their own sonic landscapes. While the focused nature of Tenebrae’s sound may limit its appeal for some users, those working in electronic, cinematic, or experimental genres will find it to be an invaluable tool. The high-quality sound sources, processed through analog gear and tape, offer an authentic texture that is difficult to achieve with purely digital instruments. The inclusion of artist-designed effect processors further enhances the plugin’s ability to create complex, evolving sounds. Tenebrae offers excellent value for those seeking to explore the darker side of electronic music production. Its intuitive interface, coupled with the depth of its sound design capabilities, makes it suitable for both beginners looking for inspiring presets and advanced users who want to dive deep into sound sculpting. For producers and composers working in genres that demand gritty, apocalyptic, or industrial sounds, Mntra Instruments Tenebrae is a compelling choice that can significantly expand their sonic toolkit.