Output Exhale is a modern vocal engine designed for music producers, composers, and sound designers. It’s a Kontakt-based virtual instrument that offers a unique approach to vocal synthesis and manipulation. Exhale combines sampled vocal performances with advanced sound design techniques to create a versatile tool for crafting contemporary vocal textures, atmospheres, and effects. The instrument features 500 presets across three main modes: Notes, Loops, and Slices. With 10 GB of raw material, Exhale provides an extensive library of vocal sounds that can be further customized using its built-in effects and modulation options. The user interface is sleek and intuitive, allowing for quick preset browsing and easy parameter adjustments. Exhale’s sound palette ranges from ethereal pads and evolving textures to rhythmic vocal chops and glitchy effects, making it suitable for various genres including electronic, pop, hip-hop, and film scoring.
Pros:
• Vast library of high-quality vocal samples and presets
• Intuitive interface with powerful customization options
• Versatile sound design capabilities for creating unique vocal textures
• Three distinct modes (Notes, Loops, Slices) offer flexible ways to work with vocal material
• Seamless integration with Native Instruments hardware and software
Cons:
• Requires full version of Kontakt or free Kontakt Player
• Resource-intensive, may strain older or less powerful systems
• Learning curve for fully utilizing all features and customization options
Output Exhale’s core functionality is built around its three main modes: Notes, Loops, and Slices. The Notes mode allows users to play chromatic vocal samples across a keyboard, creating vocal-based pads, leads, and textures. Loops mode provides rhythmic and melodic vocal phrases that can be triggered and manipulated in real-time. Slices mode chops up vocal samples into individual hits, allowing for more percussive and rhythmic applications.
Each mode comes with its own set of controls and parameters for shaping the sound. The main interface features four macro sliders that can be customized to control multiple parameters simultaneously, allowing for quick and expressive sound manipulation. These macros can be assigned to various effects, modulation sources, and sound shaping tools within Exhale.
The engine page provides deeper editing capabilities, including two independent sound sources that can be blended and processed separately. Users can adjust pitch, formant, and various other parameters to fine-tune the vocal character. The rhythm section allows for complex modulation of volume, pan, filter, and other effects, enabling the creation of evolving and dynamic vocal textures.
Exhale includes a comprehensive effects section with tools like pitch shifting, distortion, compression, EQ, delay, and reverb. These effects can be applied globally or to individual sound sources, providing extensive sound shaping possibilities. The Motion effect is particularly noteworthy, offering a unique way to add movement and texture to vocal sounds.
The preset browser is well-organized, with tags and categories that make it easy to find specific types of sounds. Users can also save their own presets and macros for quick recall. The randomize function is a useful feature for generating unexpected and inspiring sound combinations.
Exhale’s sound engine is highly flexible, allowing users to go far beyond traditional vocal sounds. It’s capable of producing everything from realistic vocal performances to heavily processed and abstract textures that barely resemble a human voice. The ability to blend and process two independent sound sources opens up possibilities for creating complex, layered vocal textures.
The instrument also features NKS (Native Kontrol Standard) integration, providing seamless compatibility with Native Instruments hardware controllers. This allows for intuitive hands-on control of Exhale’s parameters and easy browsing of presets directly from supported hardware.
When compared to other vocal-focused virtual instruments, Output Exhale stands out for its modern approach and extensive sound design capabilities. While traditional vocal libraries focus on reproducing realistic vocal performances, Exhale leans more towards creative sound design and contemporary production techniques. In terms of functionality, Exhale shares some similarities with instruments like Heavyocity’s Vocalise series or 8Dio’s Rhythmic Aura. However, Exhale offers a more comprehensive package with its three distinct modes and extensive customization options. Its focus on modern, processed vocal sounds sets it apart from more traditional choir or vocal sample libraries. Compared to vocal processing plugins like iZotope’s VocalSynth or Antares’ Auto-Tune, Exhale takes a different approach by starting with pre-processed vocal samples rather than focusing on real-time vocal manipulation. This makes Exhale more suitable for producers and composers looking for instant inspiration and ready-to-use vocal textures, rather than those needing to process live vocal recordings.
This plugin is best for:
• Electronic music producers seeking modern vocal textures and effects
• Film and game composers needing atmospheric and emotive vocal elements
• Pop and hip-hop producers looking for unique vocal chops and effects
• Sound designers requiring innovative vocal-based sound sources
• Musicians exploring new ways to incorporate vocal elements into their productions
Output Exhale is a powerful and versatile vocal instrument that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible with sampled vocal material. Its extensive library of presets provides instant inspiration, while the deep editing capabilities allow for endless customization. The three distinct modes offer flexibility in how users can incorporate vocal elements into their productions, from traditional melodic applications to more experimental and rhythmic uses. The intuitive interface makes it easy to get started, but there’s enough depth to reward those who take the time to explore its full potential. While it may be resource-intensive and require some time to master, Exhale offers a unique toolset for creating contemporary vocal sounds that can add a distinctive character to a wide range of musical styles. Its ability to generate everything from subtle atmospheric textures to bold, attention-grabbing vocal effects makes it a valuable addition to any producer’s or composer’s toolkit.