Strix Instruments Pripyat Pianos is a unique and haunting virtual instrument that captures the essence of abandoned pianos found in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. This Kontakt library features samples recorded from 20 different pianos discovered in various locations throughout Pripyat, the city evacuated after the 1986 Chernobyl disaster. The instrument aims to recreate the eerie atmosphere of the abandoned city while providing a versatile tool for composers and sound designers. Pripyat Pianos offers a range of presets and controls that allow users to explore the degradation of these instruments over time, from 1986 to 2019. The plugin includes a collection of impulse responses recorded in various locations within Pripyat, including the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant itself, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the sound. With its focus on capturing the effects of radiation and harsh weather conditions on these abandoned instruments, Pripyat Pianos offers a truly unique sonic palette that sets it apart from traditional piano libraries.
Pros:
• Unique and atmospheric sound that captures the essence of abandoned Pripyat
• Extensive collection of impulse responses recorded on-site for authentic ambience
• Age control allows for exploration of instrument degradation over time
• Detailed and visually appealing user interface with historical context
Cons:
• Requires full version of Kontakt 5.8.1 or later
• Specialized sound may not be suitable for all musical applications
Pripyat Pianos boasts an array of features that contribute to its distinctive sound and user experience. At the heart of the instrument is the Age Knob, a slider that allows users to adjust the piano’s sound characteristics based on years of degradation, from 1986 to 2019. This feature enables composers to explore the evolution of the instruments’ decay over time, from relatively untouched sounds to heavily degraded tones.
The plugin includes a comprehensive collection of impulse responses for its convolution reverb, recorded in various locations throughout Pripyat and the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. These IRs range from small apartments to vast reactor chambers, providing a wide spectrum of spatial characteristics. Users can select from 23 presets, each accompanied by a photograph of the location where the impulse response was recorded, along with a brief description and the current level of gamma radiation in that area.
The main interface offers intuitive controls for adjusting key aspects of the piano’s sound. Users can modify the distance to the instrument, adjust the opening of the piano lid, and fine-tune the convolution reverb. More detailed controls allow for manipulation of overtones, key strikes, sustain pedal mechanism, dampers, and a layer of sympathetic resonance compiled from all 20 recorded pianos.
Pripyat Pianos also includes a set of effects to further shape the sound. These include a three-band EQ, compression, saturation, and a convolution reverb with pre-delay and size controls. The plugin also features ADSR envelope controls and a low-pass filter, allowing for more traditional sound shaping capabilities.
One of the most distinctive features of Pripyat Pianos is its attention to detail in recreating the authentic sound of these abandoned instruments. The sampling process captured not only the piano tones but also the various imperfections and artifacts resulting from years of exposure to harsh conditions and radiation. This includes detuned strings, broken hammers, and other unique sonic characteristics that contribute to the instrument’s haunting atmosphere.
The visual design of the plugin is also noteworthy, with a user interface that incorporates photographs and information about the Chernobyl disaster and the city of Pripyat. This adds an educational component to the instrument, providing context and depth to the user experience.
While there are many piano libraries available, Pripyat Pianos stands out due to its unique concept and source material. Most piano plugins focus on recreating pristine, well-maintained instruments, whereas Pripyat Pianos embraces imperfections and decay. In terms of atmospheric and cinematic potential, it could be compared to libraries like Spitfire Audio’s Olafur Arnalds Evolutions or Native Instruments’ Una Corda, which also offer unconventional piano sounds. However, Pripyat Pianos’ historical context and on-site recordings set it apart from these alternatives. The Age Knob feature is reminiscent of the evolution controls found in some orchestral libraries, but its application to a piano library is unique. The extensive use of on-site impulse responses is also uncommon in piano plugins, with most opting for more generic reverb algorithms or studio-recorded IRs. In terms of sound design potential, Pripyat Pianos could be compared to experimental libraries like Spitfire Audio’s LCO Textures or Output’s Portal, which also focus on creating atmospheric and evolving sounds. However, Pripyat Pianos maintains a stronger connection to its source instrument while still offering extensive sound manipulation options.
This plugin is best for:
• Film and game composers seeking unique and atmospheric piano sounds
• Sound designers looking for eerie and haunting textures
• Musicians interested in experimental and ambient music
• Producers wanting to add a sense of history and decay to their tracks
• Anyone fascinated by the Chernobyl disaster and its impact on the surrounding area
Pripyat Pianos offers a deeply atmospheric and historically significant sound palette. The attention to detail in both the sampling process and the user interface creates an immersive experience that goes beyond mere sound production. The ability to explore the degradation of these abandoned instruments over time provides a unique perspective on the effects of the Chernobyl disaster, making this plugin as much a historical document as it is a musical tool. While the specialized nature of its sound may limit its applicability in some musical contexts, Pripyat Pianos excels in creating haunting atmospheres and evocative textures. Its extensive feature set, including the Age Knob and on-site impulse responses, allows for deep sound exploration and manipulation. The plugin’s visual design and educational elements add an extra layer of engagement, making it a thought-provoking tool for composers and sound designers. Its unique concept, meticulous execution, and powerful sound-shaping capabilities make it an invaluable resource for those seeking to add a touch of haunting beauty and historical resonance to their productions.