Ample Sound has announced the release of Ample China Guqin (ACGQ), a new virtual instrument plugin featuring samples of a Shennong-shape Guqin with 12GB samples, including Head, Body, and Auxiliary group articulations, FX sounds, as well as a select collection of improvised licks. Its tone is classical and rich.
To realize the features of a 7-string Riffer, every single string on the Guqin has been sampled in detail.
Sampling and performance
The recorded material has all been performed by the artist, Ning Lu. There are 3 articulation groups (Head, Body, and Auxiliary), consisting of 17 articulations in total:
- Head Group: Sustain, Natural Harmonic, Short Tremolo, Slide In from Below, Slow Slide In from Below, Slide in from Above.
- Body Group: Legato Slide Up, Legato Slide Down, Slide Up and Return, Slide Down and Return, Vibrato, Variable Vibrato, Virtual Portamento.
- Auxiliary Group: Open + Slide In, Glissando, Phrase.
The recordings were captured with 5 microphones (Left 1, Right 1, Left 2, Right 2 and Middle). Each mic volume is adjustable and equipped with channel EQ. Providing 5 Mic modes: AB1, AB2, AB3, MS1 and MS2, capable of adjusting the color of the instrument and recordings.
Key features
- The 7-string Riffer, specifically designed for the Guqin, is the core functionality of the ACGQ.
- In the Riffer, users can easily and efficiently design the fingering positions, articulations, legato, and expressions for the Guqin.
- Users can drag the riff into the MIDI track of the DAW and achieve accurate playback which is the same as the internal playback in the Riffer.
- Each preset in ACGQ contains a Riffer demo. Through these presets, users can quickly understand the playing characteristics and technical features of the Guqin.
- Guqin Tuning System: The Open string notes differ significantly in timbre from the pressed notes. To ensure that there are open strings available in every key, the Guqin requires tuning adjustments for each key. ACGQ offers a convenient and efficient tuning system.
- 3 play modes: Instrument Mode, Keyboard Mode, and Open String Mode.
- Infinite legatos with the Body Group.
- Voice independent SAHDS Modulation System, ACGQ will trigger the string-rolling noise at the speed set in the Settings, in accordance with the SAHDS Modulation System.
Further information and system requirements are available at amplesound.net.
Ample China Guqin (ACGQ) is available now with an introductory price of $127 (Reg. $169) until November 23rd, 2023.
Glimpse of the Heavenly Palace
