http://razmo.ziphoid.com/Harps.mp3
Made a few changes to the harp like sound, and also made another program based on it that is more bright... this time there is a bit of reverb on the sound as well from external sources.
Today if I were to want a harp sound I have several giaganic multisampled harp instruments for Kontakt. Hell I even have a pretty remarkable physical modeled harp from the folks that make Pianoteq. The Rev2 would not be my first, second, or third choice.
However with all that said it is a testament to Razmo’s sound design chops that he made such a damn convincing and totally useful harp sound.
I really do enjoy listening to your creations! It is inspiring!
I can follow that choice of a sampled harp for sure... I'd have gone for a sampled one myself if my aim was to replicate an acoustic harp... if I had a Prophet X 'd be all over creating such a sound to be honest, and as faithful as possible... but I do not have an X ... yet
I actually do not have any other sound source than the REV2, so I simply tried making one that resembles a harp as much as possible, but with a twist... actually I'm not aiming to create sounds that are complete acoustic rip-offs, i just want a bit of the same organic feel to them, and as this is a Fantasy/Ambient bank in production, I'm actually aiming for a bit "extra" than just the normal acoustic versions... this sound in particular have some strange and weird echo'es that make it sound a bit "ethereal"... also I can clearly hear it's shortcomings, if it was to sound like a real harp... in fact, I see this "harp'ish" sound more like a completely unique instrument, as if it was a never before seen instrument in a fantasy world
The advantage of creating this with a synthesizer instead of a sample player though is, that I get a whole lot more performance modulation into it, and more than what you'd be able to with even a sampled harp, unless it was seriously multisampled (and still it would not be able to sound like one synthesized really)... this sound is very velocity sensitive, and has other modulations going for live playing on both foot pedal and modwheel... modulations you'd also never have on a real harp. I consider these harps "Magical Harps", which is also why I call these two sounds "Harp of Time" and "Celestial Harp"
I actually have a real acoustic harp here in my apartment, I love the sound and look of the harp, it's one of the most moody sounds I know of in the acoustic realm besides the Celeste (think Harry Potter theme).
What I look for in my bank in general are sounds that are both good for Ambient/Fantasy music, but I like for the sounds to have an organic feel and be VERY playable performance wise too... I want these sounds to be unique... otherwise i could as well have gone for a sample library version