Sonica Instruments – Sho

SHO Library by Sonica Instruments 🎼✨

Experience the ethereal tones of the sho, a majestic free reed instrument, now beautifully brought to life in Sonica Instruments’ SHO library, part of the Virtuoso Japanese Series. Revered as one of the three primary woodwinds in gagaku court orchestra music, the sho’s 17 slender bamboo pipes are said to resemble a phoenix resting—a symbol of light and celestial grace.

🌟 Key Features of the SHO Library

🎵 Authentic Sho Sound Sampling

• World’s first comprehensive sho sampling.
• Meticulously recorded with master sho player Ko Ishikawa, capturing every subtle nuance of each pipe.
• Includes a variety of articulations:
  • Straight, Flutter, Sforzando, Crescendo, and both Slow & Fast Tremolo (exhaled & inhaled tones).

🎹 Innovative Performance Controls

• Pipe Indicator: Visualize the pipe arrangement and monitor active pipes.
• Articulation Mechanism: Effortlessly switch between 11 aitake tone clusters (chords) and itchiku single tones.
• Dual modes for unmatched flexibility:
  • Chromatic Mode for traditional keyboard mapping.
  • Trad. Fingering Mode mimics authentic sho fingering, perfect for seasoned performers and learners.

🎶 Expressive Breath & Tuning Customization

• Full control of breath strength and smooth articulation transitions via Key Trigger Connection.
• Tuning Flexibility:
  • Choose Pythagorean or equal temperament tunings.
  • Customize and save unique scales for any musical style.

🥁 Groove Browser with MIDI Integration

• Access 18 MIDI grooves featuring traditional songs and versatile phrases.
• Drag & drop MIDI files into your DAW for quick workflow.
• Adjust playback tempo, velocity, and swing seamlessly.

🎛️ Professional Mixing Tools

• Multi-microphone recording with Direct, Overhead, Room, and Stereo Mix channels.
• Customize Volume, Stereo Width, Pan, and Reverb Send for each mic.
• Integrated convolution reverb for studio-quality sound.

👥 Ensemble Mode

• Select solo, duet, or trio ensembles for that rich, layered gagaku sound.
• Control performer balance and spatial positioning with ease.

🖥️ NKS-Ready for Ultimate Compatibility

• Fully compatible with Kontakt Player (6.6+), Kontakt Full, and Komplete Kontrol.
• Native Access ensures seamless installation and integration with your workflow.

🎧 Rediscover the timeless beauty of the sho, where tradition meets innovation. From solo melodies to majestic ensembles, the SHO library offers a profoundly authentic and versatile tool for your music productions. Whether composing ancient-inspired scores or blending traditional tones into modern genres, the SHO library is your gateway to unparalleled creativity.