Unearthing Sonic Landscapes: A Deep Dive into Slate + Ash’s ‘Ruins’ Virtual Instrument
Are you a sound designer, experimental musician, or simply someone fascinated by the cutting edge of virtual instruments? Then prepare to be captivated. Slate + Ash, renowned for their innovative sound design, has just released ‘Ruins’ – a Kontakt 8 instrument built from the fragmented sonic explorations of avant-garde guitarists. This isn’t just another guitar VST; it’s a meticulously crafted sonic artefact, born from collaboration and inspired by literary depth. This article will explore the creation, features, and potential of ‘Ruins’, offering insights for both seasoned professionals and curious newcomers.
The Genesis of ‘Ruins’: Collaboration and Inspiration
Did You Know? Jorge Luis Borges’ short story, The circular Ruins, explores themes of creation, illusion, and the cyclical nature of existence – concepts deeply embedded within the design philosophy of this instrument.
‘Ruins’ didn’t emerge from a vacuum. It’s a product of a unique collaboration between Slate + Ash and Circular Ruin, Randall Dunn‘s celebrated recording studio. The project’s foundation lies in contributions from pioneering guitarists: Stephen O’Malley, Oren Ambarchi, and David Torn. These artists didn’t provide polished performances; instead, they offered raw materials – loops, textures, resonances, and even the sounds of mechanical failures.
This unconventional approach is key. Slate + Ash, alongside Circular Ruin co-founders Ben Greenberg and Arjan Miranda, and prepared guitarist Bill Horist, then deconstructed these fragments using their proprietary playback engine.The result? An “infinitely recursive sonic artefact” designed for the Kontakt 8 sampling platform.
Deconstructing the Sound: What Makes ‘Ruins’ unique?
Pro Tip: experiment with layering multiple instances of ‘Ruins’ to create complex, evolving soundscapes. The recursive nature of the instrument lends itself beautifully to polyphonic textures.
What sets ‘Ruins’ apart from other guitar VSTs? It’s not about replicating customary guitar tones. Instead, it’s about exploring the potential of guitar sound, stripped down to its core elements and then reassembled in unexpected ways. Here’s a breakdown of its key features:
Fragmentary Source Material: The instrument is built on sounds that are inherently incomplete, offering a unique starting point for sound design.
Recursive Engine: Slate + Ash’s playback engine allows for the creation of endlessly evolving textures and soundscapes.
Kontakt 8 integration: Seamlessly integrates into the widely used Kontakt 8 platform, providing extensive control and flexibility.
Avant-Garde Aesthetic: Designed for artists pushing the boundaries of sonic exploration, particularly in genres like experimental music, ambient, and sound design.
* Focus on texture & Atmosphere: ‘Ruins’ excels at creating evocative atmospheres and unsettling textures, rather than conventional melodic or harmonic content.
Here’s a fast comparison to other popular Kontakt libraries:
| Feature | Ruins (Slate + Ash) | Ample Sound AGT Series | Native Instruments Session Guitarist – Electric Mint |
|---|---|---|---|
| Focus | Experimental Sound Design, Textures | realistic Guitar Emulation | Playable Guitar Rhythms & Chords |
| Source Material | Fragmented Guitar Sounds, Mechanical Failures | Sampled Acoustic Guitars | Sampled Electric Guitar |
| Complexity | High – Requires Sound Design Knowledge | Medium – User-Amiable Interface | Low – Designed for Quick Results |
| Price (approx.) | $99 | $199 – $299 | $99 |
Who is ‘Ruins’ For? Target Audience & Applications
This sound design tool isn’t for