There are no organs or analogue synths in this collection, nor are there any licks or phrases: the focus is squarely on multisampled electro-mechanical and acoustic instruments, augmented by a handful of digital ’80s classics such as the ubiquitous and unashamedly synthetic ‘FM Rhodes’ sound. An intriguing selection of hitherto-unsampled historical rarities is also included, along with a leading make of 20th-century concert grand piano. Spectrasonics’ Keyscape comprises no fewer than 36 keyboard models, ranging from iconic, sought-after ’70s instruments to contemporary retro-styled keyboards. It also explains the motivation behind the company’s latest offering, which looks set to create a new standard for vintage keyboard collections. This hands-on studio experience, coupled with a lifelong love affair with keyboards, helps account for Spectrasonics’ instruments being so playable and practical.

While technical innovation and sonic exploration have been a company hallmark from the start, Persing’s background as a session player and producer adds an important dimension to the story. Having successfully navigated the format upheavals of the hardware sampler era, Spectrasonics scored with their acclaimed Stylus, Trilogy and Atmosphere virtual instruments before hitting the jackpot with Trilian and the multi-award-winning Omnisphere synth, voted SOS readers’ Best Software Instrument in 2014, 20. Based in Burbank, California, the company has been outputting state-of-the-art products since 1994, when co-founder Eric Persing released the ground-breaking Bass Legends library (chunks of which live on under the hood of certain keyboard workstations).

There’s something reassuringly solid about Spectrasonics. Spectrasonics’ major keyboard collection combines classic vintage instruments with a gallery of unique rarities.

Spectrasonics keyscape mac torrent