REVIEW: METROPOLIS ARK 5 by ORCHESTRAL TOOLS

ORCHESTRAL TOOLS RELEASES

The 5TH and Final Installment to their
METROPOLIS ARK SERIES

OVERVIEW 

SINE PLAYER
(Load all Instruments and Articulations)

PERFORMANCE PAGE

(The Performance View holds the core of combining and controlling articulations across SINEplayer collections.)

 

MIXER SECTION

  
(Switch microphones on/off, adjust volume, panorama, mute/solo mic positions and perform Mic Merges.
There are two tabs within the Mixer View: the actual Mixer and the Mic Remote.)

OPTIONS VIEW

 

(The Options View lets you set global defaults for SINEplayer, including audio driver settings, MIDI device settings, the Controller Map for default MIDI CCs and Key Switches.)

 

REVIEW 

 

Metropolis Ark 5 includes a wealth of inspirational tools not found in other Ark libraries. The power of this Orchestra library is a fitting conclusion to the Ark series and powerfully completes the mission. From epic themes to dramatic compositions, you'll add that magic spark with Ark 5.

Let's dig into it! 

 Metropolis Ark 5 comprises 182 GB of samples (80 GB SINEarc compressed) and runs in the Orchestral Tools Free SINEplayer. There is no Kontakt version in Ark 5 like the previous versions. There are six mic positions in the Low Strings Large+Winds, High Woodwinds, Trumpet Ensemble a4, Fluegelhorn Ensemble a4, Horns, Woodwinds, & Violas, and Horns & Celli. The remaining instruments have five mic positions. If you don't want to purchase the whole library at once, each instrument can be purchased individually via an à la carte option that Orchestral Tools provides.

Ark 5 was recorded at the legendary Teldex Scoring Stage in Berlin, which includes the perfect space for Orchestral recording. Composers like Howard Shore, Danny Elfman, Eric Serra, David Newman, Paul Hasslinger, Alan Silvestri, and more have used Teldex Studio. So when it comes to Orchestral sampling, Teldex is a serious go-to for professionals. For those not familiar with the Metropolis Ark series, it was inspired by the Fritz Lang’s classic 1927 film Metropolis. The Ark series was developed particularly for scoring ambitious and epic film music.

 Here is what you get with Metropolis Ark 5.

The Orchestral sections consist of seven types of Strings, including High, Low, String Orchestra, High Strings Large, Low Strings Large+Winds, and String Orchestra Large+Winds. The Woodwinds incorporate High, Low, and an Ensemble. The Brass has a Trumpet Ensemble, Fluegelhorn Ensemble, Low Brass, Brass Ensemble, Brass Low Brass Ensemble, and Ensemble Mellow. The choir includes a Female, Male, and Mixed choir. Blends are made-up of Flute & Violins, Trumpet & Violins, Horns/Woodwinds & Violas, and Horns & Celli. 

 

The Synths are a welcome addition to Ark 5 that is new to the series and includes an array of articulations. The Choirs offers a beautiful dynamic range with a full lush sound; and has multi vowel legato for producing lyrical phrases.

Metropolis Ark 5 contains many standout articulations that one would find very useful for sensational action, trailers, and tension. The stabs and glissando fx are perfect for suspense thrillers. The shorts and legato playable runs are stunning. The play-ability of this orchestra is absolutely cutting edge! The Shephard Tones are another wonderful addition for contemporary scoring, included in the strings, choir, low brass, and synth section. For example, the Dunkirk film score utilized Shephard tones to create a fantastic tense atmosphere. Two of my other favorites are the beautiful shimmering chord patches they provide in the Strings and Woodwinds. Secondly, the Sustain Swells and pads provide that tingling emotion. Finally, I was really impressed with the tone, dynamic range, and rich, expressive sound of the brass instruments.

I can confidently say Orchestral Tools created a superb finale to the Metropolis Ark series. There are so many useful tools within the library, and of course, it was developed to blend seamlessly with other Ark libraries.

The bottom line is Metropolis Ark 5 is perfect for trailer music, adventure scores, a little fanfare, heroic themes, and dark, sinister delights. When you want something for fast Orchestral Scoring that is fearless and monumental, look no further. 

 

Metropolis Ark 5 delivers!

 

5 OUT OF 5 STARS! 

 

AVAILABLE HERE: ORCHESTRAL TOOLS 

 

 

  

 

 

 

  

Written by Steve Montgomery

(Composer/Infinite Mindscape/Darkmood)