Delphi by Sonokinetic is a specialized, niche ensemble library for Kontakt that captures the sound of Historical Ancient Greece. While it is an older library in Sonokinetic’s catalog, it remains a "hidden gem" for composers needing authentic, historically-informed textures for epic films, documentaries, or period dramas. Key Features and Content
Instruments: Features rare ancient instruments like the Krotala (finger cymbals/bells), Tympanon (drums), Phorminx (ancient lyre), and Roptron.
Vocal Components: Includes performances of the Seikilos Epitaph (the world's oldest notated music) and dramatic readings from Greek tragedies like Sophocles's Electra and Aeschylus's Agamemnon.
Engine & Playability: Uses Sonokinetic’s Intelligent Tempo Mapping (ITM), which automatically syncs melodic and rhythmic phrases to your DAW's project tempo.
Acoustics: Offers modern Greek pronunciations for vocals and a custom Impulse Response reverb to simulate historic spaces. Performance & User Experience Strengths:
Authenticity: Highly praised for its unique, organic sound that is difficult to recreate with standard multisampled orchestral libraries.
Ease of Use: Like most Sonokinetic phrase-based tools, it allows for quick ideation and "instant" results through simple keyboard triggers.
Customization: Despite being phrase-based, it includes a 3-band EQ and an "Open Kontakt" format for deeper user tweaks. Drawbacks:
Age: Programmed originally for Kontakt 4/5, it may lack some of the ultra-polished GUI elements found in newer releases like Ibrido Cinematica or Noir.
Flexibility: As with many phrase libraries, it is best suited for shorter motifs rather than long, complex melodic lines where the specific recordings might feel repetitive. Conclusion Sonokinetic libraries - Review
This is a prepared informational paper regarding Sonokinetic-Delphi for the Native Instruments KONTAKT platform. This document is structured as a technical overview and user analysis, suitable for a music production journal, a library review, or a composer’s reference.
Using Sonokinetic-Delphi-KONTAKT is radically different from playing a standard VST.
Step 1: Setup Load Delphi in a KONTAKT instrument rack. Set your DAW’s tempo. Delphi works best between 60 BPM (for sparse, dramatic lines) and 140 BPM (for agile, rhythmic passages).
Step 2: Choose Your Oracle Select an instrument, e.g., Solo Cello Ensemble.
Step 3: Set the Scale Craft your harmonic roadmap. Click the scale box and choose D Harmonic Minor.
Step 4: Hold a Chord On your MIDI keyboard, press and hold a D minor triad (D-F-A). You don’t need to play individual notes; just hold the chord.
Step 5: Listen Delphi instantly begins generating a monophonic, melodic line based on that chord. It will dance through the D Harmonic Minor scale, landing on chord tones at strong beats.
Step 6: Manipulate Don’t like the melody? Hit the "Reroll" button. Want a faster line? Increase the Density. Want it to breathe more? Increase the Swing percentage to 55%.
Step 7: Record Record the MIDI output to your DAW track. Delphi outputs the generated notes as normal MIDI data, allowing you to edit stray notes or change the instrument later.
No tool is perfect for everyone. Here is an honest assessment.
The Strengths:
The Limitations:
The interface is classic Sonokinetic—functional and dense but logical. You get control over the mix (close, mid, far mics) allowing you to place the choir anywhere from an intimate room to a massive hall. The built-in reverbs are excellent, but the dry signal is clean enough to route into your own convolution reverbs if you want total control over the environment.
Delphi isn’t a keyboard-mapping instrument where you play single legato notes. It is built on a robust phrase-builder engine. You select phrases based on tempo and root key, and the engine handles the transitions. This approach yields a much more realistic performance, as the singer isn't trying to stretch single syllables unnaturally. Once you get the hang of the timeline and key-switching system, you can build complex, evolving choral arrangements very quickly.
Sonokinetic’s Delphi for KONTAKT is an orchestral sample library focused on expressive solo and ensemble woodwind, brass, and orchestral textures designed for cinematic and classical composition. Sonokinetic-Delphi-KONTAKT
Key features:
Tips for using Delphi:
Quick pros and cons:
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Sonokinetic Delphi is a historical sample library for Native Instruments Kontakt that captures the music and performance art of ancient Greece. Developed in collaboration with classically trained Greek vocalist Veronica Iliopoulou, the library features reconstructed period instruments and dramatic readings of ancient texts by Sophocles and Aeschylus. Core Content & Performance
Delphi is divided into three primary sample groups, selectable via the main user interface:
Vocals: Features melodic phrases, chants, and voice FX performed by Veronica Iliopoulou. These include melodies based on the oldest known notated music from the era.
Instruments: Includes multi-sampled reconstructions of "lost" ancient instruments:
Phorminx: A chromatic reconstruction of a historical Greek harp/lyre. Tympanons: Hand and stick-played drums in various sizes.
Percussion: Includes Krotala Dio (finger cymbals), Krotala Delphi (finger bells), Roptron, and various rattles.
Drama: Dramatic and whispered cinematic readings from Greek tragedies such as Agamemnon, Choeforoi, Eumenides, and Electra. Technical Specifications
Library Size: Approximately 1.3+ GB sample pool containing over 1,500 individual samples. Audio Format: 44.1 kHz, 24-bit AIFF format.
Compatibility: Requires the full version of Kontakt 4.2.4 or higher. Use in Kontakt 5 is recommended to take advantage of Time Machine Pro for high-quality tempo syncing of melodic elements.
Licensing: The library is royalty and copyright-free for use in musical productions. User Interface & Controls
The interface is centered around a large round stone tablet graphic that serves as a phrase length and harmonic key indicator.
Phrase Monitoring: A blue light slides around the outer rim of the stone tablet to indicate the playback position within a triggered phrase.
Sound Shaping: Integrated controls for a 3-band EQ (fixed at 250Hz, 1.4kHz, and 7.5kHz), envelopes, and a custom Impulse Response (IR) reverb designed to simulate ancient performance spaces.
Performance Tools: Features tempo-synced performance elements and harmonic root key displays at the bottom of the UI list. Delphi Walk Through - Video : Sonokinetic Support Portal
In the vast landscape of virtual instruments, sample libraries often fall into predictable categories: drum samplers, synth emulations, or painstakingly recorded solo instruments. However, Dutch developer Sonokinetic has carved a unique niche by specializing in “phrases”—pre-recorded musical passages that users can arrange into cohesive compositions. Among their most ambitious offerings is Delphi, a library for Native Instruments’ KONTAKT platform that stands as a landmark achievement in generative and phrase-based composition. By marrying the ancient concept of the oracle with cutting-edge sampling technology, Delphi provides composers not just with sounds, but with a muse.
The core innovation of Delphi lies in its intricate phrase-sequencing engine. Unlike standard loop libraries that lock the user into rigid, repetitive patterns, Delphi offers a modular ecosystem of melodic, rhythmic, and harmonic phrases recorded in specific keys and modes. The library’s intelligence is its greatest asset; through a proprietary algorithm, it analyzes the user’s key presses and automatically selects compatible phrases that fit the established musical context. This transforms the creative process from one of manual programming to one of guided improvisation. A composer can hold a chord on their MIDI keyboard, and Delphi will generate a fitting orchestral phrase in real-time, effectively acting as a responsive co-writer rather than a static sample bank.
From a technical and sonic perspective, Delphi maintains Sonokinetic’s hallmark of pristine audio quality. Recorded with a full orchestral ensemble in a hall with rich natural reverb, the library captures the nuance, dynamics, and “human” imperfections of live performance. The interface, while initially daunting due to its density of controls, is a model of functional design. Key parameters such as phrase complexity, articulation (legato, staccato, pizzicato), and intensity can be modulated via MIDI CC, allowing for dynamic evolution over a timeline. Crucially, the library includes a “time-stretching” engine that allows phrases to adapt to the host project’s tempo without significant artifacts, ensuring seamless integration into any workflow.
However, the power of Delphi comes with inherent limitations that the thoughtful composer must acknowledge. Because the library is phrase-based, the user sacrifices a degree of granular, note-by-note control. Crafting a specific, unconventional melody can be challenging, as the user is reliant on the phrases that Sonokinetic’s algorithm chooses. Consequently, Delphi excels at generating lush backgrounds, evolving ostinatos, and dramatic cinematic rises, but it is less suited for exposed, soloistic lines requiring absolute precision. It is a tool of suggestion and texture, not a replacement for a full orchestral sampler like Spitfire Audio or Orchestral Tools. Delphi by Sonokinetic is a specialized, niche ensemble
In conclusion, Sonokinetic Delphi for KONTAKT is more than a simple sample library; it is a philosophical statement on the future of music creation. It trades absolute control for creative speed and serendipity, offering a solution to the dreaded “blank page” syndrome. For film, television, and game composers working under tight deadlines, Delphi is an invaluable asset, capable of generating complex, emotive orchestral passages in minutes rather than hours. While it does not supplant the need for detailed sequencing or live performance, it serves as a powerful oracle—offering cryptic, beautiful, and inspiring musical answers to the questions a composer dares to ask.
Sonokinetic is a unique, phrase-based library that delves into the ancient musical world of Greece. It focuses on historical reconstructions of melodies, chants, and spoken word to provide an evocative, cinematic texture rather than a standard playable instrument set. Key Features & Content Authentic Soundscapes
: Features Greek performance expert Veronica Ilopolo, providing chants and melodies based on some of the oldest notated music in history. Spoken Word
: Includes poems and dramatic readings from classic Greek tragedies and dramas, adding a theatrical depth to compositions. Instrumental Reconstruction
: The library utilizes reconstructed ancient instruments to capture the specific timbre of the era. Phrase-Based Engine
: Like many Sonokinetic libraries, it uses a custom interface where users trigger pre-recorded phrases that can be synchronized to host tempo via Kontakt's Time Machine Pro. Custom Interface
: Features a "stone tablet" design where sliders indicate phrase position, alongside EQ controls for tone shaping. Niche Authenticity
: Provides a highly specific sound signature (Ancient Greek) that is difficult to find in more "standard" orchestral or world libraries. Inspirational : Users often find Sonokinetic
’s phrase-based approach helps "spark inspiration" and provides an organic feel that single-note samples lack Historical Detail
: Uses modern Greek pronunciations for vowels and consonants, which some users find smoother and more melodic for modern scoring. Limited Versatility
: Because it is phrase-based and tied to specific melodic patterns, it offers less melodic control than a traditional multi-sampled instrument. Technical Learning Curve
: Some users find the specialized interfaces (often designed to be "thematic" or "fun") less precise than standard UI layouts. Specific Compatibility
: Requires the full version of Kontakt (4.2.4 or higher) to access all features, including time-stretching. Delphi is best suited for film composers and sound designers
looking for authentic Mediterranean or historical textures. It is an "atmosphere first" library rather than a tool for writing complex, original melodies from scratch. and other Sonokinetic world libraries, such as Delphi Walk Through - Video : Sonokinetic Support Portal
Sonokinetic is a sample library for the Full Version of Kontakt 4.2.4 or higher (Kontakt 5 is recommended for features like Time Machine Pro
). It is based on the music and instruments of ancient Greece, featuring reconstructed instruments and vocal performances of poems and dramatic readings. Core Interface & Functions Intelligent Time Machine (ITM)
: This function automatically syncs samples to half-time or double-time when using extreme tempo values. ITM Override
: You can turn this off using the red "OFF/ON" button to prevent samples from switching speed during large tempo changes. Built-in Reverb (Impulse Response)
: Delphi includes a bespoke reverb to simulate a realistic ancient environment. : Adjusts the start point of the reverb tail. Amount Dial : Controls the "wetness" or intensity of the reverb. EQ Controls
: There are Low, Mid, and High dials for basic frequency adjustment. You can change the default frequencies by opening the Kontakt instrument editor's "Insert Effects" panel. Library Content Ancient Instruments
: Features reconstructed Greek instruments and melodies based on ancient notation. Vocal Components
: Includes poems, chants, and dramatic readings from Greek tragedies performed by Greek expert Veronica Ilopolo. Setup & Troubleshooting Software Requirements : This is not a "Player" library; it requires the full retail version of Kontakt
. It will typically not appear in the "Libraries" tab of Kontakt but must be loaded via the "Files" browser or added to the browser in newer Kontakt versions. Official Video
: For a visual demonstration of the controls and sounds, Sonokinetic provides a Delphi Walk Through Video on their support portal. : If you encounter installation issues, use the Sonokinetic Support Portal to open a ticket. map MIDI CC to these controls for automation in your DAW? Delphi Walk Through - Video : Sonokinetic Support Portal 04-Apr-2018 — Part 4: Workflow – How to Compose with
Delphi is a virtual instrument library by Sonokinetic designed for the Native Instruments Kontakt sampler. It focuses on the music and performance arts of ancient Greece, featuring a collection of reconstructed historical instruments and vocal performances. Core Features
Vocal Performances: Features Greek performance expert Veronica Iliopoulou. The library includes melodies, chants, and vocal effects based on ancient Greek poems and dramas, such as the works of Sophocles and Aeschylus (e.g., Agamemnon, Electra).
Historical Instruments: Includes sampled and reconstructed ancient instruments such as:
Phorminx: A historical harp (chromatic recorded reconstruction). Tympanons: Hand and stick-played drums of various sizes. Percussion: Various bells and rattles.
Historical Songs: Contains recordings of some of the world's oldest notated music, including the Seikilos Epitaph, Stasimon from Orestes, and Dionysus Chants. Technical Specifications
Software Requirement: Delphi requires the full version of Kontakt (specifically version 4.2.4 or higher).
Kontakt Player Compatibility: Unlike some larger Sonokinetic libraries, Delphi is not compatible with the free Kontakt Player.
Performance Features: The library utilizes Kontakt's Time Machine Pro (recommended in Kontakt 5) for time-stretching and pitch manipulation of phrases. Included Content Vocals
Songs, dramatic readings (theatrical and cinematic whispers), and natural breath simulations. Instruments Multi-sampled historical harp, drums, bells, and rattles. Authenticity
Based on modern scientific interpretations of ancient music written in stone and clay. Delphi Walk Through - Video : Sonokinetic Support Portal
Unearthing Ancient Sound: A Deep Dive into Sonokinetic Delphi for KONTAKT
The "cradle of music performance art" is no longer just a chapter in history books. With Sonokinetic Delphi
, composers can now weave the authentic textures of ancient Greece into modern productions. This sample library isn't just a collection of sounds; it's a meticulously reconstructed sonic time capsule designed for the Native Instruments KONTAKT platform. The Soul of the Library: Authentic Performances
At the heart of Delphi is the captivating work of Veronica Iliopoulou, a renowned expert in Greek classics. Her contribution brings a level of raw, emotional authenticity that is rare in digital libraries:
Dramatic Vocals: Includes melodies, chants, and voice FX based on ancient music, songs, and tragedies.
Historical Narratives: Features poems and dramatic readings from legendary Greek dramas and tragedies, providing a unique "storytelling" layer to your compositions. Reconstructing "Lost" Instruments
Sonokinetic didn't just sample existing instruments; they invested in reconstructing long-lost tools of the trade to capture how they likely sounded thousands of years ago:
Phorminx: A reconstructed historical harp, recorded with chromatic multi-sampling.
Tympanons: Ancient drums of various sizes, performed with both hands and sticks.
Ancient Percussion: A collection of bells and rattles that add an archaic, metallic texture to your arrangements. Technical Integration
Delphi is built for the full version of KONTAKT 4.2.4 or higher. However, for the best experience, KONTAKT 5 is recommended to take full advantage of Time Machine Pro, which allows for high-quality time-stretching of the vocal performances to fit your project's tempo. Why Use Delphi?
Whether you are scoring a historical epic, a mythological video game, or simply looking to add "ethereal" and "timeless" textures to a pop track, Delphi offers a palette that is both scientifically researched and artistically inspired. It bridges the gap between modern science and time-faded art.
You can explore the library further through the Delphi Walkthrough Video on the Sonokinetic Support Portal. Delphi Walk Through - Video : Sonokinetic Support Portal