The composer holds a single key (e.g., C3). The phrase plays for 2 or 4 bars. While holding C3, the composer turns the Shift dial; the melody modulates.
Out of the box, Sonokinetic-Delphi-KONTAKT includes over 200 presets categorized by mood.
Real-World Scenario: Imagine you are scoring a scene where a character wanders through an ancient cave. You hold an E minor chord. With the Bass Clarinet preset, Delphi generates a low, slow, breathing melody—three notes, long rests. As the tension rises, you turn the Density knob from 20% to 80% and switch to Violins. Instantly, the melody evolves into a frantic, escalating pattern without you having to stop playback.
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.
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.
Delphi is a specialized historical sample library for Native Instruments Kontakt that reconstructs the sound of ancient Greek performance art. Released by Sonokinetic, it focuses on authentic vocal and instrumental performances based on some of the oldest notated music in history. Core Content & Musical Assets
The library is built around historical accuracy, featuring ancient texts and musical fragments:
Vocal Performances: Features Greek classically-trained vocalist Veronica Iliopoulou.
Songs: Includes the "Seikilos Epitaph" and "Stasimon From Orestis" (widely considered the oldest notated music), along with Dionysus Chants.
Dramatic Readings: Performances from Greek Tragedies and Dramas by Sophocles and Aeschylus, including Agamemnon, Electra, and Eumenides.
Ancient Instruments: Includes reconstructed period instruments designed to evoke a "lost in time" atmosphere. Technical Features & Engine
Delphi is an "open" Kontakt library, allowing for user customization of its sample set.
Compatibility: Designed for Kontakt 4.2.4+ or Kontakt 5. Note that it requires the full version of Kontakt and is not compatible with the free Kontakt Player. Performance Tools:
Utilizes Time Machine Pro (in Kontakt 5) for tempo-syncing melodic elements.
Includes a custom Delphi-designed interface with phrase length and harmonic key indicators.
Effects: Features a 3-band EQ and a custom Impulse Response reverb with adjustable size and wet/dry settings.
Audio Format: Samples are 44.1 kHz, 24-bit AIFF files, totaling a royalty-free license for professional use. Library Specifications Primary Artist Veronica Iliopoulou (Vocals) Price Typically retails around €59,90 Reverb Custom Impulse Response (IR) Format AIFF, 24-bit, 44.1 kHz Documentation Includes a Delphi Reference PDF Delphi Walk Through - Video : Sonokinetic Support Portal Sonokinetic-Delphi-KONTAKT
Sonokinetic Delphi is a specialized historical performance library for the Kontakt sampler, uniquely focused on recreating the sounds and poetic power of Ancient Greece. Rather than a standard orchestral tool, it serves as a niche ensemble for mythological, historical, or cinematic soundscapes. Key Features & Content
Delphi is built on a 1.3+ GB sample pool with over 1,500 samples, blending rare reconstructed instruments with authentic vocal performances:
Historical Instruments: Includes rare ancient percussion and melodic tools:
Krotala Dio (small finger cymbals) and Krotala Delphi (finger bells). Megalon Tympanon, Tympanon, and Roptron. Phorminx (an ancient stringed instrument).
Vocal Performances: Features Greek performance expert Veronica Ilopolo providing:
Ancient Songs: Fragments of the oldest notated music in the world, such as the Seikilos Epitaph and Stasimon From Orestis.
Dramatic Readings: Excerpts from tragedies by Sophocles and Aeschylus (Agamemnon, Electra), offered in both theatrical and "cinematic whispered" styles.
Improvisations: Dionysus chants and seance-style vocalizations. Technical Capabilities
Tempo-Synced Melodics: Melodic elements utilize Intelligent Tempo Mapping (ITM) to stay in sync with your project.
Customization: The interface offers a 3-band EQ and a custom impulse response reverb with adjustable size and wet/dry controls.
Open Format: Unlike many "Player" libraries, Delphi uses an open Kontakt format, allowing for deeper user customization.
Software Requirements: Runs on the full version of Kontakt 4.2.4 or higher; Kontakt 5 is recommended to utilize the Time Machine Pro engine for cleaner time-stretching. Review Summary Pros:
Unrivaled Authenticity: Reconstructs a "forgotten world" of sound that is virtually impossible to find elsewhere.
High-Quality Source: Uses 44.1 kHz, 24-bit AIFF format samples for professional fidelity.
Unique Textures: The combination of dramatic Greek whispers and ancient chanting provides an "instant atmosphere" for mythological scoring. Cons:
Very Niche: Its highly specific focus on ancient Greek sounds means it is not a general-purpose tool and may have limited use outside of historical or experimental projects.
Phrase-Based Limitations: Typical of Sonokinetic libraries, much of the melodic content is phrase-based, which can sometimes limit extreme melodic flexibility compared to a multi-sampled solo instrument. Delphi Walk Through - Video : Sonokinetic Support Portal
Sonokinetic Delphi is a phrase-based vocal and instrumental library for Native Instruments Kontakt, focused on the music, poems, and tragedies of ancient Greece. It features performances by Greek expert Veronica Ilopolo and includes chants, dramatic readings from Sophocles and Aeschylus, and reconstructed historical instruments. 1. Getting Started Software Requirements : Delphi requires the full version of Kontakt 4.2.4 or higher. : While it works in Kontakt 4,
is recommended to take advantage of high-quality tempo-stretching via the Time Machine Pro The composer holds a single key (e
: Load Delphi as a software instrument within your DAW (such as Logic, Cubase, or Ableton).
If using multiple instruments, you can route them to individual tracks for mixing using the Kontakt Batch Configuration 2. The Interface & Core Features The Main Graphic
: The central interface changes based on the selected group (Vocals, Instruments, or Drama). Intelligent Time Machine (ITM)
: This function automatically syncs samples to half-time or double-time during extreme tempo changes. You can toggle
to manually select between the original recorded tempos (90 BPM or 120 BPM). Built-in Reverb
: Delphi includes a bespoke convolution reverb to simulate historical environments. : Adjusts the start point of the reverb tail. Amount Dial : Controls the wetness (mix) of the effect. 3. Navigation & Keyswitches
The keyboard is color-coded to allow for rapid switching between content and performances: Sample Group Selector (Yellow Keys, C0 and up)
: Used to select between the major content categories: Vocals, Instruments, or Drama. Performance Triggering
: Once a group is selected, use the keys within the active range to trigger specific phrases or readings. 4. Advanced Customization Direct IR Customization
: If you want to replace the default reverb, you can access the Kontakt Instrument Editor and navigate to the Insert Effects panel to load your own Impulse Responses. Mod Wheel Control
: Typically, the mod wheel (MIDI CC1) is used to crossfade between dynamics or control the intensity of the performance, depending on the specific patch. 5. Troubleshooting Common Issues
: Ensure the MIDI channel in Kontakt matches the track output in your DAW. Most Sonokinetic libraries default to MIDI Channel 1 Tempo Sync Issues : If phrases sound "choppy," ensure Time Machine Pro
is enabled in the Kontakt instrument options to allow for smooth tempo stretching. Sonokinetic
For a visual demonstration of these controls, you can view the official Sonokinetic Delphi Walkthrough on their support portal. Sonokinetic for Delphi in your particular DAW? Delphi Walk Through - Video : Sonokinetic Support Portal
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 Real-World Scenario: Imagine you are scoring a scene
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
Sonokinetic Delphi: A Deep Dive into Ancient Greek Soundscapes for Kontakt
Sonokinetic's Delphi is a specialized virtual instrument for Native Instruments Kontakt that offers a rare sonic exploration into the music and atmosphere of Ancient Greece. Released as part of Sonokinetic's effort to archive unique cultural heritage, this library provides composers with reconstructed historical instruments and authentic vocal performances designed for film, TV, and mythological-themed scores. Core Content and Specifications
The library is built on a foundation of historical accuracy, utilizing a sample pool of over 1,500 samples totaling approximately 1.3+ GB of data. All files are recorded in high-quality 44.1 kHz, 24-bit AIFF format.
Delphi features a variety of unique, reconstructed instruments and vocal elements: Percussion & Melodic Instruments: Krotala Dio: Small finger cymbals. Krotala Delphi: Historical finger bells. Megalon Tympanon: A large 30” frame drum. Tympanon: An 18” membrane hand drum. Roptron: An ancient instrument similar to a tambourine. Phorminx: A reconstructed ancient Greek harp. Vocal Performances:
Featured vocals by Greek performance expert Veronica Iliopoulou.
Authentic renditions of some of the oldest notated music in history, such as the Seikilos Epitaph and the Stasimon from Orestes. Dionysus Chants: Improvisational séance-style chants.
Dramatic Readings: Excerpts from classical tragedies by Sophocles and Aeschylus, including "Agamemnon," "Eumenides," and "Electra," delivered in both theatrical and cinematic whispered styles. Key Features and User Interface
The Delphi Reference Manual details a user interface tailored for ease of use while maintaining deep customization options:
Tempo Syncing: Melodic elements utilize Intelligent Tempo Mapping (ITM) to ensure they stay in sync with your DAW's BPM.
Performance Indicators: The interface includes graphic phrase length and harmonic key indicators to help composers align their compositions with the library's pre-recorded phrases. Sound Shaping: Built-in 3-band EQ for tonal adjustments.
Custom Impulse Response (IR) reverb with adjustable size and wet/dry mix, allowing users to place the sounds in realistic historical spaces.
Customization: The library is provided in an "open" Kontakt format, allowing users to go under the hood for deeper manipulation. Compatibility
Delphi is compatible with the full version of Kontakt 4.2.4 and higher. While it can run in Kontakt 4, Sonokinetic recommends Kontakt 5 or newer to take full advantage of the "Time Machine Pro" engine for high-quality time-stretching.
It is important to note that Delphi is not compatible with the free Kontakt Player; it requires the full retail version of the software to operate without a "demo mode" limitation. Delphi Walk Through - Video : Sonokinetic Support Portal