Rewriting the book on taiko sample packs
Sonica Instruments released the world’s first realistic taiko sample pack, Japanese Taiko Percussion, back in 2008 to global acclaim. In the 16 years that have followed, we have completely reshaped the library, crafting a brand-new, next-generation product.
We enlisted the finest recording engineers to capture taiko performances by Japan’s elite percussionists in some of the best halls in Japan. The samples were then painstakingly edited by Japanese taiko experts to ensure the library delivers every nuance of the taiko sound, even down to how the drumheads reverberate in the air.
TAIKO THUNDER: The Ultimate Collection is essentially 20 separate titles, as it provides unique instrument interfaces for 16 types of taiko drums as well as the chappa, shoko, and kagurasuzu percussion instruments, kakegoe calls, and other elements essential for a taiko ensemble. The interfaces are designed to be as realistic as possible, with instrument-specific articulations, parameters, graphics, and multiple play modes.
Single-sided taiko instruments
- Tsukeshime-daiko 1.1
- Tsukeshime-daiko 1.2
- Tsukeshime-daiko 1.22
- Tsukeshime-daiko 1.3
- Nagado-daiko 1.2
- Nagado-daiko 1.6
- Nagado-daiko 2.7
- Hirado-daiko 2.0
- Ohhira-daiko 3.3
- Ohdaiko 3.4
- Ohdaiko 4.0
- Okedo Eitetsu 1.8
- Okedo-daiko 2.8
Double-sided taiko instruments
- Katsugi Okedo 1.4
- Katsugi Okedo 1.7
- Shimeshishi-daiko
Metallic percussion instruments
- Chappa
- Shoko
- Kagurasuzu
Vocal sound effects
- Kakegoe
あらゆるシチュエーションに対応
Virtuoso Japanese Seriesで培ってきた独自のサウンドモデリング技術をさらに進化させて搭載。アタックの音色を保ったまま自然なチューニングを行えるのはもちろん、アタック成分やボディー成分の音量や音程を個別に調整する等、楽器に合わせた細かなサウンドメイクが可能です。
太鼓の持つ要素を余すことなくキャプチャーするため、サンプルは24bit/96kHzで収録。7種類のマイクポジションと、それらをバランス良くミックスしたStereo Mixの計8本のマルチマイク・チャンネルを用意。マルチマイクを自在にミックス可能です。
屈指の太鼓奏者の演奏をMIDIデータとして収録
太鼓奏者の演奏をそのままMIDI Grooveとして収録。リズムのベーシックに最適な地打ちからソロフレーズ、組み太鼓まで1,000種類以上のパターンを収録。専用のGroove Browserを使用することで簡単に視聴し、ドラッグ&ドロップでDAWソフトに取り込むことができます。
ドラムパッドにも対応した、演奏モード
TAIKO THUNDERには、キースイッチ操作によって片手で太鼓演奏を表現できる「Standard」。すべてのアーティキュレーションが鍵盤に配置され、打ち込みに便利なだけでなく太鼓を演奏しているかのように使用可能な「Advanced」。そしてMIDIドラムパッドに特化した「Pad」の3つの演奏モードを搭載しています。
Padモードでは、汎用MIDIパッドや電子ドラムにも対応可能なほかRoland社の電子和太鼓、TAIKO-1にも最適化。楽曲制作からライブパフォーマンスまで幅広くお使いいただけます。
Customization to suit every situation and instrument variation
TAIKO THUNDER comes with a more advanced version of the unique sound modelling technology developed for our Virtuoso Japanese series titles. This modelling technology enables natural-sounding pitch adjustments as well as adjustments for the hitting position, head tension, bachi thickness, drum body size, and many other parameters, with independent controls for the left and right hands. As a result, we can confidently say this library encompasses every possible taiko sound, allowing you to journey through any sonic landscape you like, from modern taiko ensembles to rare kagura ceremonial dances.
To capture every element of the taiko sound, we recorded all samples in 96 kHz / 24-bit resolution at seven microphone positions, for a total of eight microphone channels including a well-balanced stereo mix. This multi-mic mixing versatility lets you recreate a diversity of sounds and soundstages.
![Thanks to our proprietary modelling technology, you can customize the sound and behavior of each instrument. The pitch, resonance, and many other parameters can be manipulated in any way you like.](https://sonica.jp/instruments/images/Preview_Insteditor.jpg)
![The samples were recorded with a total of eight microphone channels, ranging from direct mics to room mics. For total control over each instrument’s sonic signature, each channel has its own EQ settings along with EQ, compressor, and limiter settings for the Master channel.](https://sonica.jp/instruments/images/Preview_Mixer.jpg)
Play modes include support for drum pads
TAIKO THUNDER has three different play modes. The Standard mode lets you play with one hand by manipulating key switches. The Advanced mode arranges all articulations along a keyboard, which not only makes it easier to input beats by hand but also can be used to play like a real taiko. The third Pad mode is specialized for MIDI drum pads.
Pad mode supports generic MIDI pads and electronic drums. It is also optimized for TAIKO-1, Roland’s electronic taiko instrument. The TAIKO-1 is a versatile instrument equally adept for music production and live performances.
![](https://sonica.jp/instruments/images/Preview_Setting-1024x576.jpg)