Melodic Percussion – Wood EKX

As obvious in soundtracks and classical arrangements as in anything from pop and rock to hip-hip and all thinkable offshoots of electronic dance music, the marimba and the xylophone are the uncontested big two in the family of wooden melodic percussive instruments. The dark, rich, full, earthy and plucky sound of the marimba is as ideal for arpeggios and leads in an EDM track as it is for a dramatic segue in a film or a accentuations in spoofs and comedies. Equally, the more accentuated, bright and dry tone of the xylophone is an amazing and piercingly effective melodic voice in any context it’s used. 

Recorded to cater to anything from full-scale classical compositions to any general songwriting needs, both instruments were captured at the famed 330 square meter main hall at Galaxy Studios using an array of different microphones. In addition to a generous selection of close mics positioned to pick up the immediate attack and body of each instrument, several mics were positioned around them for complete surround sound compatibility in up to 5.0 systems. 

In addition, the marimba was also recorded in the smaller Studio 1 room to offer en even more intimate take on the same instrument. 

Aside from the instruments, this EKX also includes a basic library of MIDI unique to the product as well as a broad collection of presets showcasing the sounds and microphone options in anything from the scaled-down to the monumentally big. 

Be it for classical, acoustic or electronic – if you’re looking for the quintessential melodic percussion instruments that can be seamlessly applied in virtually any musical narrative, this EKX is for you. 

FEATURE SPOTLIGHT 

• Features a marimba and a xylophone 
• Captured at the Galaxy Studios in Belgium 
• Marimba recorded in two different room ambiences (hall and studio) 
• Ready for mixes in stereo up to 5.0 surround 
• Comes with mix-ready presets for different configurations, microphone setups and sounds 
• Includes a MIDI library unique to the product