Chris Hein Horns Pro Complete is a comprehensive sampled brass and woodwind library for Kontakt, offering 54 solo and 32 section instruments across four matching volumes, with advanced articulation control and phase-synced velocity crossfades.
Purpose and Scope
This library covers jazz, pop, big-band, funk, cinematic, and orchestral production with a wide palette of solo and section instruments. The four volumes are designed to blend seamlessly, letting you build ensembles from individual parts or use the included section patches.
The collection emphasizes realism and playability, with up to 38 articulations per instrument and 18 playing techniques. Multiple velocity layers, legato and glide modes, and key-switch presets give you direct control over phrasing and dynamics, suitable for both studio arranging and live performance.
Key Capabilities
The Pro update introduces phase-synchronized sustain samples and some other articulations, enabling smooth velocity crossfades across the full dynamic range. Five crossfade modes, including two automatic ones, let you shape crescendos and swells that lock to your song tempo.
A new graphical interface simplifies editing, and the included C-Flute offers non-vibrato, vibrato, singing, and shakuhachi styles. Improved key-vibrato uses two independent LFOs with an auto mode, and assignable pitch-bend lets you trigger effects like falls or shakes without keyswitches.
Workflow and Control
Articulation presets are highly customizable, with copy-paste for keyswitch setups and hotkeys. Unused articulations and memory-hungry effects can be loaded or unloaded individually, keeping RAM usage low. Speed adjustment for all articulations lets you fine-tune attacks and time-based effects like runs and falls.
A TouchOSC-based controller for iPad and iPhone provides real-time remote control of all features, allowing you to record automation directly from your mobile device. The consistent user interface across all instruments means once you learn one patch, you can apply that knowledge to every other.
Practical Applications
Use the section mode to combine solo instruments into larger ensembles, or rely on the pre-built section patches for quick arrangements. The 16 new convolution reverb impulses let you place your virtual band on a scoring stage or in a small room, adapting the sound to your mix.
Jazz and big-band charts benefit from the growl control and expressive legato, while pop and funk tracks can use the velocity crossfades and attack shaping for punch. Cinematic scores gain from the orchestral woodwinds and the ability to craft realistic swells and dynamic performances.
Key features
- 54 solo and 32 section instruments in four matched volumes
- Phase-synced sustain samples for smooth velocity crossfades
- Up to 38 articulations per instrument with 18 keyswitch keys
- New C-Flute with non-vibrato, vibrato, singing, and shakuhachi styles
- 16 additional convolution reverb impulses
- iPad/iPhone remote controller via TouchOSC
- Saveable and importable keyswitch and hotkey presets
Best for
Producers and composers needing a versatile, in-depth brass and woodwind library for jazz, pop, big-band, funk, or film scoring, especially those who want extensive articulation control and the flexibility to build custom sections from solo instruments in a Kontakt-based workflow.