MNTRA Naada is a cinematic virtual instrument, part of the Portals series, that reimagines Indian classical instruments and ambient field recordings through the MNDALA 2 engine for expressive genre-blending sound design.
Purpose and Concept
Naada, the third release in MNTRA’s Portals series, transforms Indian classical instruments and environmental ambiences into cinematic textures for contemporary music production. It draws on the Sanskrit concept of Nāda, viewing sound as a connective thread between inner and outer worlds. The instrument blends ancient raga traditions with modern hybrid scoring, healing sound baths, and electronic genres.
The collection was recorded with Indian musicians in Chennai, featuring instruments like the South Indian Nadaswaram, North Indian Sarangi, and Sarod. It also includes the Anahata, a custom-built Indian cello with 23 sympathetic strings, recorded in long evolving performances with round-robin and sample start modulation. The result is a deeply expressive tool for sonic exploration.
Key Capabilities
Naada is powered by MNTRA’s MNDALA 2 animistic synthesis engine, which provides extensive dynamic DSP for transmuting acoustic sources into new textures. It includes three-axis universal controls that can be mapped once to a controller and applied across plugin instances. The performance GUI features custom animation and mouse hover interactions for an intuitive workflow.
The instrument incorporates the 22 shruti system for precise intonation, with presets informed by Dr. Vidyadhar Oke’s research to highlight popular Ragas. Sample sources are recorded at 384kHz/32-bit ultrasonic range for extended fidelity, while in-engine playback operates at 24-bit/96kHz efficiently. The plugin is available in AAX, VST, and AU formats.
Workflow and Instruments
Naada organizes its sounds into categories: strings, winds, percussion, and FX. The strings section includes the Anahata, Ektar drone lute, Tanpura (female, male, combined), Sarangi with various articulations, and Sarod with effects like grain, distortion, and verb. Winds cover Nadaswaram, Shruti Box, and processed variations.
The percussion collection features Damaru spinning drums, Kanjira frame drum, and Pakhawaj with different faces. FX section offers ambiences from Auroville and Tamil Nadu, such as monsoon rain, birds, peacocks, and restaurant walla. Each ambience can be modulated via sample start (SSM) for evolving textures. Re-amping through modular and guitar pedals adds creative processing.
Practical Applications
Naada is designed for composers and producers exploring genre fusion, from cinematic soundtracks to electronic and ambient music. The raga-informed presets and shruti tuning system offer authentic melodic frameworks, while the extensive DSP allows users to shape sounds into hybrid textures. Live performance benefits from the three-axis controls and responsive GUI.
The instrument suits sound healing practices with its drone-based sources like Tanpura and Shruti Box, as well as meditative ambiences. Its broad palette encourages experimentation across styles, whether layering strings with percussion or transforming field recordings into soundscapes. Naada serves as a gateway for merging ancient and modern sonic worlds.
Key features
- AAX, VST, AU plugin formats
- MNDALA 2 animistic synthesis engine
- 3-axis universal controls for mapping
- Custom animated performance GUI
- 384kHz/32-bit ultrasonic sample sources
- 24-bit/96kHz in-engine playback
- 22 shruti system presets for Ragas
Best for
Best for cinematic composers, electronic producers, and sound healers seeking authentic Indian classical instrument textures with deep DSP manipulation, ideal for genre fusion, ambient soundscapes, and meditation music.