A deeply sampled virtual Qanun, capturing the expressive range of this ancient Middle Eastern plucked psaltery through multiple articulations and microtuning, running in the Engine Player.
Authentic Middle Eastern Character
The Qanun is a cherished plucked instrument with a millennia-long history in Middle Eastern music. This virtual version, crafted with Syrian multi-instrumentalist Bassam Ayoub, translates its rich, resonant voice into a playable digital instrument. The library focuses on realism, preserving the instrument’s natural attack, sustain, and timbre.
With twenty-two articulations, multiple velocity layers, and up to sixteen round robins, every note retains a lively, organic quality. The inclusion of performed and freely playable variants lets you choose between pre-articulated phrases or building your own expressive lines. This attention to detail makes the instrument well-suited for both traditional compositions and modern productions.
Built for Expressiveness
The core design philosophy centers on maximum musical expressiveness without sacrificing intuitive playability. Keyswitches enable seamless switching between playing styles in real time, while Latch and Hold modes provide flexible control over sustained notes. The interface keeps you close to the sound, minimizing distractions during performance.
Integrated microtunings, available in two variants per tuning with a selectable root note, are essential for authentic Maqam-based playing. This feature bridges the gap between historical performance practice and contemporary production needs, allowing you to explore both traditional and experimental musical landscapes.
Flexible Workflow in Engine Player
The instrument operates within the Engine Player, a clean and intuitive interface designed for immediate engagement. You can choose from a range of oriental and historical tunings, each offering two variants, and set your preferred root note. The keyswitch system allows for fast articulation changes, making it easy to craft dynamic performances.
MIDI song keys in the upper section provide short phrases that showcase the Qanun’s sonic versatility. These can serve as starting points for compositions or as decorative elements in your arrangements. The combination of performance controls and preset phrases supports a fluid creative process, from sketching ideas to finalizing parts.
Across Genres
While deeply rooted in traditional Middle Eastern music, the Qanun is designed to transcend genre boundaries. Its distinctive timbre adds depth to film scores, pop tracks, hip-hop beats, and EDM productions. The instrument’s expressive range allows for subtle accompaniment or commanding leads, depending on your musical intent.
Whether you are composing a cinematic cue or a contemporary pop song, the Qanun’s authentic character offers a unique color. The ability to blend traditional scales with modern chord progressions is a key strength. This versatility makes it a valuable tool for composers and producers seeking a distinctive sonic signature.
Key features
- Authentically sampled oriental Qanun
- 22 expressive articulations
- Up to 16 round robins
- Multiple velocity layers
- Integrated microtunings
- Keyswitch system
- Latch & Hold modes
- Engine Player workflow
Best for
Ideal for composers and producers aiming to add authentic Middle Eastern plucked string textures to film scores, pop, hip-hop, EDM, or traditional music. Its microtonal flexibility and detailed articulations make it a strong choice for both realistic solo performances and creative sound design.