VHorns Brass Section is a sample-based virtual instrument blending recorded samples with modeling to deliver expressive trumpets, trombones, and flugelhorns with intuitive airflow control and no complex keyswitches.
Core Technology and Instruments
VHorns Brass Section combines sampled performances with HAT (Harmonic Alignment Technology) to model timbre changes from soft to loud playing. It includes six instruments: two trumpets, two trombones, and two flugelhorns, each recorded by a different player with distinct tonal qualities.
The sample-based sound source is supplemented by modeling for responsiveness, keeping the library compact. This approach aims to deliver authentic horn tone with continuous dynamic response. The instruments can be purchased separately as Trumpets, Trombones, or Flugelhorns, but this bundle provides all six.
Air Flow and Articulation Control
Central to VHorns is airflow control, mapped to the modulation wheel by default but assignable to any CC or even velocity. Setting airflow to zero produces no sound, just like not blowing into a horn. This lets players shape articulations naturally—short notes for staccato, sustained for legato—without keyswitches.
Vibrato is also airflow-responsive if enabled in preferences, or can be controlled via a dedicated knob with auto, timed, or manual modes. Manual mode uses values above or below center for pitch bends, useful for wind controllers. Input can come from breath controllers via CC2 or pitch bend for vibrato.
Legato, Glides, and Realism Settings
Legato transitions are carefully modeled, including pitch changes and noises. Velocity can control attack intensity, and glides can be triggered via velocity thresholds, MIDI CC, or manual time settings. Advanced pitch bend supports smooth glides, and a randomization feature adds variation to note timing, pitch imprecision, and attack bends for natural ensemble playing.
Additional controls include growl/flutter, natural air and pitch variation, valve and tongue noises, and round-robin options (none, 3x alternating, or smart alternating in fast passages). The max glide interval and pitch imprecision let you set limits for realistic playing. These settings can be adjusted in real time and randomized per note.
Microphone Mixing and Virtual Space
Each instrument is recorded with four microphone positions, and the MIX tab lets you blend them, adjust pan and delay to avoid phase issues, and apply a 3-band EQ. A reverb with adjustable decay can be added to the whole mix.
The Virtual Space simulates ensemble recording using impulse responses, allowing placement of instruments in a virtual room with 21 positions across three rows. Microphone configurations include ORTF, AB, XY, Binaural, and MS, with adjustable stereo width. This is designed to create a realistic sense of a horns section when used across multiple tracks.
Key features
- Six instruments: 2 trumpets, 2 trombones, 2 flugelhorns
- HAT harmonic alignment for continuous timbre response
- Airflow control for articulations, no keyswitches
- Multiple vibrato modes: auto, timed, manual, airflow
- Legato, glides, and advanced pitch bend controls
- Four microphone positions with mixable blend
- Virtual Space room simulation with 21 positions and 5 mic configs
- Mute options: Harmon, plunger, straight, cup, bucket
Best for
Best for composers and producers seeking expressive solo horn lines without keyswitch juggling. Suits jazz, big band, or cinematic scores where realistic legato, glides, and natural imperfections matter. The airflow control makes it particularly effective with breath controllers or aftertouch, and the virtual space aids quick ensemble mockups.