Ample China Zheng Guzheng virtual instrument plugin interface by Ample Sound

Ample China Zheng: Guzheng Virtual Instrument by Ample Sound

Ample China Zheng is a sampled virtual instrument of the Chinese Guzheng zither, built by Ample Sound from a Dunhuang "Purple Cloud" instrument. It is available as a plugin in VST3, VST2, AU, AAX and Standalone formats.

VST3VST2AUAAXStandaloneWindowsmacOS64-bit

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01Overview

Ample China Zheng recreates the Guzheng, a traditional Chinese zither, using samples recorded from a Dunhuang "Purple Cloud" instrument. The library includes 13 articulations, from tremolos and pitch bends to several glissando styles. Ample Sound says the instrument is meant for composers, producers and sound designers who want traditional timbres with expressive playing. Its glissando engine, MIDI tools and built-in effects are designed to let you shape performances without leaving the plugin.

Best for

Traditional Chinese melodies
Pentatonic glissando runs
Film score textures
Expressive solo lines
World music production

Developer: Ample Sound
Category: Virtual Instruments
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Sampled from a Dunhuang "Purple Cloud" Guzheng with 13 articulations
Five mic positions with individual EQ and mix control
Four mic modes for adjusting the sound character
Glissando engine for two-hand pentatonic glissandos
Keyboard, Gliss and Instrument (21-string) playing modes
Voice-independent SAHDS modulation for expression
Advanced MIDI CC editor and integrated piano roll
Built-in 8-band EQ, dual compressor, 6-tap echo and IR reverb

03In depth

Sound, Articulations and Mic Options

The instrument is sampled from a Dunhuang "Purple Cloud" Guzheng and offers 13 articulations, covering expressive techniques that a Guzheng player would use in traditional music.

You can choose from five mic positions, each with its own EQ and mix control, and select one of four mic modes. These options let you change the tone from close and direct to more spacious, without loading a different library.

The glissando engine simulates two-hand pentatonic glissandos, with control over speed and dynamics. This is useful for fast runs and sweeping phrases that would be difficult to play on a keyboard.

Playing Modes, MIDI Editing and Built-in Effects

Ample China Zheng has three playing modes: Keyboard, Gliss and Instrument, the last of which uses the 21-string layout of the instrument.

The SAHDS modulation is independent of voice, so expression can be applied across the articulations. An advanced MIDI CC editor and an integrated piano roll with articulation mapping help you arrange performances inside the plugin.

The built-in FX suite includes an 8-band EQ, dual compressor, 6-tap echo and IR reverb. The library also includes extensive Guzheng licks and rare traditional techniques as starting material.

04Specs