Kalimba Kontakt instrument interface by Cinematique Instruments

Kalimba: Kontakt Instrument by Cinematique Instruments

Kalimba is a Kontakt instrument by Cinematique Instruments that combines six kalimba sounds and two Guitaret articulations with eight layer instruments. It includes nine built-in effects, 13 presets and a randomize option.

REQUIRESKontaktHost player sold separately
Kontakt
AVAILABLE ATPlugin Boutique
Opens the store in a new tab
01Overview

Kalimba is built around the African plucked idiophone, recorded with different mallets across four round robin variations and up to four velocity layers. The developer describes the six kalimba patches as differing considerably in sound and character. Two articulations of the Hohner Guitaret extend the palette. Eight additional layers, including a mechanical Cembalet, a Gambang, a Marimbula and a music box, can be played alongside the main sounds and mixed in.

Best for

  • Rhythmical plucked patterns
  • Mallet and percussive textures
  • Layered world-style sounds
  • Experimental sound design
  • Music box and bell-like textures
Requires
Kontakt
Store
Plugin Boutique
02Key features

What you get

  • Six kalimba patches with different articulations
  • Two articulations of the Hohner Guitaret
  • Eight layer instruments played alongside the main sounds
  • Layers include Cembalet, Gambang, Marimbula and a music box
  • Nine separate effects that can be used at the same time
  • Reverb with nine selectable reverb types
  • Attack and decay sliders for note shaping
  • 13 presets and a randomize option
03In depth

Sound Sources and Layers

The core of the instrument is six kalimba patches, each recorded in its own way, plus two articulations of the Guitaret. Up to eight instruments can sound at once, so you can play the main kalimbas together with the layers.

The layers add percussive and textural colors. Cembalet and Gambang bring mechanical and Indonesian tones, Marimbula adds a large cajon body, and Pandrum and a tiny music box add bright, delicate timbres. Two reverse kalimba layers offer a different attack profile.

Effects, Presets and Randomize

Nine effects can be used together: tone control, a lowpass filter, attack and decay sliders, rotary and chorus, drive with bit crushing, and a reverb offering nine reverb types. Attack and decay give direct control over how each note starts and fades.

Thirteen presets cover the range of the instrument as a starting point. If you want an unexpected result, the randomize button generates a sound by setting all parameters at random.

04Specs

Will it run?

Formats, systems and requirements as listed by Plugin Boutique. Missing details are left out, not guessed.

DeveloperCinematique Instruments
TypePlugin
CategoryKontakt Instrument
RequiresKontakt
FormatsKontakt
05FAQ

Questions, answered

What do I need to use Kalimba?

Kalimba requires the full version of Kontakt 5.6.8 or later. In the free Kontakt Player, the instrument runs in demo mode.

What format is Kalimba available in?

Kalimba is available as a Kontakt instrument.

How many sounds can play at once?

Eight instruments can sound at the same time, which can be any combination of the kalimba and Guitaret articulations and the additional layers.

Does Kalimba include presets?

Yes. It includes 13 presets that represent the range of the instrument, and a randomize button that sets all parameters at random.

07Developer

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