Hover by Medway Studios
Not to be mistaken for a collection of aggressive techno sounds (that would be Hoover'), ModeAudio's latest release focuses on both the lighter and darker side of ambiences, atmospherics and more.
Complex sound design is probably one area many producers might not find enough time for.
This package helps fill the gap when evolving, unique, and mood-setting elements are required to give the finishing touch on a composition.
What You Get
Weighing it at just under 1Gb, Hover' includes 100 sounds across a variety of categories:
- 30 Ambiance Samples
- 20 Bass Drones
- 10 Guitar Drones
- 10 Metallic Drones & Texture Samples
- 15 Noise Drones & Texture Samples
- 15 Synth Drones
Attention to detail on every sound is evident here, each one processed to a very high standard even for a specialist in these types of sounds.
Moods range from more light-hearted to dark and sinister which means no matter what the emotion you're going for you'll find a good selection to meet any need.
One interesting element to this collection I appreciated was the inclusion of different matching layers that could be grouped together or used separately.
The ambiences section contain three files which can be laid on top of each other to create a very complex and moving soundscape, or used in isolation.
This is somewhat similar to the often used concept of providing kick and top loops for drums that can form a full drum section or be used to match with other sounds.
In The Mix
Sound quality is high as usual with ModeAudio. The sounds have all been eq'd well and should sit into a mix with no further processing in many cases.
If I did have a small niggle I would have liked to see some of the sounds slightly less compressed.
For most they will blend perfectly as is and I understand the reasoning behind it, also this is only applicable to a small number of the sounds, but a little more control would have been welcome from me.
That being said there were no negative side effects as the limiting is still done transparently and tastefully per their usual standards so don't let it detract you.
Who's It For?
Apart from the usual synth and sound effect textures some nice guitar samples have been included.
Fans of shoe-gazers like Slowdive will find some inspiration here I'm sure.
Video game music and film score designers will also find plenty of material to work with especially with the metallic and noise drone sections.
Techno, EDM, ambient and other styles will also benefit from the detail and movement provided in these sounds which can lend depth where needed whether it's in a breakdown in part of the groove.
The overall standard of quality is high, many packs contain quite a few filler or useless sounds, but everything here is top notch.
Check It Out
This is another value packed collection from the guys at ModeAudio and if you're in the market for any type of atmospheric sounds to compliment your music then look no further.
You can check out the samples in more detail here.