EastWest Hollywood Orchestra Opus Edition Virtual Instrument Plug-In (Download) User Manual
Page 131
HOLLYWOOD ORCHESTRA OPUS EDITION
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CHAPTER 3: BROWSE
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Slapsticks
Traditional orchestral slapsticks mapped on the white keys C1 and D1, split into a lower-
pitched slap (C1) and a higher-pitched one (D1). It’s highly effective at punching through
large ensembles with a sharp transient whenever you need a strong accent — and it layers
well with most unpitched orchestral percussion instruments CC 11 (Expression) and Note
Velocity control overall loudness, and notes play in a round robin (x4) cycle.
Temple Blocks
3 different temple blocks mapped on the white keys C, D and E at every octave between
notes C1-C4, composed of hits (C), flams (D), and rolls (E). They’re a good bridge between
pitched and unpitched orchestral percussion, and whenever you write a section heavy on
the drums, considering slotting in a temple block fill to give things a bit more character.
CC 11 (Expression) and Note Velocity control overall loudness, and there is a round robin
(x4) cycle for the hits and flams.
Wood Blocks
6 different wood blocks mapped on the white keys between C-G at every octave between
notes C1-C7. Each includes hits (C), left-hand hits (D), right-hand hits (E), flams (F),
and rolls (G), and they serve a similar unpitched role as temple blocks, except higher in
pitch and with a broader set of notes. CC 11 (Expression) and Note Velocity control overall
loudness, Note Velocity also controls dynamics (up to 4 levels), and notes play in a round
robin (x4) cycle for the hits and flams.
Wood Blocks Piccolo
3 different high-pitched wood blocks mapped on the white keys between C-G at every
octave between notes C1-C4. Each includes hits (C), left-hand hits (D), right-hand hits
(E), flams (F), and rolls (G) — their timbre is nearly identical to that of the Wood Blocks
instrument, but every hit is significantly higher in pitch. CC 11 (Expression) and Note
Velocity control overall loudness, Note Velocity also controls dynamics (up to 4 levels),
and notes play in a round robin (x4) cycle for the hits and flams.
Xylophone DXF
This instrument features a xylophone mapped chromatically between notes F2-C6, and in-
cludes both hits and rolls. CC 11 (Expression) and Note Velocity control overall loudness.
For hits, Note Velocity controls dynamics (up to 6 levels), and there is a round robin (x2)
cycle. For rolls, CC 1 (Mod Wheel) controls dynamics (2 levels), allowing you to fade-in
the rolls from silence to a loud dynamic.
Xylophone Rolls
An articulation mapped chromatically between notes F2-C6 — these rolls are very useful
for doubling and adding movement to long, lyrical melodies, particularly when they are
played by high woodwinds. This is best used as a subtle effect, so you’ll likely want to
keep the volume level of the rolls quite low, just as a subtle addition. CC 11 (Expression)
and Note Velocity control overall loudness, while CC 1 (Mod Wheel) controls dynamics
(2 levels), allowing you to fade-in the rolls from silence to full volume with a seamless
transition in timbre.
Xylophone Sus
Standard xylophone hits mapped chromatically between notes F2-C6 — they double well
with upper woodwinds like flutes, particularly when you want to evoke a light and magical
feel. The combo of the xylophone’s hard attack and woodwinds’ smooth sustain articu-