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Hopkin Instrumentarium: The U logo

Hopkin Instrumentarium: The U

KontaktNKSAbletonWin
Demo Video

About

The U by Soundiron is a uniquely expressive steel lamellophone created by master instrument inventor Bart Hopkin. Unlike traditional lamellaphones, this instrument features 14 closely spaced tines per note, with each group tuned in octaves and fifths across a 3-4 octave range. The sound is produced by stroking a thin plectrum across the tine array, creating glissando-like textures and overtone-rich tones. With 12 chromatic note groups, composers can play melodies creatively by accenting specific tines. The stainless steel tines are tuned using adjustable hex nuts, allowing for precision tuning and timbral shaping. This rare and evocative instrument offers an unconventional sonic palette for cinematic, atmospheric, and experimental compositions.

What's Included

  • Unique steel lamellophone with 14 tines per note
  • Tines tuned in octaves and fifths across 3-4 octave range
  • Chromatic 12-note layout with creative tine-accenting
  • Glissando-like textures and overtone-rich tones
  • Stainless steel tines with adjustable hex nut tuning
  • Recorded at 48kHz sample rate
  • 5.04 GB sample library
  • Available for Kontakt, NKS, and Ableton
  • Designed for cinematic, atmospheric, and experimental uses
  • Instrument invented by master maker Bart Hopkin

Technical Specs

Format
KontaktNKSAbleton
Sample Size
5.04 GB
Sample Rate
48kHz
Platforms
macOSWindows

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