About The Abyss (special features and functions)
The Abyss is a unique drag-and-drop sampler by Infinite Samples aimed at professional
sound designers and composers. The idea is that – you drop in a sample, any sample, and
The Abyss turns it into a playable instrument, to which you can add an array of unique
effects and modulation.
How many sample packs have you got laying around your hard drive? Imagine reusing those
samples in spectacular and fascinating new ways!
The Abyss runs in Native Instruments flagship sampler, Kontakt. It uses Kontakt’s superb
sampling algorithms alongside our own custom-built sample processing software to
transform your single into a convincing, multi-sampled-sounding instrument.
Do you want to transform a single string sample into an entire instrument (then add
stunning modulated effects)? Or do you want to sync a pulsing sample to your DAW (and
then play it polyphonically like a tuned instrument)? How about syncing a drum loop with
your DAW, chopping it up with our unique wave-based motion engine (and generated
waveshapes), and then adding crazy effects until it sounds like it belongs on another planet?
The Abyss is built to all of this, and so much more!
How do I navigate The Abyss?
When you open The Abyss, it is split into four distinct areas. Use each area to perform
specific tasks – for example, shaping the sound of the sample, adding effects, etc.
AREA 1 (Shape your sample)
This area is dedicated to filtering, tuning, panning and shaping the volume contour of your sample.
AREA 2 (Main Menus)
Click on any of these menus to open a new page of functions and options.
SAMPLE – Set up your sample’s root note, starting position, looping options, course and fine-tuning, and gain.
MOTION – Program the motion engine to automatically modulate functions and effect parameters.
LFO – Set up The Abyss’s volume, tuning and panning Lfos.
SPACE – Set up The Abyss’s delay and reverb effects.
RESET FX – Start a new preset from scratch by switching off the instrument’s effects.
AREA 3 (Effects)
Click on the text (currently displaying ‘NO EFFECT’ in Area 3) to open The Abyss’s multi-fx window. Choose an effect from the list that appears, then increase the dial to hear that effect being applied and intensified.
The four sliders (at the bottom of Area 3) control the width and saturation of the sound and the amount of reverb and delay being applied.
AREA 4 (Settings, Info and Help)
SETTINGS ICON – Assign which function or effect your modulation wheel controls.
INSTRUMENT INFORMATION – Display The Aybss’s credits and the instrument version.
HELP ICON – Display an overlay that details each control on the instrument.