MusicRadar Verdict
These are truly exceptional recordings that composers and soundtrack producers will get endless mileage out of.
Pros
- +
Stellar sound quality. Realistic. Easy to play.
Cons
- -
Gold package oddly priced.
MusicRadar's got your back Our team of expert musicians and producers spends hours testing products to help you choose the best music-making gear for you. Find out more about how we test.
Hollywood Orchestral Percussion Gold includes an extensive array of timpani, snare drums, cymbals, bells, wooden, tuned and other percussion, presented in EastWest's very capable Play ROMpler engine/interface.
"The numerous articulations make all of the instruments very easy to negotiate and play"
At 10GB, the Gold version of HOP is 65GB smaller than the full-on Platinum edition, which includes four more mic channels. Given that Platinum comes in at only €80 more, we'd suggest it actually represents the better value of the two, making Gold's comparatively inflexible soundstage feel rather pricey.
Eight-way round robin playback keeps things sounding realistic, and the numerous articulations make all of the instruments very easy to negotiate and play.
The timpani, marimba and 'Brake Drum and Anvils' presets are particular highlights, but there's nothing here that lets the side down. These are truly exceptional recordings that composers and soundtrack producers will get endless mileage out of.
“John introduced a heavier, more intense element that Phil Lynott absolutely embraced”: How guitar hero John Sykes revitalised Thin Lizzy
“A well-made and affordable headphone that is light, comfortable and a reliable choice for studio recording”: Tascam TH-11 review
“It was a job. Play a stadium, play a theatre…”: The words of Garth Hudson of The Band, who has died at 87
