SOUNDIRON Phonautograms｜Virtual Vocal Instrument Derived from Humanity's Oldest Recording from 160 Years Ago
A Kontakt Virtual Instrument That Transforms Recording History into Avant-Garde Sounds
SOUNDIRON Phonautograms is a unique virtual vocal instrument from Soundiron, whose sound source core comes from the earliest known sound recording in human history—a vocal scale recorded over 160 years ago by French inventor Édouard-Léon Scott de Martinville using "Phonautography." Soundiron meticulously restored and processed these precious historical archives, transforming them into a playable chromatic instrument, and further, through modern sound design techniques, created rich ambient soundscapes, synth leads, and rhythmic elements, making it a creative tool specifically designed for the Kontakt instrument platform.
Compared to traditional vocal synthesizers or modern sampled instruments, Phonautograms' core sound is derived from authentic historical recordings, offering unparalleled vintage texture and narrative depth. It is not just an instrument, but a tangible piece of sound history, bringing a unique soul and depth to your film scores, game audio, or experimental music.
Quick Facts Product Overview
Brand:Soundiron
Model:Phonautograms
Instrument Format:Kontakt Open Format (requires full version Kontakt 5.5+)
Sampling Specs:24-bit / 48 kHz PCM WAV
Installation Size:445 MB
Number of Presets:20 custom FX and ambient sound presets
Applicable Scenarios:Film Scoring, Game Sound Design, Ambient Music Production, Experimental Electronic Music, Historical Documentary Scoring
Who is Soundiron Phonautograms for?
適合誰購買
Film composers or game composers looking for unique, historically-rich soundscapes.
Sound designers who need to add a vintage atmosphere or mysterious texture to their work.
Electronic music producers who enjoy deep sound modulation and experimentation with Kontakt.
誰不適合購買
Music producers who need modern pop, clear, high-fidelity vocal singing instruments.
Users who do not own the full version of Native Instruments Kontakt (this instrument does not support the free Player version).
Users looking for large, diverse general-purpose sound libraries (this product focuses on specific historical timbres).
Phonautograms Core Technology and Features
Historical Sound Source Core:Sound derived from the 1850s vocal recording "Gamme de la Voix", digitally decoded and meticulously restored, preserving its unique historical imprint and Lo-Fi texture.
Dual Sound Engine:Not only includes playable chromatic vocal sustains, but also extends to 31 ambient soundscape (Ambience) patches, covering Pads, Drones, synthesizers, and experimental drum kits, greatly expanding its versatility.
Powerful Sound Shaping Tools:The intuitive Kontakt graphical interface provides comprehensive control over volume envelopes (Swell, Attack, Release), sample offset (Offset), vibrato (Vibrato), and pitch (Coarse & Fine).
Flexible LFO and Filters:Built-in modulatable LFO system offers multiple waveform choices, assignable to various target parameters such as volume and pitch. Also equipped with 12 types of low-pass, high-pass, and effect filters, controllable by various MIDI CCs like velocity and modulation wheel.
Built-in Arpeggiator and Scale Lock:Customizable arpeggiator with velocity table, direction, duration, swing, and randomization controls. Scale and key lock functions make melody creation and live performance easier and more intuitive.
Modular Effects Rack:Features a fully-equipped FX Rack with 18 high-quality DSP effect modules, freely arrangeable in 10 slots, covering compression, EQ, delay, distortion, amp/cab simulation, and more.
High-Quality Convolution Reverb:The Reverb effect includes 99 real-space impulse responses (IRs), such as rooms, concert halls, churches, and 40 creative FX IRs, capable of completely transforming the sound's spatiality and characteristics.
Main Sound Engine and Control Interface
Includes a main NKI instrument file, integrating all core functions and sounds.
The core sound is the "Gamme de la Voix" vocal sustain, playable chromatically.
1 Main NKI Instrument File, 31 Ambient Patches, 20 Custom FX Presets
Software Requirements
Native Instruments Kontakt 5.5 or newer (Free Kontakt Player not supported)
System Requirements (Mac)
macOS 10.9 or newer
System Requirements (Windows)
Windows 7 or newer
Hardware Recommendations
Dual-core CPU, 2 GB System RAM, SATA or SSD drive recommended
SOUNDIRON Phonautograms Pros and Cons
Pros
Extremely unique sound source, derived from humanity's earliest recordings in the 1850s, with high narrative value and distinctiveness.
In addition to the original vocals, it includes a large number of sound-designed ambient, Pad, and synth tones, offering wide versatility.
Built-in comprehensive LFO, filters, arpeggiator, and modular effects, providing deep sound customization capabilities.
Notes to Know
The sound inherently possesses a strong Lo-Fi and vintage feel, making it unsuitable for projects requiring high-fidelity audio.
Requires Native Instruments Kontakt Full Version 5.5 or newer to use.
With an installation size of only 445 MB, it is a small, specialized sound source, not a large general-purpose sound library.
SOUNDIRON Phonautograms FAQ
A：Its core sound source comes from human vocals recorded in the 1850s by inventor Édouard-Léon Scott de Martinville, one of the earliest sound recordings in human history.
A：Yes, in addition to the playable chromatic vocals, it also includes 31 ambient, Pad, synthesizer, and drum sounds remade from the original audio, suitable for sound design.
A：The main difference lies in the historical nature and Lo-Fi texture of the sound source. It does not aim for modern vocal clarity but offers a unique, irreplicable vintage atmosphere.
A：Yes, you must own the "Full Retail Version" of Kontakt (5.5 or higher); the free Kontakt Player is not fully supported.
THINK2 Warranty & Support
Software Purchase Information
Guarantee: This product comes with an official license key, ensuring successful activation and registration.
Delivery: The serial number and download information will be sent via email; no physical shipment is required.
Support: We provide basic technical assistance for installation and activation. In case of activation issues, we will help coordinate with the manufacturer for resolution.
Warranty: License and download rights are maintained according to the manufacturer’s policy; software updates, upgrades, and version changes are subject to the manufacturer’s announcements.
Customer Service: For questions regarding license, compatibility, or installation, please contact THINK2 customer support for immediate assistance.
Reminder: Please confirm compatibility with your operating system, DAW, and plugin formats before purchasing. Digital products are not eligible for a standard trial/return period; if you need to modify your order before activation, please contact customer service first.
THINK2 — Authorized Audio Gear Dealer in Taiwan
202605180846
Shipping & Payment
Delivery Options
HCT Logistics
7-11 Pickup only (C2C)
Family Mart Pickup only (C2C)
7-11 Pickup and pay in store (C2C)
Family Mart Pickup and pay in store (C2C)
E-mail - download only
in-store pickup
Payment Options
Bank/ATM Transfer | Enjoy an Extra 1% Discount at Checkout
