SLATE + ASH RUINS [KONTAKT]

• Product: RUINS
• Publisher: SLATE + ASH
• Requirements: Kontakt 7.10.7 or higher
• Source: slateandash.com/products/ruins

SLATE + ASH RUINS is not a traditional guitar library for playing riffs or chords. Instead, it treats the electric guitar as a source of raw sonic material. The instrument is built on the concept of “collapse texture and spatial memory,” transforming familiar guitar techniques into vast, evolving soundscapes.

The core engine allows for deep manipulation of audio, including:

• Tape loop-inspired playback and textural layering.
• Granular re-triggering and experimental modulation.
• Isolating and stretching microscopic sonic events.

This approach allows a composer to work with resonance, decay, and the spatial relationship between sounds, rather than just notes.

The Creative Team: Artists and Production

The sound palette of RUINS is derived from performances captured from a curated group of iconic experimental guitarists.

• Featured Guitarists:
  • Stephen O’Malley (Sunn O))): Contributes his signature sculpting of pure frequencies.
  • David Torn: Provides liquid, heavily processed textures.
  • Oren Ambarchi: Delivers a blend of minimalism and high-impact sound.
  • Bill Horist: Uses the guitar as a “kinetic sculpture” with extended techniques like bowing, scraping, and striking.
• Producer: Randall Dunn:
  • Known for his work with underground metal acts and Sunn O))), Dunn recorded the sessions at Circular Ruin Studios. His production focuses on capturing the raw performance and the authentic interaction between the instrument, amplifier, and physical space. He brings a deep understanding of phase and frequency interaction to every sample.

Technical Features and Sound Engine

Component	Description	Impact on Sound
Dual Architecture	Combines single samples for detailed textural work and multi-samples for harmonic and melodic performance.	Allows for both microscopic sound design and playable, pitched instrumentation.
Multi-Mic Setup	Samples were recorded using a combination of DI, tube amps, spring reverb, and the Berlin Funkhaus chamber.	Provides a wide sonic range from clean and precise to cavernous and ambient.
Collage Engine	A performance-focused engine that layers up to 5 loops, each with independent controls for pitch, filtering, and playback.	Enables the creation of complex, evolving, and generative soundscapes.
Custom Impulses	Features an extensive convolution engine with a library of experimental impulse responses.	Expands the sound design possibilities far beyond standard reverbs.

Sound Applications and Examples

RUINS is organized into distinct categories to facilitate different compositional workflows.

• Ambient & Cinematic Pads: The pad sounds are noted for their “glassy harmonic quality” and organic evolution. The mod wheel is frequently mapped to control brightness or filter cutoff, allowing for dynamic, expressive performances.
• Experimental & Textural Work: This is the core of RUINS. The library excels at creating distorted, broken, and aggressive textures that remain balanced and listenable. It is designed to help composers build immersive, detailed soundscapes.
• Rhythmic & Looping:
  • The “Loops” category features phrases where playback speed is linked to pitch.
  • The “Movements” category contains tempo-synced rhythmic elements ideal for creating underlying pulses and patterns.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Do I need the full version of Native Instruments Kontakt?
A: No, RUINS is fully compatible with the free Kontakt Player.

Q: What makes RUINS different from other guitar VSTs?
A: RUINS is not designed for traditional guitar playing. It is a sound design tool that uses the guitar as a starting point for creating unique textures, pads, and experimental noises. Its focus is on the “collapse” and “raw materiality” of the sound.

Q: Who is this instrument for?
A: It is primarily for film, TV, and game composers who need unique sonic elements, as well as for ambient and experimental music producers looking for inspirational, non-traditional sounds.

Q: How large is the library?
A: The download size is 22GB, containing 281 presets, 258 phrase articulations, and 96 multi-samples.

Q: Is it worth the price?
A: While the price is high, it reflects the caliber of the musicians involved and the depth of the sound engine. It can be compared to the cost of hiring these experimental artists for a private recording session. SLATE + ASH also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.