Format-Double CD
Number of loops-705
Number of sounds-846
Tempo grouped?-Yes
Style grouped?-Yes
Sound grouped?-Yes
Running time-147'53


Getting hold of authentic Asian and other ethnic samples isn't the simplest job in the world. Not many of us have the budget to trek halfway around the world armed with a DAT recorder, so it's fortunate that Spectrasonics & Schtung Music have done the hard work for us and placed the results on the Heart of Asia double CD.

This epic collection features over 1,500 loops, chants, voices, atmospheres, bangs, crashes and fills, all of which have been immaculately recorded (unlike some similar collections) and grouped by style, location and tempo. The range and subtlety of the CD is faultless, and finding a sample is easy enough (thanks to the straightforward tempo and style listings). It may cost nearly 80 quid, but you won't find a better collection of ethnic sounds anywhere else.

Save plane tickets and DAT usage with the Heart of Asia double-CD collection. Rating: 9 out of 10