Splice has entered the virtual instruments market with a new platform that offers access to over 1,200 playable presets at launch.
The platform features recordings including Philip Glass‘ baby grand piano recorded in his Manhattan home, drums by Abe Laboriel Jr. captured at Henson Studios in Los Angeles, and strings, woodwinds, and drums from the BBC Symphony Orchestra recorded at Maida Vale Studios in London.
The launch of Spice INSTRUMENT builds on the company’s acquisition of UK-based “high-end” virtual instrument library Spitfire Audio in April. Financial terms of the deal weren’t disclosed by the company at the time, although the Financial Times reported, citing a person familiar with the matter, that the transaction was worth about USD $50 million.
Splice INSTRUMENT combines multi-sampled presets with full MIDI playability. Splice says the new platform also offers professional quality recordings and an accessible interface.
Kakul Srivastava, CEO of Splice, describes the launch of Splice INSTRUMENT as “a major milestone for Splice.”
“For the first time, we’re moving beyond samples into full virtual instruments, bringing creative control and world-class recordings to musicians and producers everywhere in an accessible, playable form.”
Kakul Srivastava, Splice
Added Srivastava: “For the first time, we’re moving beyond samples into full virtual instruments, bringing creative control and world-class recordings to musicians and producers everywhere in an accessible, playable form. This is just the beginning of what’s possible when we combine Spitfire Audio’s artistry with Splice’s innovation.”
The virtual instrument platform is available in different tiers: a Free plan that gives all Splice users access to hundreds of sampled presets spanning pianos, orchestral instruments, choirs, synths, and experimental textures, and an INSTRUMENT plan priced at $12.99 per month that unlocks the full catalog of 1,200+ presets at launch.
The INSTRUMENT and Creator plans provides access to presets like Ultra Soft Piano, orchestral sessions performed by the BBC Symphony Orchestra, synths designed with Nathan Fake, and global genre packs like Amapiano.
Paul Thomson, Co-Founder of Spitfire Audio, said: “With Splice INSTRUMENT, we’re building on the foundation of LABS: affordable access to inspiring, expressive sounds with intuitive creative control.”
“Sounds from this collection have already appeared on GRAMMY-nominated albums and in blockbuster films.”
Paul Thomson, Spitfire Audio
“Sounds from this collection have already appeared on GRAMMY-nominated albums and in blockbuster films. Whether composing for screen or producing the next big hit, this library captures the beauty of real instruments and the character of the rooms they were recorded in.”
Spice INSTRUMENT marks the company’s latest offering after integrating its sample library with Avid’s Pro Tools digital audio workstation in June. The integration made millions of loops, sound effects and one-shots available to the artists and producers who use the popular music-making tool.
Earlier this year, Splice introduced Splice Mic on its mobile app, allowing users to record vocals over instrumentals made in the app.
Splice was valued at a reported $500 million in 2021, following a $55 million investment round led by Goldman Sachs.
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