Mosaic Pluck is Heavyocity’s latest addition to its popular Mosaic Series, a line of virtual instruments built around what the company finds inspiring about a specific musical element. True to its name, this new collection focuses on plucked sounds. We were kindly provided with a review copy of Heavyocity Mosaic Pluck for this review.
OVERVIEW
Combining vintage synths, organic attack layers, and a range of sampled instruments (including plucked strings, harps, processed chimes, and thumb pianos), Mosaic Pluck delivers all the dynamic plucked sources you’ll need to cut through even the densest mix.
Within cinematic music, plucked sounds have the unique ability to underscore a scene with instant tension and dramatic mood shifts. Mosaic Pluck provides an easy-to-use plugin that transforms traditional plucks into gripping, cinematic moments.
Mosaic Pluck works with both the full and free versions of Native Instruments Kontakt 6.5.2 and above. Intro pricing is $99 for a limited time.
MOSAIC TECHNICAL FEATURES
- 3.31 GB uncompressed (1.9 GB on Disk with NI lossless compression)
- 107 Different Sources (1,984 Samples)
- 128 Snapshot Presets
- 46 ARP
- 41 Playable
- 41 Rhythmic
- Intuitive Sample Browser
- ARP for building complex, rhythmic arpeggios
- MACRO knob for dynamic multi-parameter control
- Stand-alone, VST, AU, AAX
- Komplete Kontrol integrated (NKS-ready)
MOSAIC PLUCK INTERFACE
Mosaic Pluck is all about creating plucks with sharp transients that cut through just about any mix. All of the Mosaic instruments use the same controls, so if you have other Mosaic products you’ll recognize the interface. While there are six main pages within the instrument, the first 3 feature the Macro control knob, which is used for real-time modulation effects.
Adapted from their acclaimed hybrid orchestral series of instruments, the Macro control knob’s main function is to tastefully evolve, mangle and modulate sounds in real-time – and it definitely excels at this.
Digging a little deeper, each snapshot in Mosaic Pluck is made up of 3 different layers. You can mute, change levels, swap in other sounds, and add FX. The ARP module can also be modified and reminds me a bit of Brunel Loops in Spitfire Audio’s Albion product range. Envelope, filtering, and gate options are also available, but automation can quickly eat up CPU if you use them so proceed with caution.
HOW DOES IT SOUND?
Mosaic Pluck is a great tool for getting immediate inspiration to start off a track. In fact, I wrote a short audio logo for a branding project in under an hour. However, since the sounds are so processed and attention-grabbing out of the box, they may not easily fit into an existing track without some additional tweaking.
As mentioned above, the instrument is divided into 3 sections: ARP, Playable and Rhythmic, and everything is tempo-synced to your host DAW. For example, the ARPs will play along with whatever BPM you have set. In fact, the ARPs are wonderful starting points for a track intro or setting a mood.
In my opinion, the Playable section is where the plugin really shines. The Playable patches consist of some very useful pad and melodic sounds. They work great as a general “bed” for a track and help set the overall emotional tone for your tracks quite quickly. The Playable section also includes some unusual and exciting reverse patches. These sounds can also be manipulated in the ARP module if you want.
The Rhythmic textures also have a good variety, but I found them to be a bit “too” plucky and harsh at times. Nonetheless, there are some that can be used to really add drive to your compositions in lieu of traditional rhythmic elements. These can help your track stand out from the crowd.
The entire instrument provides an excellent toolkit for sound design. You can tweak, evolve, and automate everything to your heart’s content and make sounds that are truly unique.
CONCLUSION
Mosaic Pluck is great a great tool to help you write quick dramatic cues out of the box, grab instant inspiration for a specific mood or give your tracks an unique sonic signature.
Pros
- Great selection of ARPs, Playable Samples and Rhythmic Patches
- Good for general inspiration and starting points.
- Quickly create textures and rhythmic effects
Cons
- Patches are heavily processed, and therefore take up a lot of space in a mix
- Some sounds are a bit too harsh
RECOMMENDED: 8/10
Mosaic Pluck is available through Heavyocity’s online store for an intro price of $99 (regular price: $119).
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