Rental Marimba

When it came time to rent a marimba for a recording session on a film score, I knew before it was to be returned, I must sample it! After a long 10 hour session playing and reading through cues, I knew it was now or never and sucked up the added hour it took to capture as much of the instrument as I could. I was very pleased with the results, as you never know how a sample instrument will turn out until final programing begins, but I find this instrument very inspiring and fun to play. It’s my go-to marimba now, though every time I load a patch, I can vividly remember the strong smell the lacquer the wood had. Something I can’t share through sampling but probably for the best.

With so many sampled marimbas being too wet or the close mics sounding too flat, to have this dry yet detailed sounding marimba in my bag of tools is very welcoming. Included as well is a patch of various octave and major & minor third tremolo swells. Combining the various major and minor thirds leaves to door open for many chord combinations and great when you need that extra magic on a cue.

This marimba was recorded with a stereo pair of Telefunken ELA M 251’s and an AEA A440 Ribbon mic. The two mic positions are adjustable to your liking and production, so enjoy!