Review: KApro London Symphonic Orchestra - Sand, software and sound

While we were discussing Minutiae, Korg released the KApro Iconic Suite “London Symphonic Orchestra” expansion library for Korg Module:

KApro Iconic Suite “London Symphonic Orchestra” features the brilliant blockbuster sound of a large symphonic orchestra of up to seventy-seven musicians. It offers 17 diverse programs and 10 stereophonic multi-samples, encapsulating vibrant and expressive orchestral sounds, including the always popular strings, French horns, cinematic brass, woodwinds, choirs, and percussion layers typically found in cinematic soundtracks. [Korg]

It’s on sale from October 13 to October 20, 2023. Time is running out!

When I saw the introductory price of $6.99 USD — 7 bucks! — I didn’t bother with the 7 day free trial. And, I’m glad I bought it. I already have the KApro Cinematic Brass expansion pack and it is my go to for orchestral brass sounds. The LSO expansion follows in its footsteps.

Like many KApro offerings, the KApro LSO suite mainly consists of layered and switched combis. If I was required to use only one word, I would say “warm.” The timbre and textures are a perfect match for the liturgical music and situations that I play.

In terms of programs, here’s what you get:

    Switch Orchestra 1  Choir / Solo Strings
    Switch Orchestra 2  Choir / Brass / Timpani
    Switch Orchestra 3  Choir / Brass / Strings

    London Switch Orchestra 1  Horns / Strings / Timpani
    London Switch Orchestra 2  Horns / Solo Strings
    London Switch Orchestra 3  Wind Ens / Low Strings
    London Switch Orchestra 4  Wind Ens / Strings

    London Ponsardino 1  Slow swelling strings
    London Ponsardino 2  Slow swelling strings and brass 
    London Ponsardino 3  Slow swelling strings
    London Ponsardino 4  Slow swelling strings

    London Switch Chamber   Small string sections
    London Sordino Chamber  Small string sections
    London Switch Brass     Warm horns slow crescendo

    London Psychedelic      Tutti with slow pulsation
    Phased Chamber          Small strings/horn with slow phaser
    London iXperiment       Tutti through a ring modulator

All of the sounds are blended and I’m sure there are more woodwinds in the mix.

I’m not usually a fan of switched percussion. Only a few programs incorporate percussion, however. Timpani is mapped over a small range of keys and is triggered by high(er) velocity strikes.

The London Switch Orchestra programs are my favorites, especially the programs with the wind ensemble. Strings everywhere are warm and don’t have that high-end raspiness that grates on me. Very usable.

The so-called ponsardino programs all swell to full color. “Ponsardino” is not a standard musical term, by the way. I assume “sardino” refers to the use of mutes — no Jerry Bruckheimer brass, here.

If I had one knock on the expansion library, it’s the naming. I wish the program names were more descriptive. Nothing wrong with using one’s ears, but memory jogging program names would be helpful. Too many “switch” and “orchestra”; maybe abbreviate?

The KApro Premium EXs374 Iconic Suite London Symphonic Orchestra for Nautilus and Kronos is $49.99 USD. The Module version appears to be full fat (670MBytes) and is an absolute steal at $6.99. Recommended.