Fabula Audio has released Hark!, a medieval and fantasy virtual instrument in which every playable preset is presented as “an original illustrated collectable card”.
Described as a TCG meets virtual instrument, Hark! combines recordings of medieval and early instruments with granular processing, performance tools and an illustrated fantasy world. Each preset has its own artwork, title, card type, rarity and fragment of lore, with Common, Uncommon, Rare and holographic cards to discover.
The 40-preset base library draws from hurdy-gurdy, lute, psaltery, cittern, harp, recorder, shawm, bagpipes, rebec, bowed strings, choir and chapel organ, alongside fantasy-inspired retro synth sources.
The original recordings can be played directly or transformed into evolving drones, ambient choir beds, plucked patterns, reversed fragments, granular clouds and atmospheric textures.
Hark!’s sound-shaping and performance features include:
- Granular synthesis and Slow Drift Freeze.
- Three-voice Ensemble mode.
- Chord Lock for playing complex chords with one key.
- Arpeggiator with strum, swing, humanise, rubato and roll.
- Reverse, Randomise, Storm and Tape FX.
- ADSR, Delay and Reverb.
- Full DAW automation and MIDI mapping.
- Editable presets that can be overwritten or saved as new sounds.
The interface takes inspiration from illuminated manuscripts, with animated characters, creatures and marginalia surrounding the instrument. A secret puzzle hidden within the interface unlocks an additional card and playable preset.
Two optional Booster Expansions are also available. Heraldic adds 30 courtly and ceremonial presets built around bowed strings, winds, pipes and plucked instruments. Curses & Beasts adds 30 darker sounds shaped around hurdy-gurdy drones, lute, psaltery, rebec, choir and spectral textures.
Pricing & Availability
Hark! is available now for macOS, Windows and Linux in VST3, AU, AAX and standalone formats for $202.
A limited Founder’s Edition brings together Hark!, both Booster Expansions, a 30-phrase MIDI Pack supplied in all 12 keys, the Print-Quality Card Collection and an exclusive Founder’s Card. It is limited to the first 100 buyers and saves 22% against the combined listed value.
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