Black Noh Snare
Key Features
- Sampled acoustic snare with a bright character suited to dense metal arrangements
- Nine velocity layers and eight randomized samples per layer for varied hits
- Rimshots triggered at MIDI velocities of 121 and above
- Independent top and bottom microphone balance and mute controls
- Silk controls shape each microphone’s attack
- +punch module adds low-frequency weight
Description
Black Noh Snare is a sampled acoustic snare instrument by Chokehold, designed to give programmed drum parts the character of a real drum. Its bright sound was recorded for a low-tuned modern metal mix, but it can also add a sharp acoustic layer to other styles.
The instrument uses nine velocity layers with eight randomized samples per layer. Softer MIDI hits can create dynamic rolls, while velocities of 121 and above trigger a rimshot instead of a regular snare hit.
Separate top and bottom microphone controls let you balance the two recordings or mute either one. Each microphone has a Silk control for adjusting the attack, from a sharper click to a smoother onset.
The +punch module adds low-frequency weight to a snare that the developer describes as naturally bright and light on bass. It provides a quick way to add body without changing the basic sampled instrument.
Trigger the instrument on MIDI note 38; note names can differ between DAWs, so the number is the reliable reference. This is a focused single-snare instrument rather than a complete drum kit, and its downloads include Windows VST and macOS VST and AU versions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I play the snare and rimshot?
Trigger MIDI note 38 to play the snare. Velocities of 121 or higher switch to a rimshot, so use lower velocities for regular hits.
Can I adjust the two microphone recordings?
Yes. The top and bottom microphones have independent controls, and either microphone can be muted.
Does Black Noh Snare include a full drum kit?
No. It focuses on one sampled snare, with regular hits and velocity-triggered rimshots; the developer says there are no further articulations.
