Chau Gongs
Key Features
- Play three sampled tamtams and a wind gong
- Respond to performance dynamics with three velocity layers
- Shape the tail of each gong with its release control
- Position each gong independently using pan controls
- Balance individual gong levels and the master output
- Adjust the instrument’s amplitude dynamic range
Description
Chau Gongs is a sampled gong instrument by Alan ViSTa, bringing four Chinese gongs into a VST or AU host. It combines three tamtams with a wind gong for metallic percussion accents and sustained resonances.
The set contains 40-inch, 28-inch and 20-inch tamtams alongside a 20-inch wind gong. Its 12 stereo, 24-bit samples come from the University of Iowa Electronic Music Studios public domain library and are arranged in three velocity layers.
Each gong has its own release, pan and volume controls, making it possible to balance the four sounds and position them within a mix. A dynamic range control adjusts the amplitude response, while master volume sets the overall output.
The focused selection is useful when an arrangement needs a gong hit without loading a large orchestral library. Users have reported using it for orchestral parts and for adding weight to a dramatic moment in a song.
The developer lists Windows 32-bit and 64-bit VST versions and Mac VST and AU versions. Some users report issues with recent Mac systems or hosts, so check the available formats and test compatibility with your own setup before relying on it in a project.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which gongs are included?
The instrument contains three tamtams measuring 40, 28 and 20 inches, plus a 20-inch wind gong. Each is represented across three velocity layers.
Can I adjust the sound of each gong separately?
Yes. Each gong has its own release, pan and volume controls, with a shared dynamic range control and master volume.
Where do the recordings come from?
The instrument uses 12 stereo 24-bit samples from the University of Iowa Electronic Music Studios public domain library. They are organized into three velocity layers.
Does Chau Gongs support VST3?
The developer lists VST and AU formats but does not list VST3. Some users report difficulties in newer hosts or macOS versions, so verify compatibility with your own setup.
