Mirage
Key Features
- Four distinct sound sources combining Dhrupad Om vocals, Dhrupad Aa vocals, Church Bass straight, and Church Bass tremolo for layered cinematic textures
- Animistic Performance Interface with three real-time rendered animations controlling Spread, Intensity, and Modulation parameters simultaneously
- 182 samples recorded at 24-bit, 88.2 kHz resolution with engine output supporting up to 384 kHz/32-bit extended ultrasonic range
- Built-in Sequencer and Global FX pages for rhythmic motion and advanced sound design without leaving the plugin
- Three-axis universal controller mapping that carries across all MNDALA 2 plugin instances once configured
- Seventeen curated presets spanning drones, textures, and atmospheric soundscapes across one playable octave
- Runs in the proprietary MNDALA 2 engine with seamless download, installation, and updates through a registered MNTRA account
Description
Mirage by MNTRA Instruments is a cinematic virtual instrument built around two deeply contrasting sound sources: ancient Dhrupad vocals performed by master vocalist Chintan Upadhyay, and a rare 1830 Church Bass played by MNTRA founder Brian D'Oliveira. Together, these elements create haunting, ethereal soundscapes ideal for scoring film, television, and video games.
Dhrupad is the oldest surviving form of Indian classical music, rooted in the chanting of Vedic hymns and mantras. Upadhyay's performances capture both the meditative stillness and expressive range of this tradition across two articulations: Om and Aa.
The Church Bass adds a rich, resonant low end that sits somewhere between a cello and an upright bass. Originally built as a sturdy congregational instrument for early American churches, this particular 1830 specimen has a deeply balanced tone that blends naturally with the vocal layers.
Mirage runs inside MNTRA's proprietary MNDALA 2 engine, which features the Animistic Performance Interface for controlling parameters like Spread, Intensity, and Modulation through real-time rendered animations. The engine also includes a built-in Sequencer and Global FX page for further sound shaping.
The instrument ships with 182 samples across four sound maps and seventeen presets spanning one octave. All samples were recorded at 24-bit, 88.2 kHz resolution, and the MNDALA 2 engine supports output up to 384 kHz/32-bit for ultrasonic-range fidelity.
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Tips
- Experiment with the Anamistic Performance Interface to create unique soundscapes.
- Use the Dhrupad vocals to add an ethereal quality to your compositions.
- Layer the cello bass sounds for a rich, deep texture.
- Explore the presets to find inspiration for your projects.
- Utilize the Sequencer and Global FX pages to enhance your sound design.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Mirage require the MNDALA 2 engine to work?
Yes, Mirage runs exclusively inside the MNDALA 2 engine, which is a separate download from MNTRA Instruments. MNDALA 2 is completely free and available as a VST3/AU plugin for macOS and Windows.
Does MNDALA 2 need an internet connection?
An internet connection is required to download and install Mirage through the MNDALA 2 engine. Once the instrument files are installed, the plugin works fully offline.
How much disk space does Mirage need?
Mirage requires 880 MB of disk space once installed. MNTRA recommends having at least 2 GB of free space available during the setup process to accommodate temporary installation files.
What kind of music is Mirage best suited for?
Mirage excels at creating drones, atmospheric textures, and ethereal vocal pads that work particularly well in film and game scoring. The combination of Dhrupad vocals and church bass also lends itself to ambient, meditative, and experimental music production.
