Borsta

Borsta is a virtual drum and percussion instrument. What sets Borsta apart from similar instruments is that its audio engine supports a brushing feature that can simulate strokes and brushes with continuous changes in intensity. This makes it possible to create an endless number of very lifelike brushing phrases and rhythms, something that can’t be easily achieved with ordinary sample-based instruments.

The internal sequencer allows you to determine exactly when to start a stroke, how the stroke’s pressure/speed should evolve over time and when to end it. On top of that, each instrument offers a couple of multi-sampled one-shots with advanced choking capabilities.

The initial version of Borsta comes with 18 different instruments, but each instance of the plug-in emulates one single drum instrument at a time. That means the sequences can only be played one at a time. However, switching between sequences can be done seamlessly via MIDI, and additional one-shot samples can be triggered using an ordinary MIDI track.

Each instrument is structured and MIDI-mapped in a uniform way, which makes it possible to use the same sequence on any instrument. For instance, a traditional swing pattern will sound musically correct no matter whether you choose a Frame Drum, Tambourine or Snare Drum - it will just sound like the musician changed instruments.

Each instrument is based on more than 400 high-quality samples, recorded for playing with different velocities and round robins.

Features

• 18 high-quality instruments with 6 multi-sampled one shots each

• Continuous intensity changes on brushes and strokes

• 230 pre-made factory sequences

• 60 Global presets covering different sounds and genres

• Separate volume and velocity curve control of each sound type

• Room simulation (9 different rooms)

• Reverb with adjustable decay time (6 different algorithms)

• Timbre adjustment control (harmonics)

• Overall pitch

• Three band equalizer

Instruments

• Rusty Bucket

• Guira

• Pancake Drum

• Tambourine

• Frame Drum

• Pizza Box

• Cardboard Pipe

• Cajon

• Pandeiro

• Bakestone

• Cymbal Chains

• Snare Drum 1

• Snare Drum 2

• Snare Drum 3

• LOFI Snare Drum

• Metal Spade

• Djembe

• Iron Sticks

Borsta is available as both a standalone application and AUv3 plug-in. Its primary intended use is as an AUv3 with a DAW together with other instruments and sound sources.