Available for download, Three-Body Technology’s Raindrop & Blade is a virtual instrument, one that puts a Chinese hammered dulcimer at your fingertips. It accomplishes a realistic timbre through five velocity layers with smooth transition between tones. This brings a more detailed and natural sound. Round-robin sampling is employed, ensuring that no two consecutive notes sound exactly the same.

Throughout the sampling process, both the left hand and right hand were captured individually, to further bolster a realistic tone. You can control how the instrument switches between hands through three different Hand Exchange modes. Realistic dulcimer effects, such as tremolo, flicking, hammer revert, and more have been recorded.

The instrument was recorded at both close and midrange distances to provide a realistic depth of field. You can adjust between the two ranges, and also blend in reverb for a more faraway sound. Stereo width can also be manipulated.

A pattern library and a swath of presets will get you up and running quickly. Tailor the sound right from the instrument with EQ, compression, chorus, and delay. Custom impulse responses recorded from all over China are provided for a more evocative feeling. This software can operate within VST, AU, and AAX plug-in formats.