Pyramids

Augmented Ancient Sonic Geometry

Pyramids invites you into a world where ancient geometry meets modern sound design. Crafted from pure quartz, these instruments resonate with crystalline clarity, offering both an acoustic and expanded sound experience. Their precise ratios, inspired by the Great Pyramids of Egypt, produce transparent tones that can be shaped through movement, rhythmic beating, and the addition of other vibrating sources. As the first release in the Elemental series, Pyramids is an instrument explored to its core, surpassing the physical world’s limitations to create augmented and versatile sound expressions.

Each pyramid resonates with a crystalline purity that’s both transparent and deeply immersive. When spun, the instrument generates an acoustic vibrato, offering a fresh perspective on the
interaction between harmonics, fundamentals, and beat frequencies.

The MNTRA innovative ultrasonic sampling techniques have transformed these instruments into a multi-dimensional tool within MNDALA 2, allowing you to explore an extended octave range and hidden frequencies beyond physical limitations. The Extended Range Audio (E.R.A.) stretched samples reveal slower fluctuations and subtle movements, granting access to massive polyphonic versions of these instruments that would be impossible to build or play physically. Additionally, they have created Sample Start Modulation (SSM) capable versions of the sounds. Using either played velocity or random modulation, the start point scans through the sample,creating highly dynamic performances. This allows for infinite variations of the sound, bringing the instrument to life.

The creation of Pyramids was significantly shaped by the involvement of two guest artists. Christopher LaRosa, a composer for film, games, and the concert hall, played a pivotal role in inspiring the project. As the owner of several of the physical pyramids, he introduced creative ideas on how to alter and manipulate their sound, allowing us to fully explore their sonic potential. LaRosa played the instrument during the initial recording session, and his extensive experience as an arranger provided invaluable insight into shaping and expanding the unique tonal landscape of the pyramids.

They also had the pleasure of working with sound alchemist Steffen Ki, whose impressive background in sound and music healing greatly influenced the development of Pyramids. As a long-time user of MNTRA instruments in his practice, Steffen helped craft several custom presets for the instrument. His profound knowledge of sound healing, combined with his creative mastery of MNDALA 2, revealed new ways to enhance Pyramids’ healing properties and sonic versatility.

Recorded with meticulous care, including sessions in both reverberant and dead rooms, they captured the instruments from both inside and outside perspectives. Pyramids has been one of the most challenging instruments MNTRA have ever recorded, as its onset and subtle tail required an extremely low-noise environment and custom-built signal chain. After multiple recordings and adjustments, the result is a rich, dynamic sound array that’s both expressive and versatile. From delicate resonances to the intense vibrations of a cracked pyramid, every sound is captured in pristine detail.

Whether you're a Sound Healer, Experimental Ambient Musician, or Sound Designer, Pyramids offers a vast array of sonic possibilities. With various sizes and different mallets—acrylic, suede, nails—and the addition of resonant jingles, you can create anything from gentle healing ambiances to electroacoustic soundscapes.

Features

• 94 Presets
• 50 Atelier Presets
• 32 Instrument Sample Maps
• 22 Sample Start Modulation Enabled Sample Maps
• 17 Round Robins
• Up to 2 Microphone Channels
• Recorded at leading-edge 32-bit 384khz resolution
• CPU-friendly playback at 24-bit 96khz resolution
• No fuss copy protection, simply install and the instrument is uniquely encrypted to be used within your system.
• Seamless download, updates, and installation within MNDALA 2 with a registered MNTRA account

System Requirements

macOS

• Mac OS (10.14+) including M1 Chip support
• 5.2 GB installed, 10 GB required for setup
• Minimum 8 GB of RAM and an i5 or better CPU required
• Supported by all popular VST/AU/AAX compatible DAWs

Windows

• Windows 7+
• 6.5 GB installed, 13 GB required for setup
• Minimum 8 GB of RAM and an i5 or better CPU required
• Supported by all popular VST/AU/AAX compatible DAWs