Pipes

AudioThing's Pipes is a Kontakt-based instrument library that shifts unconventional percussion sources into playable territory. The collection samples cardboard tubes, aluminum cans, PVC pipes, and a prominently featured Wah Wah tube (vibratone) to create a palette of metallic, resonant, and bell-like tones suitable for contemporary composition and sound design.

The sonic character hinges on the vibratone's extended decay and adjustable overtone control, which distinguishes it from typical percussion libraries. Most source materials exhibit naturally unstable pitch, but AudioThing addressed this through manual tuning, making the instruments capable of melodic integration rather than relegating them to purely textural roles. Each of the 34 instruments includes between 3 to 6 round robin samples and up to 3 velocity layers, providing sufficient articulation variation for expressive performance.

At 243 MB across 188 samples, the library maintains modest file footprint while delivering 44.1kHz / 24-bit fidelity. The inclusion of six ready-to-play Multis alongside individual .nki files and WAV exports offers flexibility for both Kontakt users and those seeking standalone samples.

Pipes occupies a specific niche within percussion libraries. It excels for producers seeking unconventional textural elements rather than traditional drum sounds - suitable for experimental music, electroacoustic composition, and sound design-heavy production. Compared to general-purpose percussion libraries, it trades versatility for sonic character. The vibratone component particularly appeals to users seeking evolving pad textures and resonant layers. Best suited for sound designers and composers comfortable with curated, character-driven sample sets rather than comprehensive drum kits.