UDW X

The Dark Sounds of Aztec Death Whistles, Expanded

Performed by MNTRA’s founder—composer and multi-instrumentalist Brian D’Oliveira, UDW X proudly presents our collection of rare pre-Columbian Death Whistles. These captivating instruments were collected through many years of meticulous field research and development, as Brian composed for several award-winning AAA video game soundtracks. Each Death Whistle has been named to reflect its unique character. Hand-sculpted, each whistle produces a sound that stands distinctly apart.

UDW X, with its video game-inspired interface, provides non-linear and simultaneous control over an abundance of dynamic parameters, giving you nuanced mastery of musical expression.

The Ultrasonic Death Whistle (UDW) serves as an inviting introduction to our distinctive approach to ultrasonic sampling, transformed by the powerful capabilities of our MNDALA 2 acoustic synthesis engine. By fusing rich source samples with MNDALA 2’s dynamic sound-shaping possibilities, we offer an expansive canvas for limitless creative pursuits and exploratory sound design.

In this Extended UDW-X version you’ll find more than twice as many samples as in the original UDW. It incorporates the groundbreaking features of MNDALA 2, from Sample Start Modulation and detailed multi-microphone position recordings to our latest custom-tailored DSP effects algorithms. And to fuel your inspiration, we’ve included a fresh bank of over 60 curated presets showcasing some of these new sound design features. With these additions, UDW X pushes our exploration of the fascinating Aztec Death Whistles even further, inviting you on a sonic adventure like no other.