EMU Proteus Pack - First Impressions

Yes. My first impressions wasn't of a high quality product and they haven't changed that much.

I find that I prefer the samples that came standard with Dimension Pro. With one exception. I really don't like any of the pianos. But in Proteus 2000 I found the StereoGrand1. When I copied the amplitude envelope from one of the in standard pianos to the StereoGrand1 sample sfz I realised a piano I like. And it hasn't been recorded at multiple velocities either. Go figure!

I also found a few drum sets and percussion of good quality but on the whole I don't think I'll ever use 90% of the product. I'd also be more likely to use the samples themselves than the sfz files, either imported into another program or create my own sfz files/envelopes (elements) etc.

I'd also be skeptical about purchasing any other samplers, especially the Native-Instruments line since only a couple of the products can actually say the samples are real instrument sample recordings (e.g., Akoustic Piano) and they cost near $800.00AU each. If I bought e.g., Akoustic Piano and it was no better than the samples in Dimension Pro I would return it for a refund. I would definitely want a full demonstration before ever consider buying more software samplers. But rather than go through that hassle I'll just stick to what I have.

I had a listen to the different velocities of the pianos that come standard with Dimension Pro and on the lowest velocity they are the equivalent of the StereoGrand1. However, not all of the pianos that came with Dimension Pro standard are recorded at multiple velocities so I only take half of my comments back!

I downloaded some audio samples re: Kontakt Piano and the corresponding midi files which I imported into Sonar (played back on Dimension Pro) and my first impressions were that Dimension Pro sounded better. However I don't know all the ins and outs of Kontakt player, like how many velocities have been recorded. In Dimension Pro you can really notice changes in tonal quality when going from lo to high volume like more velocities than the 3 are needed. But I guess that's better than only 1, which is what the EMU Proteus Pack offers.

I have to disagree. I find all the Proteus Pack very usable. Sounds as good or better than the E-mu hardware and comes with many sounds and sound catagories that the 7 gig Dimension Pro didn't even bother with much (mainly brass and other orchestra instruments).

I've found many of the sounds very usable and they sound great.

Though that may just be genre dependent.

I was going to buy it, but personally I felt the price tag IS too high, sorry but it is.

I was looking at an alternative
http://www.dv247.com/invt/33958/

which comes with "the complete Proteus 2000 soundset" , I'm a DP owner (the full version) already and I don't care if it comes with LE included. It's tempting for me as hopefully that sampler supports rx2 as multi samples NOT just RX2 loops.

as for the prices of the modules >

http://www.dv247.com/search/0/0/ProductQuantity/Descending/Virtuoso/1/
(£29.99 elsewhere for the EMU one)

http://www.dv247.com/search/0/0/ProductQuantity/Descending/mo+phat/1/

see the BIG difference in price?

it could be argued they aren't the same sample set, and also that's not the full pack equivalent.

each module (6 of them) in the pack = £30 each..

I would really / ideally like to compare both rival products side by side if I got the chance.

Why not just pick up the Proteus X2 instead, which includes the 2000 soundset? It's $99, so it's a better deal, and it comes with at least a dozen nice sounding grand pianos that sound way better than the DimPro pianos.

Hey Fog,

Yes, a midi interface is included, and it works as a standalone or as a VSTi.

http://www.emu.com/products/product.asp?category=501&subcategory=168&product=15023

I noticed the price of cakewalk proteus pack has dropped also £40 and is now £140..

I partly wanted to buy the emu version for the reason I'd have a sampler that supported RX2.. (as in multi samples, not loops) the new version of emulator is coming out, and you need NO hardware plugged in.

I do need a sampler though and well some of the others are out of my price range currently.. so that will have to do, until I sort out when I can save up enough for NI Komplete.

Taylor_514C.. yep but with this version you need the midi interface plugged in.. appart from that , looks interesting, although I notice it mentions nothing about vista also.

I will probably buy emu's own thing, since their tech support finally said it would work with multi samples in rx2 format. .IF it doesn't I will ask to return it as for me it's not "fit for purpose".

dubdisciple. is it version 1 or 2 your running? just curious. v2 is sold with the package I am interested in. Although I'm not sure how long before v3 is out.

Taylor , the proteus thing , is some desktop LE module or something with the xboard?

not
http://www.emu.com/products/product.asp?category=501&subcategory=168&product=14928

errm I have enough keyboards/controllers already so the xboard isn't for me. Partly for the sampler is why I want it though..

Although I've got till the end of may if I wanted to buy NI Komplete on offer, but maybe they will do something around xmas time. I figured £65 an instrument is good, instead of £239 for kontakt etc .. It's a lot of money to splash out though.hhmm hehe

Taylor I got that also when CW were promo'ing it.. the c5 piano or whatever it was + the viral outbreak one..

I'm still using my reason pianos + the challen (mrs mills piano) in the abbey road pack out of preference far more though. eXode made some additional patches for it that are sound-a-likes of very well known songs :) , but they are for reason owners only.

it's tricky with the modules though, as due to their age I'm sure the sounds have been over used loads if that make sense. So that aspect makes me think although the NI thing is a lot more money it is worth it sound wise.