Re:Review for Dimension Pro Extension Digital Sound Factory Volume 04 Ensoniq ASR/TS/EPS
May 21, 10 4:28 PM
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I reviewed this product for Wusik Sound Magazine, but it was for the Proteus version. I much prefer the Dimension Pro version since I like the instrument better.
In any case, because I loved them so much for obvious reasons, I begged DSF to release them for Dimension Pro, and it seems like it paid off because I think that the Dimension Pro version sells better than the Proteus/EmulatorX does, but I can't be certain...though I am probably right. :)
Anyway, here was my review:
Ensoniq CDR Bundle Proteus VX/X - Emulator X ***** out of *****
These are those sounds heard on countless records. Seriously, the ones that the typical hobbyist producer has heard and thought about all the awesome tracks that person could make if only those sounds were in their arsenal. These are the sounds many feared would only be locked to the Timbaland Niko/Meko in their revival. Well, here they are, available to anyone who wants them. And they sound better than ever. The basses sit very well in any mix, the strings have loads and loads of character, the synths have a "memory lane" feel to them, and the brass patches are very good, which is a nice change of pace from many sound libraries (they don't make you cringe). Some standouts are the very usable distorted guitar patches, and also the vox and effects patches bring lots of fun to the table. The keys, organs, percussive instruments, and woodwinds all sound great as well. This really is a great collection of bread and butter sounds that still have an edge over more recent software and hardware rompler collections. That edge is the sonic character and punch that went into the original recording of these samples. The drum kits have that thump that many producers crave, and the drum loops arestill worth a listen for their old school feel. Hip-hop heads that get this collection will see why the ASR-10 is still a coveted piece of hardware.
1198 patches that register at a little over a gig, and Digital Sound Factory is great about having sales going on all the time. If you can catch it at the right time, this is a must have for any pop, hip-hop, or RnB producer out there. Patches that can hold up year in and year out are always a welcome addition to any arsenal. This collection is also divided into four individual sets that are available at $59.95 a piece, so getting them over time is a good option as well.
Needless to say, I love them for many reasons.