jonboper
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RESOLVED - Sampler - softsynth suggestion request
I am looking for suggestions - a synth kind of like Iris (have it and love it, but it's so CPU-heavy that it's not always possible to throw another instance of Iris into a project). I've tried Dropzone...doesn't have that creative flexibility I'm really looking for. Thoughts on a low CPU-impacting sampler?
post edited by jonboper - 2015/01/06 18:10:01
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dubdisciple
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Re: Sampler - softsynth suggestion request
2015/01/04 16:34:08
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I have not used Iris but based on description it seems more like a synth that modifies samples, rather than a sampler. Kontakt is somewhat of the standard when it comes to software samplers, but is nothing like Iris. With that in mind, you may want to try Alchemy. Not sure what the cpu hit is on it, but worth a look.
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dubdisciple
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Re: Sampler - softsynth suggestion request
2015/01/04 16:37:30
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☄ Helpfulby jonboper 2015/01/06 18:10:27
There are other sampler options but i skipped over them since most are more traditional in terms of sampler features than Iris. The free TX16Wx is a decent freebie. Geist is a sampling drum machine that actually samples, but neither have the sound mangling power of Iris.
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jonboper
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Re: Sampler - softsynth suggestion request
2015/01/04 16:49:52
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Good point dubdisciple, it's more like a synth that manipulates samples that I'm looking for, ala Iris and Dropzone. I'll check out that TX16Wx, looks like a contender...
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scook
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Re: Sampler - softsynth suggestion request
2015/01/04 16:56:18
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Of the synths currently bundled with SONAR Producer, Rapture would be better at mangling a sample than Dropzone. The audio files can be loaded directly into any/all of the elements of Rapture or through sfz files.
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beltrom
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Re: Sampler - softsynth suggestion request
2015/01/04 17:07:31
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Dimension pro has the same capability for SFZ as Rapture but has a bit different architecture. Both Rapture and Dimension load wave formats directly as well (wav, aif f e).
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kakku
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Re: Sampler - softsynth suggestion request
2015/01/04 18:54:26
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If Mach 5 is still available somewhere it could be nice I read. Or what about the Halion 5 workstation?
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Rain
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Re: Sampler - softsynth suggestion request
2015/01/04 23:07:23
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I got quite a bit of mileage out of this one when I was working on PC - I'd probably be using it if I didn't have a sampler built into my DAW. http://www.discodsp.com/highlife/
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kakku
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Re: Sampler - softsynth suggestion request
2015/01/05 06:45:47
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There is also another free sampler called Zampler. There is lots of free samples for it on the web page. http://www.zampler.de/
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jonboper
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Re: Sampler - softsynth suggestion request
2015/01/05 09:41:04
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Hmm, some very interesting synths in this list. Zampler is like a free Dimension Pro, kind of. In all the years I've owned them (8 years?) I've never used Rapture or Dimension this way...the interfaces just don't lend themselves to sample manipulation in an intuitive way, all the sfz notepad-y typing, I looked into it when the synths came out but the learning curve seemed too steep. I guess that's why I loved Iris so much when it came out, you can look at it and see what you're doing, for me a more fun and creative process.
I'll try out Rapture again, but the leaders from this list as far as what I'm looking for are TX16Wx and Geist, I think (I can't afford Geist right now, but it looks like a pretty capable synth).
Thanks for all the suggestions - you all put together a better list than any of the other forums I searched through with the same question...
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dubdisciple
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Re: Sampler - softsynth suggestion request
2015/01/05 09:56:34
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☄ Helpfulby jonboper 2015/01/06 18:10:49
jonboper
Hmm, some very interesting synths in this list. Zampler is like a free Dimension Pro, kind of. In all the years I've owned them (8 years?) I've never used Rapture or Dimension this way...the interfaces just don't lend themselves to sample manipulation in an intuitive way, all the sfz notepad-y typing, I looked into it when the synths came out but the learning curve seemed too steep. I guess that's why I loved Iris so much when it came out, you can look at it and see what you're doing, for me a more fun and creative process.
I'll try out Rapture again, but the leaders from this list as far as what I'm looking for are TX16Wx and Geist, I think (I can't afford Geist right now, but it looks like a pretty capable synth).
Thanks for all the suggestions - you all put together a better list than any of the other forums I searched through with the same question...
As a geist owner, I can tell you firsthand that it's nothing like Iris. It is great at chopping up, resequencing samples and loop manipulation, but not going to be useful at creating lush sample based pads and such. It's more of a hip-hop/EDM and remixing beast. It does go on sale at times. 99 is typical and i got for $49 once. Occassionally a lite version pops up for free. Iris is a very unique synth so getting anything close is a challenge. I can't imagine Rapture or Dim Pro sounding anything like Iris, but I have never tried. Considering it is a free option, it wouldn't hurt to try, but i suspect Alchemy will get you closer.
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kakku
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Re: Sampler - softsynth suggestion request
2015/01/05 10:18:55
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☄ Helpfulby jonboper 2015/01/06 18:10:56
There is this free alchemy cm version which is kind of making me not want to buy the full version (although I do not want to buy any synth atm).
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jonboper
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Re: Sampler - softsynth suggestion request
2015/01/05 10:39:14
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Huh, Alchemy looks awesome. Not exactly flush with cash right now, but something to save for maybe...
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scook
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Re: Sampler - softsynth suggestion request
2015/01/05 10:49:25
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☄ Helpfulby jonboper 2015/01/06 18:11:05
When working with a single sound (like Iris does) in Rapture, there is no need to create an sfz file. Samples can be loaded directly into the elements. When working with multiple samples, if notepad is too much of a chore, there is at least one dedicated editor http://audio.clockbeat.com/sfZed.html
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bitflipper
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Re: Sampler - softsynth suggestion request
2015/01/05 17:14:46
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☄ Helpfulby jonboper 2015/01/06 18:11:16
In terms of CPU efficiency, it's pretty hard to beat Kontakt. I used it for many years on a low-spec machine and CPU was rarely a bottleneck. Mostly, it's just a RAM-eater.
Alchemy also does well in the CPU department, and it's closer to what you describe: a synth that uses samples, as opposed to a straight-up sample player. But it can get spendy when you start adding libraries.
Omnisphere has to be mentioned, too. It is also a synthesizer that uses samples. It's surprisingly CPU-friendly. It comes with an enormous library of sounds. Only downside is it's pricey.
You might also want to look at more conventional synthesizers that are also able to load samples. Synthmaster is one. The upcoming Zebra3 will purportedly be able to do it (that one's definitely on my list for 2015). I understand that Image Line's Harmor can do it, but have no first-hand experience with it. I'm sure there are others.
 All else is in doubt, so this is the truth I cling to. My Stuff
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Vastman
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Re: Sampler - softsynth suggestion request
2015/01/06 03:16:40
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☄ Helpfulby jonboper 2015/01/06 18:11:47
Personally, I had high hopes for and tried Iris2 but they blew it in the timestretching realm...Who ever does this effectively first will get my attention... Alchemy is an amazing and beautiful instrument....periodic fantastic sales... try it for free... and the player is free forever but you really want alchemy... I spent the evening with the player and immediately dug deep enough...basic library is huge and fantastic and often 50 percent off additional library sales...We're all awaiting A3 and it will likely take on the likes of Serum (which I like) and Iris... Camel hasn't rushed it and it is exciting to think of their next evolution... a great company! Omnisphere also wonderful but never on sale...Skippy at PluginGuru has kept it alive with oooodles of fresh unique patches... Rapture is an amazing synth still... U-he's Zebra2 allows for sample import also and is an amazing creation, although I've never explored this.... Urs is still quiet on the evolution of Zebra 3 but I'm hoping it will import waveforms/samples in a way that makes the entire process easy...and blow doors off the buildings; they've been coming out with so much stuff and yet continue working on Z3 so we're all waiting to see what Urs's new baby monster becomes! I expect either U-he or Camel to make my own dream come true, which is to enable easy import of my vocal bits and creatively using them without the chipmonk effect...
post edited by Vastman - 2015/01/06 03:28:30
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bitflipper
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Re: Sampler - softsynth suggestion request
2015/01/06 08:49:28
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☼ Best Answerby jonboper 2015/01/06 18:11:51
Minor correction: Zebra2 only allows single-cycle waveform imports, and does not make it easy (a third-party tool is required). Z3 will have a wave import feature to make this more convenient, but won't actually have a proper sampler mode. Urs has said that "sampling isn't our cup of tea".
Alchemy would seem to be the best answer to the OP's original question. I've not gone further than fiddling with the demo (you can demo it without restrictions for a month!), but Camel claims it can do things to samples that no other synthesizer can pull off. The morphing and resynthesis features are certainly unique. I'd think it could handle your objective of playing back altered versions of your own voice.
All else is in doubt, so this is the truth I cling to. My Stuff
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jonboper
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Re: Sampler - softsynth suggestion request
2015/01/06 18:20:01
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Thanks again, bitflipper, Vastman, wealth of information here, as always. Have been a Camel fan for years but never thought to look into Alchemy (even though I've gotten their emails about it every few months since it was realeased, haha). Alchemy seems to be the answer to this question, so I'll call it resolved. Sample manipulation and incorporation remains one of the most exciting aspects of recording for me, I don't necessarily need the banks but they really can save time (or kill time, depending). Here's a song of mine, Iris featured, that demonstrates that sample magic: https://smaltmine.bandcamp.com/album/the-deadThanks again, all!
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bitflipper
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Re: Sampler - softsynth suggestion request
2015/01/07 10:11:40
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That's some very original stuff, Jonathan. It always helps to hear someone's style when recommending tools. I think Alchemy's going to fit well into your world.
All else is in doubt, so this is the truth I cling to. My Stuff
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jonboper
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Re: Sampler - softsynth suggestion request
2015/01/08 02:28:46
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Thanks for listening and for the kind words bitflipper.
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declan
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Re: Sampler - softsynth suggestion request
2015/01/08 13:00:15
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Egad, this thread is a bit bone-crunching at the moment.
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dubdisciple
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Re: Sampler - softsynth suggestion request
2015/01/08 13:19:01
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declan
Egad, this thread is a bit bone-crunching at the moment.
The news about Camel is totally deflating. I'm assuming at the very least some box versions are floating around for the OP since it may be his best option.
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declan
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Re: Sampler - softsynth suggestion request
2015/01/08 14:01:17
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dubdisciple
declan
Egad, this thread is a bit bone-crunching at the moment.
The news about Camel is totally deflating. I'm assuming at the very least some box versions are floating around for the OP since it may be his best option.
Alchemy is great, but if you bought it now could you even register it? I'd wait a bit, I have to believe they've been bought.
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dubdisciple
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Re: Sampler - softsynth suggestion request
2015/01/08 14:14:23
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Good point. I can't imagine such a great plug would just disapear.
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dubdisciple
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Re: Sampler - softsynth suggestion request
2015/01/08 14:18:46
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I also wanted to correct something I posted earlier to the effect that other programs listed did not have the sample mangling ability of Iris or Alchemy. What would be a better way of phrasing that is that these other programs don't offer the sample and synthesis manipulation workflow ease for most that these offer. I can mangle the hell out of a sample in Geist but it's more of a breakbeat, jungle, or even hip-hop sort of way than one that involves synthesis as well.
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kakku
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Re: Sampler - softsynth suggestion request
2015/01/08 16:25:58
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I was under the impression that Halion 5 had some nice sample editing features, but I have not tried it. Halion I think is versatile as it has several synths in it. There is a trial of this program too and it would be probably best if the OP tried the different trials to find out the program that is best for him.
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kakku
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Re: Sampler - softsynth suggestion request
2015/01/10 17:38:33
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Dare I ask what happened to the OP's sampler mission?
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jonboper
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Re: Sampler - softsynth suggestion request
2015/01/11 09:56:42
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Well, dismayed about Camel in general and Alchemy specifically, kakku, am just continuing to press on working with what I have at the moment. From the other threads it looks like a lot of users were taken by surprise with the announcement...too bad. I thought Alchemy was the solution, and still think it could be, depending on what happens with Camel, so I'm going to leave this thread marked "Solved" pending further developments and keep saving up in case the rumored Alchemy 2 makes its way to market sometime soon.
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Rbh
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Re: Sampler - softsynth suggestion request
2015/01/11 13:04:02
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Yellow Tools Independence had great potential.... but alas it went south and luckily it's at least basically available as a decent rompler with basic mangling through Magix Samplitude DAW.
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