Glyn, You can buy the individual instruments as well, look a little deeper into the independence section and they are there. I'm really excited that it's getting a new launch by Magix. Basically the whole Independence line is re-offered and I think it has a far more use full approach in that it can host other VST intsruments internally. There is a new 3.1 software launch and I hope there are updates to it's mixer GUI. Other than that I think it looks just fine. The effects and mixer sections are far better than Kontakt. Personally I can't stand the NI interface - though the scripting is impressive.

Ok an update - I had email correspondence with Magix - they were very helpful and prompt.
The libraries I had, Majestic, Candy and Culture are now the World Library,  Acoustic and Electric Basses plus Saxophone and Brass but with some additions.
They suggested downloading the sampler update and at the same time the new versions of the libraries.
Now these are big libraries (9 gb, 8 gb and 7gb I think!) but the nice thing is they come with a very efficient download and installation manager.
The sampler itself now comes with a large Free library as well.
So all in all a very positive experience.
Just finished downloading and installing  - shall get playing with the sampler tomorrow I hope
Seems like they might be serious about keeping this product and pushing it - can only be good to have some more competition for our "friends" at NI!
Nigel

Now that Independence Free has a new engine, I will try it out again; perhaps it will be worth the effort this time.  I am interested in the Pro version which seems to come with all the available instruments.  If the Free version is stable and usable, then I would consider getting the Pro.

 Once question:  As a sampler, can it read different sample formats like Kontakt does, or is it limited to reading its own proprietary libraries?

That last experience with Independence Free a few years ago left a bad taste that lingers still. 

I got it downloaded and installed.  That went pretty smooth with their new installer, which installs the program and library in several files and does them one-by-one, one at time.

My only complaint so far is that I can't find the downloaded files.  I was hoping to install it on my office computer as well as the studio and did not want to have to download it twice.  Once the installer downloads, it automatically installs the downloaded files, but when finished, I can't find the location of the actual downloaded files to copy over to a flash drive to take to the other computer.  The installed files are easily located, but the location of the actual downloaded files remains a mystery.  Worse case scenario is that I just download to the other computer the new engine (which is the first of the downloads and luckily there are check boxes to select or deselect which files to download), and then copy the installed library over to a flash drive to then take it to the other computer.

I will play with it tomorrow and see if all of this is worth the effort.

Thanks Nigel & Cecelius for these (encouraging) updates. I'd like to try it out as well. 

Cecelius
When you've finished downloading and before installation, there is a selection for choosing where to install. If you don't choose / change this it appears to have a default install location something like c\ programs\magix\ independence libraries (or something close to that) 
You could also just do a search for any .ytif files.
Once you found out where you put them you open the sampler and go to "add libraries" obviously navigating to where you installed them.
Once added,  when you go to use them for the first time you will need to re-register them.
Hope this helps
Nigel

Cecelius
A correction.
You will need to register the Independence 3.1 software - the libraries are OK
One thing there are a couple of new items, Pop Brass and Trumpet and Soundtrack Percussion 1 & 2 that do seem to need registering but I don't have a serial number for these (well I don't think so!)
I have dropped Magix an email and shall come back when I have an answer

I have just had a little play with the new Independence software and the free libraries - some nice stuff included here from what I've heard so far - effects seem nice as well and of course best thing of all - its FREE!!
Nigel

Don't worry about the updates, Mesh. Not many PCs have exploded since installation. Only 26%. Think lucky and you'll be ok.

strikinglyhandsome1


Don't worry about the updates, Mesh. Not many PCs have exploded since installation. Only 26%. Think lucky and you'll be ok.

It couldn't be any worse than trying to install Zune on my PC!! I'll take 74% anyday!! I wish lotto tickets had such good a percentage.