Soft Synths Begone!

RE: Soft Synths Begone! (losguy)

Mon, 16 Jan 2006 13:57:29 GMT

ORIGINAL: Steve_Karl
I've gotten pretty quick in PRV since version 3.x <G>

Evidently. But if you don't mind, I think I'll just keep polishing my keyboard chops! But I really do like PRV, especially that pencil tool... for editing, though! (OK, maybe for those really wild runs that I'm too lazy to get perfect before I forget the rest of the song...) " />

Thanks for the tip on the panning!

Glad to help, Steve. I learned about it right here in this very same awesome forum.

RE: Soft Synths Begone! (Steve_Karl)

Mon, 16 Jan 2006 13:49:50 GMT

ORIGINAL: losguy

Ouch! My finger hurts just thinking about this. This is a monumental effort.

I've gotten pretty quick in PRV since version 3.x <G>

Thanks for the tip on the panning!

Steve

RE: Soft Synths Begone! (losguy)

Mon, 16 Jan 2006 13:37:05 GMT

ORIGINAL: Steve_Karl
It's called "Pencil Time" ... reason being ... 98% of it was done in PRV with the pencil tool.
I didn't have a good weighted controller at the time, and although I've since purchaced a Yamaha
S90, most of my piano music is still trapped in my head because of still very limited technique.

Ouch! My finger hurts just thinking about this. This is a monumental effort.

Giga piano is very easy to fit into a mix. In this tune it is at it's full stereo spread, but there are times that I
render it to Sonar in 2 mono tracks and then work with the placement a bit more.

Since you didn't mention it, you can render to a single stereo track and use the surround panner (in stereo) or GPan to accomplish the same thing. Key emphasis on "same"... it's just a matter of taste, personal interest, and what you're used to. But this stereo-panning trick works wonders for properly placing stereo softsynths and existing stereo tracks without having to split or re-render.

RE: Soft Synths Begone! (Steve_Karl)

Mon, 16 Jan 2006 13:04:22 GMT

ORIGINAL: pharohoknaughty

Fixed now.

http://www.sightsea.com/music/singles/pencil_time_steve_karl.mp3

An absolutley fine work.

The piano sounds great in the mix. This has helped me put my finger on the complaint I have.

I want the piano to sound like it is sitting in front of me, just like a grand piano sounds while you play it.

Your production, which sounds great, has the piano sounding like it is part of a combo.

By the way, your playing shows great dexterity amd musical skill.

Thank you.

Now I'll tell you the whole scoop on this song.
It's called "Pencil Time" ... reason being ... 98% of it was done in PRV with the pencil tool.
I didn't have a good weighted controller at the time, and although I've since purchaced a Yamaha
S90, most of my piano music is still trapped in my head because of still very limited technique.

The mix is a direct capture from GigaStudio and then a bit of mastering in Sound Forge,
no eq on the piano.

Giga piano is very easy to fit into a mix. In this tune it is at it's full stereo spread, but there are times that I
render it to Sonar in 2 mono tracks and then work with the placement a bit more.
Sometimes it gets a bit of eq also.

Steve

RE: Soft Synths Begone! (StrangeCat)

Mon, 16 Jan 2006 04:44:07 GMT

Kontakt 2 the only synth and sampler you really ever need, ok nice to have Reactor 5 too.
PMI Pianos truly some of the best pianos
East West Symphonic Gold or Platinum XP Pro , all your instruments and solo instruments for complete orchesta realism
no need to really use eq just limiter and your good
Spectrosonics Atmosphere really only pads you will ever need
Spectrosonics Trilogy only basses you really ever need.

Now I am going to sound like a jerk here I never really post on this forum so here goes. If you think samples are poor etc then you need to learn how to program synths and read up on making sounds sound more alive^_* using fx.
Good luck

Sonar or whatever just sequencers that are tools to use.

RE: Soft Synths Begone! (jlgrimes)

Sun, 15 Jan 2006 09:46:42 GMT

This thread also got me thinking a little bit about softsynths vs. hardware synths.

I noticed the Fantom X6 sounds just tended to have more prescence on a whole than my softsynth sounds this was even the case when using custom samples.

So what I did was route a spidif connection from my Layla 3g to the input on the Fantom X.

Doing this gave my softsynths a more punchier sound typical to hardware synths such as the Roland.

This is kind of telling me d/a converters are making an even bigger difference than I thought.

RE: Soft Synths Begone! (pharohoknaughty)

Sun, 15 Jan 2006 03:09:28 GMT

Fixed now.

http://www.sightsea.com/music/singles/pencil_time_steve_karl.mp3

An absolutley fine work.

The piano sounds great in the mix. This has helped me put my finger on the complaint I have.

I want the piano to sound like it is sitting in front of me, just like a grand piano sounds while you play it.

Your production, which sounds great, has the piano sounding like it is part of a combo.

By the way, your playing shows great dexterity amd musical skill.

RE: Soft Synths Begone! (harmony gardens)

Sun, 15 Jan 2006 01:30:57 GMT

ORIGINAL: losguy

ORIGINAL: hornplayer

I'm currently debating whether I even have room for my venerable DX7, even as just a controller.

If I lived closer, I'd love to come take it off your hands (in case you lose the debate). It'd look just great next to my M1. " />

Now wait just a menizzle! Not having room in the studio is one thing, but unloading it is a horse of an entirely different color! " />

Anyway, you'll see your answer in my last post. Nice try, though! " />

P.S. Thanks for your interest!

LMAO,,, yeah, it's hard to part with some things,,,, my DX7 was in the very first shippment that made it to Wisconsin. I paid something close to $1700 for it, and I still even have the breath controller. I can't sell that for the $250 it would bring, lol. Sometimes I miss my Korg DW8000, but then I load Tassman, and the pain goes away. It's like selling an old horse.

I also have my old Tascam 4 track in my parents basement. Every time I visit, my mom says, you want that big box downstairs?? I keep putting it off, cause I don't really have room for it here, but I don't want to sell it for what it would bring.

This is OT, for sure, but back in the day, bigger was better, and we used to actually haul around empty speaker cabinets to create the illusion of a huge wall of sound. You got more energy when your young. :)

I used to think I would sound like Rick Wakeman if I had a slew of keyboards surrounding me,,, then one day it hit me. If I wanted to sound like Rick Wakeman, it would take some practice, too. LOL

RE: Soft Synths Begone! (losguy)

Sun, 15 Jan 2006 00:47:12 GMT

ORIGINAL: hornplayer

I'm currently debating whether I even have room for my venerable DX7, even as just a controller.

If I lived closer, I'd love to come take it off your hands (in case you lose the debate). It'd look just great next to my M1. " />

Now wait just a menizzle! Not having room in the studio is one thing, but unloading it is a horse of an entirely different color! " />

Anyway, you'll see your answer in my last post. Nice try, though! " />

P.S. Thanks for your interest!

RE: Soft Synths Begone! (hornplayer)

Sun, 15 Jan 2006 00:41:36 GMT

I'm currently debating whether I even have room for my venerable DX7, even as just a controller.

If I lived closer, I'd love to come take it off your hands (in case you lose the debate). It'd look just great next to my M1. " />

RE: Soft Synths Begone! (AndyW)

Sun, 15 Jan 2006 00:13:23 GMT

ORIGINAL: WhyBe
However, I would like to hear some pop or hip-hop "flavor of the minute" type of music done entirely softsynth.

Not sure if it's your flavor or even if it's a "minute's worth" " /> but I have a work in progress on my soundclick site called "Funkelele'" that is all softsynth and guitars(and of course, Ukelele). The synths are Tassman, Tassman 3, Dream Station, Dimension Pro, LiveSynth Pro. Definitely pop vein. If you stick around for the end all the ending synth and strings are Dimension Pro. I especially like the bell accents! " /> Anyway...at least one example of "all softsynth" pop. I am still working on vocal tracks for this one...the song name is actually going to be called "Bring your Rain".

RE: Soft Synths Begone! (losguy)

Sat, 14 Jan 2006 23:31:36 GMT

ORIGINAL: harmony gardens
Good to see you too Carlos!! Ive been slightly distracted lately, because my father had open heart surgery, and my tennant has been ill, and both needed my help. I also bought Conker's Bad Fur Day, for Nintendo 64 and got hooked, but I digress.

Sounds like you've had your hands full. Hope your father is OK. My father passed away last August, which was difficult but miraculously I found an inexplicable peace through it all. I'd had years to prepare for it since his stroke back in 1999, and we were able to close many loose ends in our relationship. Meanwhile I've been managing a thriving business, which being a startup keeps me plenty busy. About a week and a half ago I walked away from a serious car accident. Another miracle, You can follow that story over on this thread at The Other Place.

My old DX7 sits atop my old RD 300, and are still my controllers. I still have an M1, and an Alesis SR packed in boxes in my storage area, but all my other hardware stuff has gone down the road. Everything I have done in the last couple years has been an exploration of softsynths. It's no secret that I've been very happy with Sampletank and the sounds available through eSoundz, especially the group buys, which has made it possible for me to assemble an amazing library of voices. The new Sampletank 2.1 library upgrade is FINALLY available. The original Sampletank sounds were definately of uneven quality. That said, I have felt very comfortable leaving the hardware world behind for software. To me, the greatest sacrifice has been the time invested in learning how to manage a pc, and not the quality of the results.

I feel for ya. And I don't care how crowded my studio is, I'm making room for my old DX7.

I guess to me the premise that softsynths lack quality, reminds me of a time when you would have people defending record albums against CD's. While it's true that perhaps in some purist form, it could be argued that hardware has certain advantages, but weighed against the whole, I generally prefer softsynths, not only for the space they save, but also for the quality they can deliver. There is no question that softsynths have also greatly reduced my trips to the repair shops, and given me access to a things I could have never afforded in the past. Then again, the used market is flooded with great deals on this older hardware, as throngs of expirienced users shead their hardware based systems for DAW's. I guess that should tell us something. It's also nice to be able to have a pro level system, and still have money for more mundane needs, such as food and heat. " /> I now happily use Sampletank, Tassman 4, Amplitube, FM7, Dimension, Philharmonik, and several other softsynths too numerous to mention, and never look back. It's worked well for me.

Couldn't agree more. I still have some hardware that could make some budding musician or vintage collector happy, too, someday. The top flight of modern softsynths are an incredible value, and offer lots of performance that's totally up-to-snuff by any standard. My list of fav plugs is similar to yours (a big part because of your group buy threads " />), but unique as well. Oh, so many things yet to explore, once I get the time to try them.

RE: Soft Synths Begone! (WhyBe)

Sat, 14 Jan 2006 22:49:44 GMT

Steve_Karl - sounds good. This is the type of sound common with soft synths. Goes a long way in showing how having lots of storage and great sample layering/switching gives softsynths an advantage. However, I would like to hear some pop or hip-hop "flavor of the minute" type of music done entirely softsynth.

RE: Soft Synths Begone! (Steve_Karl)

Sat, 14 Jan 2006 20:21:27 GMT

ORIGINAL: WhyBe

ORIGINAL: Steve_Karl

http://www.sightsea.com/music/singles/pencil_time.mp3

Giga Piano and everything else done in GigaStudio.

Link not working

Sorry.

Fixed now.

http://www.sightsea.com/music/singles/pencil_time_steve_karl.mp3

RE: Soft Synths Begone! (harmony gardens)

Sat, 14 Jan 2006 20:13:30 GMT

ORIGINAL: losguy

ORIGINAL: WhyBe

ORIGINAL: jlgrimes
People also have become more accustomed to these keyboard sounds than the real thing too

All the more reason softsynth manufacturers need to put in the same effort toward their sample set as do the hardware manufacturers. Perhaps since storage is not a major issue, soft synth manufacturers can offer both the "natural sounding" samples AND the "candy-coated" ones.

As of now, if I want the candy-coating, I am better off with the hardware.

If they're willing, I'm game, but they have to weight the cost of doing so against the price they charge.

Regarding giving base sounds / instruments with presets using various types of polish, actually, I'm quite pleased by the effort folks like IK Multimedia / eSoundz (SampleTank/SonikSynth/SonicReality) and Applied Acoustics (Tassman) have made in doing just that very thing.

Good to see you too Carlos!! Ive been slightly distracted lately, because my father had open heart surgery, and my tennant has been ill, and both needed my help. I also bought Conker's Bad Fur Day, for Nintendo 64 and got hooked, but I digress.

My old DX7 sits atop my old RD 300, and are still my controllers. I still have an M1, and an Alesis SR packed in boxes in my storage area, but all my other hardware stuff has gone down the road. Everything I have done in the last couple years has been an exploration of softsynths. It's no secret that I've been very happy with Sampletank and the sounds available through eSoundz, especially the group buys, which has made it possible for me to assemble an amazing library of voices. The new Sampletank 2.1 library upgrade is FINALLY available. The original Sampletank sounds were definately of uneven quality. That said, I have felt very comfortable leaving the hardware world behind for software. To me, the greatest sacrifice has been the time invested in learning how to manage a pc, and not the quality of the results.

I guess to me the premise that softsynths lack quality, reminds me of a time when you would have people defending record albums against CD's. While it's true that perhaps in some purist form, it could be argued that hardware has certain advantages, but weighed against the whole, I generally prefer softsynths, not only for the space they save, but also for the quality they can deliver. There is no question that softsynths have also greatly reduced my trips to the repair shops, and given me access to a things I could have never afforded in the past. Then again, the used market is flooded with great deals on this older hardware, as throngs of expirienced users shead their hardware based systems for DAW's. I guess that should tell us something. It's also nice to be able to have a pro level system, and still have money for more mundane needs, such as food and heat. " /> I now happily use Sampletank, Tassman 4, Amplitube, FM7, Dimension, Philharmonik, and several other softsynths too numerous to mention, and never look back. It's worked well for me.

RE: Soft Synths Begone! (losguy)

Sat, 14 Jan 2006 18:23:46 GMT

ORIGINAL: WhyBe

ORIGINAL: jlgrimes
People also have become more accustomed to these keyboard sounds than the real thing too

All the more reason softsynth manufacturers need to put in the same effort toward their sample set as do the hardware manufacturers. Perhaps since storage is not a major issue, soft synth manufacturers can offer both the "natural sounding" samples AND the "candy-coated" ones.

As of now, if I want the candy-coating, I am better off with the hardware.

If they're willing, I'm game, but they have to weight the cost of doing so against the price they charge.

Regarding giving base sounds / instruments with presets using various types of polish, actually, I'm quite pleased by the effort folks like IK Multimedia / eSoundz (SampleTank/SonikSynth/SonicReality) and Applied Acoustics (Tassman) have made in doing just that very thing.

RE: Soft Synths Begone! (WhyBe)

Sat, 14 Jan 2006 17:16:34 GMT

ORIGINAL: Steve_Karl

http://www.sightsea.com/music/singles/pencil_time.mp3

Giga Piano and everything else done in GigaStudio.

Link not working

RE: Soft Synths Begone! (Steve_Karl)

Sat, 14 Jan 2006 16:45:14 GMT

http://www.sightsea.com/music/singles/pencil_time.mp3

Giga Piano and everything else done in GigaStudio.

RE: Soft Synths Begone! (WhyBe)

Sat, 14 Jan 2006 16:23:36 GMT

ORIGINAL: jlgrimes

People also have become more accustomed to these keyboard sounds than the real thing too (esp if they listen to more pop compositions with 8 other instruments which usually means the sound has to be tweaked to sit more in the mix.).

All the more reason softsynth manufacturers need to put in the same effort toward their sample set as do the hardware manufacturers. Perhaps since storage is not a major issue, soft synth manufacturers can offer both the "natural sounding" samples AND the "candy-coated" ones.

As of now, if I want the candy-coating, I am better off with the hardware.

RE: Soft Synths Begone! (losguy)

Sat, 14 Jan 2006 14:29:15 GMT

ORIGINAL: pharohoknaughty
If the Extreme does not cut it, I will re-investigate Sample Tank. Perhaps I did not give enough of a chance. Evidently the after market samples help it out.

Definitely worth a run-through. Sonic Reality / Sonik Synth does expand it by quit a bit, as do their Sonic Refills. You can audition them on the site to get a flavor, and like HG pointed out, they now offer samples a-la-carte.

People are commenting that the samples often sound different in the mix compared to solo. I know this is true, but I am not good enough to predict this kind of thing, so for me I need it to sound good solo.

Don't feel bad. I'm not sure that anyone can predict this with perfect certainty 100% of the time. More often, it's a matter of laying a bed of tracks and finding sounds for each instrument that work well together. This is sort of a "second layer" to just picking sounds individually, and gets interesting (and sometimes tedious) as you search through all the combinations of sounds, presets, tweaks, and FX for the different tracks. It's also where a lot of "magic" can happen.

My soundcard is a Delta 44 on the sampler computer and a Frontier Dakota/Montana on the DAW, with a Roland VM-7200 digital mixer.

That setup shouldn't be limiting on your creativity. Did you mention what you're monitoring on?

RE: Soft Synths Begone! (jlgrimes)

Sat, 14 Jan 2006 14:25:43 GMT

Or perhaps they are tryng to conseve CPU power?

I was meaning at sample level where you wouldn't use any cpu power. The compression would be part of the sample.

Some people even talk about compressing drum sounds at sample level to make them louder. I guess that depends on what type of effect you want to achieve.

Compression is probably not the only effect that is being done. I'm pretty sure they are EQing things and such (cutting/boosting freqs here and there) too.

People also have become more accustomed to these keyboard sounds than the real thing too (esp if they listen to more pop compositions with 8 other instruments which usually means the sound has to be tweaked to sit more in the mix.).

RE: Soft Synths Begone! (pharohoknaughty)

Sat, 14 Jan 2006 13:16:05 GMT

I also end up going back to the Sonic Reality pianos I got from eSoundz quite a bit (for SampleTank). In fact, my default composing piano, "ShineWay Pno", sounds like the same sample set as "A Nice Steinway D", with different sampletank effects and EQ settings. A great "mix" piano.

The Sonic Reality Basses and Drum Kits are also really good. Specifically, the basses sit in a mix incredibly well - listening to them in isolation does not do them justice.

If the Extreme does not cut it, I will re-investigate Sample Tank. Perhaps I did not give enough of a chance. Evidently the after market samples help it out.

People are commenting that the samples often sound different in the mix compared to solo. I know this is true, but I am not good enough to predict this kind of thing, so for me I need it to sound good solo.

My soundcard is a Delta 44 on the sampler computer and a Frontier Dakota/Montana on the DAW, with a Roland VM-7200 digital mixer.

RE: Soft Synths Begone! (losguy)

Sat, 14 Jan 2006 13:00:54 GMT

For one thing, big-name companies have deep wallets to throw at serious sound and parameter design.

RE: Soft Synths Begone! (WhyBe)

Sat, 14 Jan 2006 12:29:35 GMT

ORIGINAL: jlgrimes

....I'd bet most soft sample sets apply very little processing to the samples because they figure the end user would do that....

Or perhaps they are tryng to conseve CPU power?

Manipulating on the raw sample/note level is different than manipulating the performance (such as through plugins). I don't see why softsynth manufacturers would willingly follow such a principle. There must be some limitation softsynths are coming up against even though they have much more memory at their disposal.

RE: Soft Synths Begone! (losguy)

Sat, 14 Jan 2006 11:00:38 GMT

ORIGINAL: wz061s
I also end up going back to the Sonic Reality pianos I got from eSoundz quite a bit (for SampleTank). In fact, my default composing piano, "ShineWay Pno", sounds like the same sample set as "A Nice Steinway D", with different sampletank effects and EQ settings. A great "mix" piano.

I might have to check those out. I wonder if my fav uses the same sample set too.

The Sonic Reality Basses and Drum Kits are also really good. Specifically, the basses sit in a mix incredibly well - listening to them in isolation does not do them justice.

Yes... good point. I don't find that SampleTank is cheesy, at least in general. Some samples and presets are weak, sure, but every package has weak spots - some more than others. SampleTank is actually a cut above a lot of softsynths in how much of it actually is useful. In fact, SampleTank / Sonic Reality is where I get my primary backdrop these days for drums, percussion, bass, pads, certain guitars, atmospheres, and "candy" strings. Heck, it's pretty loaded.

RE: Soft Synths Begone! (jlgrimes)

Sat, 14 Jan 2006 10:53:01 GMT

I'd be interested to know what type of sound card you are using.

There are differences in software and hardware synths. One possibility is the hardware synth could have better d/a converters.

Another one like you suggested is that hardware synth programmers spend more time tweaking their sounds than their software counter parts.

I usually do find that hardware sample playback synths seem to stand out more despite the small sample size.

Some things I found out though is a lot of hardware synths tweak their sounds not only at the program level but the sample level as well. I recall reading something on how Korg compress their samples. And Korg synths tend to be one of the synths where the sound really stand out. Roland is another example. Kurzweil however sounds dull to those two, but you can't say anything bad about Kurzweil pianos.

I'd bet most soft sample sets apply very little processing to the samples because they figure the end user would do that.

Hardware synths are different. Their job is to usually sell synths right at the store. So what it comes down to is Synth A must definitely stand out from Synth B. And I'd bet they go through about everything to acheive that end.

It is often hard to find a soft sample set at Guitar Center that's on display, but it seems those instruments are more sold by touting the number of gigabytes you are buying. Which means more emphasis on realism and probably uncoloured sound. I've heard somebody complement Dimension about it having an uncoloured sound.

I think eventually software counterparts will realize they should apply the same type of processing as their hardware counterparts.

RE: Soft Synths Begone! (losguy)

Sat, 14 Jan 2006 10:33:37 GMT

ORIGINAL: harmony gardens
I have tried a lot of softsynths and piano options, too. I'm basically working in a studio setting these days, and my music is all over the map in style, so there isn't one answer to all situations. One piano sound I keep coming back to is the "Nice Steinway D" from the Piano Collection available for Sampletank. It has a nice balance, and seems to blend the best with most combinations I use. It can be purchased from eSoundz as a single download.

Hi hg, glad you jumped into this. My go-to piano from SampleTank is "Concert Grand Piano ST" under ST2XL > Piano. It's full and well-defined over the entire range, with no weak samples in the set, and with decent expressiveness, too. It's probably best as a solo, but it works well blended with pads too.

Edit: This said, of course, for when I have a project in which I don't want to mess with the outboard piano module.

RE: Soft Synths Begone! (wz061s)

Sat, 14 Jan 2006 03:32:48 GMT

ORIGINAL: harmony gardens

I have tried a lot of softsynths and piano options, too. I'm basically working in a studio setting these days, and my music is all over the map in style, so there isn't one answer to all situations. One piano sound I keep coming back to is the "Nice Steinway D" from the Piano Collection available for Sampletank. It has a nice balance, and seems to blend the best with most combinations I use. It can be purchased from eSoundz as a single download.

http://www.esoundz.com/details/viewDetails.php?ProductID=379

Two others that I think are good, are the Steinway included with GPO, and the Steinway included with Mirslov Philharmonik. Both of these are a little "richer" sounding.

I agree that expecting a synth to do good piano sounds is a little unrealistic, but IMHO these are some examples of some decent software based options that are available. PMI also has some nice stuff.

Also, Tassman 4 is a great softsynth.

I also end up going back to the Sonic Reality pianos I got from eSoundz quite a bit (for SampleTank). In fact, my default composing piano, "ShineWay Pno", sounds like the same sample set as "A Nice Steinway D", with different sampletank effects and EQ settings. A great "mix" piano.

The Sonic Reality Basses and Drum Kits are also really good. Specifically, the basses sit in a mix incredibly well - listening to them in isolation does not do them justice.

RE: Soft Synths Begone! (attalus)

Fri, 13 Jan 2006 20:45:25 GMT

ORIGINAL: Quasar

What a surprising thread. I dumped my arranger keyboard last year and began collecting soft samples/libraries for the SOLE reason that one could get better sounds. Hardware UIs are clearly easier to navigate, and don't tax the CPU/RAM like samples do, but the sounds themselves are clearly much, much better if you get good stuff.

I 2nd GPO. For less than $250 it's an absolute steal. And I'm definitely going to get the Garritan Strad. (And probably GOS, which is on sale.)

And For acoustic guitar, are there any hard synths that even approach Real Guitar for tonal realism and clarity? If so, I'd like to hear the demo!

I'm especially surprised about your review of Colossus. I don't have this because of price, but it's been on my wish list for a while.

Granted, before I went soft, I only had a relatively cheap, entry-level board (Yamaha PSR 540), but I listened to a lot of demos, and I'm certain that if you only care about good sounds- instead of convenience or ease of use- software instruments are the way to go.

I agree with your post, software is the way to go.I think the sound quality is very good of alot of software, and if you compare any software synth to hardware synth in the same price range software would have it beat by faaaaaaaar! what i'm saying is hardware don't get good until you fork over alot of dollars and this is not the case with software. I own tassman 4 wich cost $289, i am very pleased with its richness,warmness, and playability.I also have Reason 3.0 wich probably offers sound creation possibilities and flexibility that most hardware synths can't match, and only dream of achieving.When this computer digital world came i truly knew someone above was thinking about me! I wrestled with low end hardware for too long,I am very pleased with the sounds of digital box, BUT also i understand the desires of others who are use to exact nature of traditional instruments sounds, and software synths come close but no exact emulation of traditional, I don't think that can be found yet.In the end i personally just look for what sounds good to my ears it does'nt have to exactly emulate every small nuance of traditional instruments performances, But even though the emulation is'nt perfect "yet" it's still a instrument in it's own right, and the software synth is part of the greatest instrument of all time "the computer", if you install the right programs the computer offers unlimited flexibility and creative potential. there has never been, nor will there ever be a instrument greater than the computer, and it is only growing more powerful and versatile with the passage of time. I'm outty...

RE: Soft Synths Begone! (Quasar)

Fri, 13 Jan 2006 19:00:27 GMT

What a surprising thread. I dumped my arranger keyboard last year and began collecting soft samples/libraries for the SOLE reason that one could get better sounds. Hardware UIs are clearly easier to navigate, and don't tax the CPU/RAM like samples do, but the sounds themselves are clearly much, much better if you get good stuff.

I 2nd GPO. For less than $250 it's an absolute steal. And I'm definitely going to get the Garritan Strad. (And probably GOS, which is on sale.)

And For acoustic guitar, are there any hard synths that even approach Real Guitar for tonal realism and clarity? If so, I'd like to hear the demo!

I'm especially surprised about your review of Colossus. I don't have this because of price, but it's been on my wish list for a while.

Granted, before I went soft, I only had a relatively cheap, entry-level board (Yamaha PSR 540), but I listened to a lot of demos, and I'm certain that if you only care about good sounds- instead of convenience or ease of use- software instruments are the way to go.