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I already have Sonar 6, which I like and can almost use. What VST/DXI software synth do you think is best for just improving midi files to reasonable quality? I just got my hands on Cakewalk Dimension pro, but it's not x64 compatible(I foolishly upgraded to Vista Ultimate x64, I didn't want to honest but I happened to have 4 gig of ram laying round for this beastie!)
Joined: Feb 15, 2005 Posts: 1388 Location: Norwich/Huddersfield
If you want something that sounds like real instruments, SampleTank is a goodun. Synth wise I'd always go for Reaktor, but may be a bit complex at first. Most software packages come with build in VST synths (although I've never used Sonar so I don't know if this is the case), which are usually pretty good. As for drums, most people nowadays use Drumkit from Hell EZDrummer, as it sounds rediculously good. _________________
Click Pat for aural pleasure!
I already have Sonar 6, which I like and can almost use. What VST/DXI software synth do you think is best for just improving midi files to reasonable quality? I just got my hands on Cakewalk Dimension pro, but it's not x64 compatible!
My heart bleeds. But if you don't want it, I'll 'ave it...
It's horses for courses really. BFD seems to be the state of the art for drums, but I haven't got my hands on it yet. Stylus RMX is pretty good, and Drumkit From Hell is also supposed to be worth having. Let us know if you have any particular instrumental requirements. Eg you can't do much better than Trilogy for basslines, and Korg Legacy Digital is excellent for general synth stuff.
I shall be trying them all, thanx for your help. I got Dimension pro working by using a virtual machine and running a x86 operating system and x86 version of sonar. It is by far the best "real" sounding instruments i have heard, now if I could just "aquire" the 1.2 update and use it in x64 I will be very happy. :)
Joined: Apr 19, 2005 Posts: 5138 Location: At the bottom of the garden, amongst the birds and the bees
FourARSEDSheep wrote:
As for drums, most people nowadays use Drumkit from Hell EZDrummer, as it sounds rediculously good.
EZ Drummer is fine for demo'ing tracks, but the samples that come with it need a lot of work to sound good on proper songs. The Drumkit From Hell add-on is based on Drumkit From Hell Superior (a seperate standalone VST), but cut down a fair bit - plus all the samples are pre-processed so it's more work to change their sound.
It's also a pain in the ass having like a 20+ piece drumkit and only 8 channels - 5 toms on 2 tracks really annoying and makes editing them a bitch too.
I almost always end up replacing the snare and kick with my own sample sets. Devin Townsend used EzDrummer DFH for all the drums on his latest solo album, but again, he replaced the kick and snare sounds.
East West (the company that make Drumkit From Hell etc) have a bass VST too - it's doesn't hold up solo, but in a mix it sounds pretty good. You can always just use a ghetto bass - record it on guitar with a thick plectrum and just drop it an octave. With a bit of fnacy eq work and lots of compression it can work pretty well.
I find myself using SoundFonts quite a lot - it's an old Creavtive thing that uses samples from real instruments. There's a program called SFZ that lets you use SoundFonts on any MIDI track, you can get some great results with it.
However, the one VST that everyone should own is this: Dynamite Cowbell.
Steve _________________ If you're insulted, you're reading it wrong. You fucking imbecile.
"Enlightenment at the cost of my wings is not a price I am willing to pay"
Joined: Apr 19, 2005 Posts: 5138 Location: At the bottom of the garden, amongst the birds and the bees
FourARSEDSheep wrote:
I love Ziltoid!
Aye, it's an awesome album! I don't think there's a bum note on the whole thing, AND it makes me laugh "If there were two omnisciences, I would be both!".
I didn't mean to sound so moany about EZ Drummer DFH, it's a cool bit of kit and very easy to use. BUT to sound convincingly real, you need to muck about with it quite a bit - if you don't mind it sounding programmed, then you can use it straight out the box though, and there's probably nothing better.
Steve _________________ If you're insulted, you're reading it wrong. You fucking imbecile.
"Enlightenment at the cost of my wings is not a price I am willing to pay"
BUT to sound convincingly real, you need to muck about with it quite a bit - if you don't mind it sounding programmed, then you can use it straight out the box though, and there's probably nothing better.
That's why everyone needs there very own Human drummer with an electronic kit. (Steve, *nudge* )
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