virtual instruments/pc supplier
Sunday, May 06 2012 @ 03:08 PM CDT

Hello everybody, I am about to change my pc and would appreciate some advice. Firstly can anyone recommend a music pc supplier in the UK ? I have been looking at http://www.music-pc.com/ they seem quite helpful but I'm open to other suggestions.

Also virtual instruments - I mostly use conventional ones like piano, guitar, bass, percussion etc - the Native Instrument Komplete Elements has caught my eye but again would welcome any other opinions or ideas.

Thank you,

John.

Re:virtual instruments/pc supplier
Sunday, May 06 2012 @ 03:16 PM CDT

Quote by: woofer3 the Native Instrument Komplete Elements has caught my eye

Hm, that's a lot cheaper than the full Komplete. It seems to be samples (and presets?) with the "Komplete Greatest Hits"? Could be fun, but it depends on what you're looking for.

If you're only making traditional music, say, letting your PC be a pretend-band, then this might serve your purposes. If you want to branch out into a bit more synthesized stuff, take a look at getting a good synth for which there are a decent number of preset banks.

Me, I've almost given up on programming synths -- just not enough time in the world -- so I rely heavily on the presets that I've collected (free or bought) for ES2 and Zebra, both extremely versatile monster synths.

Victor.

Re:virtual instruments/pc supplier
Sunday, May 06 2012 @ 03:30 PM CDT

Quote by: VicDiesel Quote by: woofer3 the Native Instrument Komplete Elements has caught my eye Hm, that's a lot cheaper than the full Komplete. It seems to be samples (and presets?) with the "Komplete Greatest Hits"? Could be fun, but it depends on what you're looking for. If you're only making traditional music, say, letting your PC be a pretend-band, then this might serve your purposes. If you want to branch out into a bit more synthesized stuff, take a look at getting a good synth for which there are a decent number of preset banks. Me, I've almost given up on programming synths -- just not enough time in the world -- so I rely heavily on the presets that I've collected (free or bought) for ES2 and Zebra, both extremely versatile monster synths. Victor.

Thank you Victor - yep it's presets I think I will mostly want I will certainly check out the ES2 and the Zebra. Thanks again for your help.

John

Re:virtual instruments/pc supplier
Sunday, May 06 2012 @ 03:50 PM CDT

Quote by: woofer3 I think I will mostly want I will certainly check out the ES2 and the Zebra. Thanks again for your help.

Oops. ES2 comes with Logic, which is not available on PC.

But Zebra is a universally acknowledged monster. I've done tracks with 10 different synth parts, all Zebra.

Victor.

Re:virtual instruments/pc supplier
Sunday, May 06 2012 @ 04:13 PM CDT

Quote by: VicDiesel Quote by: woofer3 I think I will mostly want I will certainly check out the ES2 and the Zebra. Thanks again for your help. Oops. ES2 comes with Logic, which is not available on PC. But Zebra is a universally acknowledged monster. I've done tracks with 10 different synth parts, all Zebra. Victor.

Thank again Victor, will certainly check it.

John.

Re:virtual instruments/pc supplier
Sunday, May 06 2012 @ 05:16 PM CDT

I like Steinberg's Hypersonic 2. Some call it outdated, but I don't know how good sound can get outdated. Has a good GM soundset and plenty of extras. I've had it for several years and I still go to it routinely.

Re:virtual instruments/pc supplier
Monday, May 07 2012 @ 01:46 AM CDT

Quote by: Loob I like Steinberg's Hypersonic 2. Some call it outdated, but I don't know how good sound can get outdated. Has a good GM soundset and plenty of extras. I've had it for several years and I still go to it routinely.

Thanks Loob, will have at look at what you mention, I agree though -good sounds won't change and it's the actual music that for me is important.

John.

Re:virtual instruments/pc supplier
Monday, May 07 2012 @ 03:28 AM CDT

U-He's Zebra 2 is a fantastic synth, I agree. It isn't all that expensive either and there are thousands of freely available presets if you look. And a lot more you can buy too. If you want a cheaper, but excellent cut down version, get yourself a copy of Computer Music magazine [It costs about 6 quid] and you'll find the Zebra CM on the free disc. And lots of others too, all in one place, no need to download anything.

U-He also has a really cool synth called the Zebralette which is a free offering. The Tyrell N6 and the Triple Cheese are also free. Urs is one cool man! Grab them. Here's a link:
http://www.u-he.com/cms/

You might also have a look at any of the Tal stuff, which I find good. All free too!:
http://kunz.corrupt.ch/products

I tend to use Cakewalk synths for "real" sounds; Dimension Pro and Rapture. They came as a bundle and were very cheap. Lots of samples though, you may need to put them on a separate drive.

There are hundreds, maybe thousands of free things, especially for the PC market [not as many for Mac, which I use.] so hunt around and I'm sure you'll be overwhelmed! But you'll have a lot of fun finding them, I'm sure. This is a good place to start looking. Be warned though! There's a lot to look at. And be sure to distinguish between "demo" and "free". Demos often don't work properly, or only work for a limited time.
http://www.kvraudio.com/

Re:virtual instruments/pc supplier
Monday, May 07 2012 @ 03:40 AM CDT

Quote by: davajonah U-He's Zebra 2 is a fantastic synth, I agree. It isn't all that expensive either and there are thousands of freely available presets if you look. And a lot more you can buy too. If you want a cheaper, but excellent cut down version, get yourself a copy of Computer Music magazine [It costs about 6 quid and you'll find the Zebra CM on the free disc. And lots of others too, all in one place, no need to download anything. U-He also has a really cool synth called the Zebralette which is a free offering. The Tyrell N6 and the Triple Cheese are also free. Urs is one cool man! Grab them. Here's a link: http://www.u-he.com/cms/ You might also have a look at any of the Tal stuff, which I find good. All free too!: http://kunz.corrupt.ch/products I tend to use Cakewalk synths for "real" sounds; Dimension Pro and Rapture. They came as a bundle and were very cheap. Lots of samples though, you may need to put them on a separate drive. There are hundreds, maybe thousands of free things, especially for the PC market [not as many for Mac, which I use. so hunt around and I'm sure you'll be overwhelmed! But you'll have a lot of fun finding them, I'm sure. This is a good place to start looking. Be warned though! There's a lot to look at. And be sure to distinguish between "demo" and "free". Demos often don't work properly, or only work for a limited time. http://www.kvraudio.com/

Thanks for your greatly appreciated advice, I'm afraid I don't know much about any of these things so your response is much valued and I'm sure will be very helpful. I will check out all of the products you have mentioned.

Best wishes,

John.

Re:virtual instruments/pc supplier
Monday, May 07 2012 @ 06:40 AM CDT

Quote by: woofer3 Thanks for your greatly appreciated advice, I'm afraid I don't know much about any of these things so your response is much valued and I'm sure will be very helpful. I will check out all of the products you have mentioned. Best wishes, John.

You're very welcome. You might also like to go through this thread. Lots of good stuff on here!

http://www.macjams.com/forum/viewtopic.php?forum=3;showtopic=171475