Buying new non-electric sounds/instruments - Why so difficult?

[systematika]

Originally Posted by theupgrade

For the first time ever I am creating the music I always wanted to create. I have become very familiar with sounds from Arturia and Native Instruments (mainly Massive, Reaktor and FM8). In other words, the music is heavility electronic-influenced.

I am therefore looking for new sounds/instruments that can provide acoustic elements.

The local music store recommends the Native Instruments Komplete package. But I feel that their product portfolio is probably has the most illogical structure I ever have experienced (27 products?!). I have tested many of the products, but I just need some acoustic elements, such as piano, strings, bass guitar, glockenspiel etc.

I use Studio One as DAW and their sounds don't really cut it for me. Hence, I am in search of a company that offers sounds very similar to what Logic Pro offers, with reference to their acoustic sounds, but with better quality.

Is really NI Komplete the only complete solution for my needs?

I would prefer not to purchase different instruments from different companies. For instance, I love addictive keys from XLN audio, however, I would preferer a total purchase solution that offers quality and good work-flow. Am I day-dreaming maybe?

Any suggestions and tips are welcomed! Thanks!

Orchestral, Keys, and Drums are fine (drums less so) but grab a real guitar(s) and bass. Most companies have pretty similar sound banks that are passable, but I've never heard a passable guitar/bass and I've heard hundreds of banks.

[theupgrade]

Originally Posted by systematika

Orchestral, Keys, and Drums are fine (drums less so) but grab a real guitar(s) and bass. Most companies have pretty similar sound banks that are passable, but I've never heard a passable guitar/bass and I've heard hundreds of banks.

A real guitar....hmm...didn't even think of that. I'll check it out at the store (Yes, I am keyboard-guy)

I have drums for days....I feel really comfortable with them. I am using Geist for sequencing, great product.

[xanderbeanz]

Kontakt will do ya, lots of third party instruments available, and it can import free soundfonts off the net, which feature 1000s of different instruments, sone brilliant, some naff.

[theupgrade]

Originally Posted by xanderbeanz

Kontakt will do ya, lots of third party instruments available, and it can import free soundfonts off the net, which feature 1000s of different instruments, sone brilliant, some naff.

I tried out the Orchestral "module" in Kontakt 5, but if I remember correclty, it was missing a lot of things. I will pass the music store today and check it out just to be sure, there is no demo on their webpage.

Studio one already offers a soundfont sampler, I have some nice SF2 files

[xanderbeanz]

I bought Chris Hein horns and chamber strings 1 for kontakt and they're incredible.

[Lowbie]

Magix Independence is a good alternative. They have a free version;

[shponglefan]

Originally Posted by theupgrade

The local music store recommends the Native Instruments Komplete package. But I feel that their product portfolio is probably has the most illogical structure I ever have experienced (27 products?!). I have tested many of the products, but I just need some acoustic elements, such as piano, strings, bass guitar, glockenspiel, harps etc.

You could just get Kontakt 5 and buy individual sample libraries as needed.

What's your budget?

edited to add: Whoops, just noticed your additional posting on Kontakt 5. Depending on your budget, I'd recommend checking out EastWest's libraries as another option. Personally, I bought their CCC with various libraries included and it covers a lot of bases for sampled instruments (orchestral, percusssion, ethnic, vocal, etc).

[theupgrade]

Originally Posted by shponglefan

You could just get Kontakt 5 and buy individual sample libraries as needed.

What's your budget?

edited to add: Whoops, just noticed your additional posting on Kontakt 5. Depending on your budget, I'd recommend checking out EastWest's libraries as another option. Personally, I bought their CCC with various libraries included and it covers a lot of bases for sampled instruments (orchestral, percusssion, ethnic, vocal, etc).

I am willing to spend about 1000USD on a complete solution.

I was looking at East West CCC, but they dont have a demo. The local music store dont have installed. So to pay 999USD on something I can't try before I buy is a bit crazy.

[shponglefan]

Originally Posted by theupgrade

I am willing to spend about 1000USD on a complete solution.

I was looking at East West CCC, but they dont have a demo. The local music store dont have installed. So to pay 999USD on something I can't try before I buy is a bit crazy.

I remember having the exact same dilemma when it came to buying the CCC. Ultimately I did take the plunge and haven't regretted it one bit. In fact, it's my favorite sound library outside of Omnisphere.

But I do agree that dropping a grand on software without even a demo is a big leap of faith.

[chevybusa]

Hey dude. I'm personally really happy with the "real" instruments in Reason and Logic...Actually I think you'd probably be covered with what you're looking for with either one...

[theupgrade]

Originally Posted by chevybusa

Hey dude. I'm personally really happy with the "real" instruments in Reason and Logic...Actually I think you'd probably be covered with what you're looking for with either one...

I have Studio One as DAW. If I could use Logic pack in Studio One I would be happy. But when choosing DAW I picked workflow over content.

[himalaya]

Definitely check out East West Goliath.

Also, if you are adventurous and want to explore a different approach explore Acoustic-Modeling synths like AAS String Studio, Tassman4 with Harm Visser patches (google Harm Visser), Chromaphone, their various guitar strumming emulations, etc. Also check out NuSoftings Modelonia, Image Line Drummaxx, Xoxos Radian (PC only). This lost will give you lots of new sounds which always sound acoustic, sometimes emulate a real acoustic instrument perfectly, sometimes offer a new take on that sound, so you can have a plucked string instrument that doesn't exist in real life but sounds like it does, like it comes from a long lost continent.

[shponglefan]

Originally Posted by himalaya

Definitely check out East West Goliath.

Eh, I'd disagree with this. While I love EW's stuff, Goliath is imho overpriced for what it is. For the money, Komplete 8 is a better deal. And if one is going to go for EastWest's libraries, better to pony up the extra cash for the CCC. It may cost twice as much as Goliath, but has about 10x the content and comes on its own HD to boot.

[himalaya]

CCC? Didn't know about it. It's definitely a great buy at the price, agreed. However the OP wants some "acoustic elements, such as piano, strings, bass guitar, glockenspiel, harps etc." and Goliath is more than good enough for that. At the price it's less of a gamble than CCC. ( I use East West libs too and can vouch for their quality).

For an all-in-one solution CCC might be better than Kontakt though. Certain sounds in Kontact are not up to scratch, imho. However, if the OP wants to explore 3rd party libs, then Kontakt is the way forward. There are some absolute gems out there (like the excellent Imperfect Samples piano instruments, for example).
Decision, decisions, :-)

[theupgrade]

I will do some more research on Goliath.

I demoed Komplete 8 yesterday, I just feel that its a mess from a user perspective although it has some great products, such as session strings pro.

What about Motu Machfive? Anyone has it?