VI - Logic 9, Komplete 8, or other?

[Mazrak]

I'm looking to get into virtual instruments controlled with a MIDI keyboard. I want a variety of sounds at an affordable price. In another thread, someone suggested I look into Logic 9 for sounds. I could use Logic as a producing DAW and send the tracks to Pro Tools for final mix, if desired. I had the chance to spend an afternoon with Logic 9 at a friend's home without a keyboard controller, and I would probably prefer sticking to writing within Pro Tools. The sounds are good especially for the price, but I'm looking into other options before making a purchase, one of which is Komplete 8. It has the spuds I want, with additional tools. The Ultimate package goes even further, but is much more expensive. Komplete 8 sits at 500 USD, which isn't too much to spend for the sounds and additional plugins. What other products should I look into? Also, are the included Komplete 8 plugins good quality for mixing purposes? Would the Komplete 8 Ultimate package be more worthwhile in the long run? I enjoy having more tools and toys to explore.

Sorry if this has been discussed before, but I'm new to virtual instruments and MIDI. I'm a guitarist that dabbles with technology, not a professional or anything.

[Mazrak]

Could this be moved to electronic instruments or the newbies section? Thanks.

[davey boy]

There are a ton of options for instrument VIs. I have the Komplete 8 ultimate package ( and Logic) and its a solid package. If you need a daw anyway then I think Logic is a no brainer at $200, especially if you're a beginner. Lots of stuff to keep you busy with for a long time!

[Mazrak]

Originally Posted by davey boy

There are a ton of options for instrument VIs. I have the Komplete 8 ultimate package ( and Logic) and its a solid package. If you need a daw anyway then I think Logic is a no brainer at $200, especially if you're a beginner. Lots of stuff to keep you busy with for a long time!

Is the Komplete 8 VIs much better in quality than the stock Logic 9 VIs? I see that the Ultimate package has many useful plugins outside of VIs too. I currently use Pro Tools 10 and I'm used to its workflow, so switching DAWs isn't a priority at the moment, although I'm not opposed to producing in Logic and mixing in PT. if Komplete 8 is much better than Logic 9 as far as VIs, then I have no problem spending more an remain working in Pro Tools. I might even stretch for the Ultimate package.

Also, if I were to purchase the basic Komplete 8 package, is there an option to add the remaining plugins from the Ultimate package later?

[grawk]

You don't need logic, just main stage for the VI portion. That's what I do, and I like it well enough. Hard to beat the price, too.

[Mazrak]

Originally Posted by grawk

You don't need logic, just main stage for the VI portion. That's what I do, and I like it well enough. Hard to beat the price, too.

I thought the VIs were in the Logic 9 package. How can Main Stage be implemented with Pro Tools 10? Does it operate as every other plugin? It only costs 30 USD too, so at that price I wouldn't be losing much if I decide I want better VIs and upgrade to Komplete 8.

[Leechlife]

Originally Posted by Mazrak

Is the Komplete 8 VIs much better in quality than the stock Logic 9 VIs?
Also, if I were to purchase the basic Komplete 8 package, is there an option to add the remaining plugins from the Ultimate package later?

Komplete 8 sound a lot better than Logics stocks. While Logic stocks are quite ok, not amazing IMHO. But also Komplete has a few weak points sound vise.

There are few logic plug ins worth using, but these few are good: Space designer, Sculpture, delay designer are top. Everything else is between ok and survivable.

Logic as such I find is best for composing and songwriting. Very nice workflow.
Recording I do in cubase - I came across to many bugs in logic to that disturbed recording too much and latest cubase is rock stable so far even on a mac.

for mixing I wish I had a DAW 2/3 logic features + 1/3 cubase, ...

[AJ Reynolds]

have you considered Reason 6? i think it's awesome, especially with Pro Tools.

[grawk]

Soundflower will let you port audio out of main stage and into protools.

Routed audio into Pro Tools w/ Soundflower - Avid Audio Forums