Making the jump to REAL soft synths

#1 03-30-2010, 10:18 AM

So, I've been using the soft synths that came with Sonar 8.5 for a while now (Dimension Pro, etc). I've decided that all these synths are just so-so, and have decided to make the leap into REAL soft-synth territory. I've decided on the Native Instruments Komplete 6 Bundle. Seems to be a good value. $500 for Absynth 5, Kontakt 4, and Massive, among other stuff. I've noticed that a lot of people use Absynth and Massive, and I'm very impressed with the orchestral stuff in Kontakt 4.

I would have chosen Spectrasonics Omnisphere, but it doesn't work in standalone version. Pity, I REALLY dig the sounds, and feel that they are just a bit more full than NI stuff.

Can anyone experienced with the NI stuff chime in? Installation issues, etc?

Tks.

vstrings · #2 03-30-2010, 10:25 AM

I love NI since the Pro-52/Pro-53 - my first synth (for synth bass) was a Sequential Pro-One I still own.

I find NI software easy to install, use and maintain.
They have a console-like Service software you install that keeps track of your Authorisations and updates.
It tends to work fine.
Their automated self-help (password reminder, etc) works well.

My only warning is not to jump onto major OS upgrades, as it took them quite a while to make their synths fully compatible with Mac OS X 10.5 "Leopard", for example. Once you find a stable setup, stick with it.

I am certain you will enjoy your Komplete Bundle.

All the Bass,
Renato

P.S.: the expression REAL soft synths made me smile!

#3 03-30-2010, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vstrings

They have a console-like Service software you install that keeps track of your Authorisations and updates.

I like that! IK Mutlimedia, for example, is a big pain in the neck with this stuff. I've heard that NI tries to be merciful with the install and authorization process. I certainly had no trouble with Guitar Rig 4. As a matter of fact, I tend to use GR 4 WAY more than any of the other amp sims I have (Softube, Amplitube). It simply sounds better.

Yeah, the 'REAL' thing came about because, well . . . 1) They just sound better, and 2) Everyone I've met who is not a hobbyist uses NI, Spectrasonics, etc. For some reason, the software synths that come with Sonar sound like hobby stuff. Even True Pianos, which some have lauded, sounds just meh to me. Not a no-show, but an 'almost-show.' But that's just my opinion.

On the other hand, I'm having a fine time tracking audio with Sonar. Pretty flawless.

Kipaste · #4 03-30-2010, 02:05 PM

I have the komplete 5 set from NI and omnisphere. And while I like the NI stuff, especially the pro-53 has provided with some nice, funky tones, I don't think they compare to the omnisphere. And the rest of the NI bundle.. I haven't actually found a lot use for about 95% of the stuff that came with it.. Well, at least the bundle was cheap. But the omnisphere.. like you said, it sounds fuller and more interesting. And I would say it does so by more than just a bit.

#5 03-30-2010, 02:20 PM

Kipaste:

Just checking to see that Omnisphere definitely doesn't run in standalone.

????

Tks.

silen7ce · #6 03-30-2010, 02:31 PM

Komplete is great but like others, I haven't found a use for a lot of the sounds.

#7 03-30-2010, 02:44 PM

Just read about Savihost - an application one can use to run any single plugin in standalone mode. A guy at Spectrasonics told me about it. Hmmm . . .

seamonkey · #8 03-30-2010, 05:09 PM

NI is very cool. I've been toying with getting Komplete.

Although, I think the Sonar (Sony) synths are also very good. There are books written on them and a lot of tricks to getting the most out of them.

I only have one issue with Kontakt is that you can't build up your own instrument. I can't just grab a bunch of samples and make a new instrument. You have to send the samples off the NI for them to make the instrument for you. It could be a new feature of Kontakt 4 - I haven't upgraded yet.

Kipaste · #9 03-31-2010, 04:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jhan

Kipaste:

Just checking to see that Omnisphere definitely doesn't run in standalone.

????

Tks.

I haven't tried it, but savihost should indeed be a solution. I know a guy who gigs with the omnisphere using the savihost in his mini laptop. He hasn't crashed once with the setup so I'd guess it works well.

seamonkey · #10 03-31-2010, 09:08 AM

For that matter, vsthost is very lightweight, and will let you do full midi automation, add a few more plugins, and let you switch synths in an instance. Savihost is a lighter weight version of vsthost - great for one instrument at a time. Savihost is very handy to try out synths by themselves, but I hit the wall quickly.

**bassybill** · #11 04-01-2010, 01:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jhan

I like that! IK Mutlimedia, for example, is a big pain in the neck with this stuff. I've heard that NI tries to be merciful with the install and authorization process. I certainly had no trouble with Guitar Rig 4. As a matter of fact, I tend to use GR 4 WAY more than any of the other amp sims I have (Softube, Amplitube). It simply sounds better.

Yeah, the 'REAL' thing came about because, well . . . 1) They just sound better, and 2) Everyone I've met who is not a hobbyist uses NI, Spectrasonics, etc. For some reason, the software synths that come with Sonar sound like hobby stuff. Even True Pianos, which some have lauded, sounds just meh to me. Not a no-show, but an 'almost-show.' But that's just my opinion.

On the other hand, I'm having a fine time tracking audio with Sonar. Pretty flawless.

You don't like TruePianos?

I'm a little surprised as I was overjoyed when I discovered this program. I don't think I've ever heard a more convincing grand piano sound from an electronic instrument, hardware or software based. Maybe you're looking for a different sort of piano sound?

Charling · #12 04-01-2010, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seamonkey

I only have one issue with Kontakt is that you can't build up your own instrument. I can't just grab a bunch of samples and make a new instrument. You have to send the samples off the NI for them to make the instrument for you. It could be a new feature of Kontakt 4 - I haven't upgraded yet.

REALLY? thats crazy, its a sampler! You could do it in kontakt 1 and 2 for sure...

I like most of the NI stuff, especially reaktor, thats a beast of a program thats well worth getting into! Does that come with komplete?

I think that komplete may be the best value for money, but Arturia make some great synths for not too much $, I love their cs-80 emulation, its all about smooth sawtooths and bladerunner style pads!

Kipaste · #13 04-01-2010, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassybill

You don't like TruePianos?

I'm a little surprised as I was overjoyed when I discovered this program. I don't think I've ever heard a more convincing grand piano sound from an electronic instrument, hardware or software based. Maybe you're looking for a different sort of piano sound?

I found that a bit odd too. While I wouldn't pay for another piano vst since the komplete came with akoustic piano that really is more than enough for me and my horrible piano talent, after hearing the demos from truepianos, I thought they sounded better than the NI one. But it must also be said that I haven't heard the truepianos through my interface in uncompressed format, but in the compressed demo songs truepiano sounds really convincing through my monitors. I find the NI akoustic piano to have some small little thing about how chords sound with the room effects on the concert grand model.. I can't really put my finger on it, but every time I hear it my ears go "something is not right." It's very subtle though.

Are there many differend versions of truepiano? Like older or lite versions?