Need better strings & horns

[mshea]

I've got an Alesis QS7.1 and it's been working wonders for me for years...but i am in desperate need for some 'healthy' sounding Symphonic String sounds and not quite sure if i can get that sound by purchasing one of those expansion cards. I need some movie score type strings, the real deal, full and big. I also want a REAL horn...the sampled brass that came with this thing are TERRIBLE.

Any suggestions? I need something that i can 'play' on the keyboard, all that cut and paste crap doesn't work for me. I have 'sample' CDs but find it more frustrating than functional to setup the MIDI control triggers or whatever to 'play' the samples.

HELP.

[Fishmed]

I have an S4 with the Classical card; it is ok, but if you want some great sounds, I would get a Korg Triton Rack and upgrade it with the EXB-PCM06/07- Orchestral Collection. What is your budget?

[Fishmed]

If you want to go a cheaper route and don't mind software instruments:

MOTU Symphonic Instrument

or

Garritan Personal Orchestra

[mshea]

Originally Posted by Fishmed_Returns

If you want to go a cheaper route and don't mind software instruments:

MOTU Symphonic Instrument

or

Garritan Personal Orchestra

OK. So here's the really stupid reply. Can I run my Alesis Keyboard THROUGH that thing and into my soundcard to get the sounds?!?! Like...how do you 'play' it. I'm a classicly trained clarinetist and compose mainly utilizing the keyboard, i am not a big 'cut and paster' and adjust notation as I go...how would that work!?!

I was hoping not to have to spend a whole lot, possibly try and dig up one of those QCard things they used to make, but I really DO want to have a FULL REAL sounding Orchestra at my fingertips.

[Fishmed]

Originally Posted by mshea

OK. So here's the really stupid reply. Can I run my Alesis Keyboard THROUGH that thing and into my soundcard to get the sounds?!?! Like...how do you 'play' it. I'm a classicly trained clarinetist and compose mainly utilizing the keyboard, i am not a big 'cut and paster' and adjust notation as I go...how would that work!?!

I was hoping not to have to spend a whole lot, possibly try and dig up one of those QCard things they used to make, but I really DO want to have a FULL REAL sounding Orchestra at my fingertips.

You should be able to play your keyboard parts into Sonar as midi data and then change the instrument output to the soft synths. The sounds would already be in your PC.

BTW... If you can find the Cassical QCard, it does have good sounds and would be a good set of sounds to use. I was just bringing up newer products with MUCH better sounds, but that QCard does have many very usable sounds.

[Beck]

Vintage Kurzweil K1000/K1200 series modules… Big, heavy and still sound incredible by today’s standards. If you go to many movies or watch TV you’ve no doubt heard them over the last 15 years or so, though you thought you were listening to real strings, horns, etc.

I’ve owned the 1000PX Plus since the early 90’s and the K1200 pro 76 keyboard for about five years, and I can’t get enough of them.

They still have a loyal following, yet you can find them at ridiculously low cost on eBay.

Very straight forward MIDI modules you can control from your QS7.

http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/apr0...zweilretro.htm

~Tim

[mshea]

Looks like i've got quite a few more options than i first thought available. I've heard the samples for the newer products and they are FAR superior to what i expected. I'll start saving now.

[ACB]

Take a listen:

http://www.rolandus.com/products/pro...x?ObjectId=427

Hit the Demo button on the bottom of the page.If these sounds grab you,we'll discuss further.

[Trumpetz]

I know this thread is pretty old... so I'm not sure if it's still any use, but IMO, the best way to get decent brass/horns is to record them, which you can do here

[marshall409]

the first orchestra module that uses synthesizing instead of sampling. its really amazing what theyve done with out sampling. check it out at www.synful.com


Adam

[mshea]

I'm gonna check that out definitely. I've just stopped using brass for now and coming up with some REALLY sneaky ways to get better strings but it's so friggin' much work. And now my darling Alesis is starting to show signs of aging.

[Trumpetz]

Oh, and there's a guy who records strings bands and producers at this website: http://www.stringtracking.com

[TAE]

Originally Posted by Trumpetz

Oh, and there's a guy who records strings bands and producers at this website: http://www.stringtracking.com

Hmmmm

That guy is pretty cool.. I like his style and his web site