newbie plugin question

[famous beagle]

Hey y'all,

I'm a total newb when it comes to plugins, as I usually record analogue. I have an old Cakewalk program (Home Studio 8), and I'm wondering if there are any free or ultra-cheap (under $30) plugin sound modules that I could use for working out some orchestral parts in one of my songs. I'd like to add some brass, winds, or strings to some songs, and before I bring everyone over to record them, I'd like to know it doesn't sound like crap.

I'm pretty sure CW uses/is compatible with VST, but I don't really know what that means.

Any help?

Thanks

[Lo-Fi Mike]

http://www.synful.com/Download.htm
this one offers a free trial. (no beeps)


-mike-

[Phildo]

...so caveat emptor!

http://www.dskmusic.com/blog/?page_id=3

Like I said, they're decent quality sounds, but they make my setup fall over - but it might just be conflicts within my whole network whatnots. I'm currently running Garritan Personal Orchestra myself, but it's a bit more expensive than the DSK freebies.

I think the "Virtuoso" VSTi is eth one you should be looking at. Some good solid sounds.

[famous beagle]

Thanks y'all, I'll check them out!

[Fletch-X]

This is a great freebie
http://www.emu.com/promo/proteusvx/welcome.asp
You have to sign up for the news letter but you can instantly unsubscribe. It took a little fiddling around to figure it out but I think it sounds pretty good.

Fletch