Another newbie question... I know you guys get tired of them

[henry_mullis]

Anyway, as I said in the title this is a newbie midi question. I am not new to audio recording, but I am new to the midi scene. I would like to take my recording to the next level by adding midi capabilities to my existing system. I have a Delta 1010 card with a midi I/O. I want to be able to write music in a score and have it played back through different sounds. Like, I can write the music in a program like Cakewalk, but I want it to sound as realistic as I can get it. I primarily want to do strings. Anyway, my question really is: What sound module do I need to start off with and what software would enable me to use this sound module in the manner that I want too? Thanks in advance. Henry

[muzakal]

Well... there are lots of choices.

For the most realistic orchestral sounds on a module that boots up without having to load samples, you might consider the XV5050 from Roland, and the SRX04 expansion along with the SRX06 expansion.

Many other people are very happy with Yamaha orchestral sounds as well (motif rack, or motif/s90)

Triton orchestral sounds are OKAY.

Just my 2 pentz and worth exactly that.

-muzakal

[mikeh]

I have to agree that the Roland XV5050 has several good orchestral tones. It is a reasonably priced module given the number of sounds. The Roland ochestral expansion sounds very good.

Short of sampling, it is a good choice.