Orchestra and Band Instrument Sounds

[Paul D]

I'm in the process of looking into some type of electronic instrument (keyboard, sampler, etc) which best imitates orchestral and band instrument sounds. My purpose is to use these sounds for audio compositions/recording. Of the many keyboard models (Roland, Korg, Alesis, Yamaha, Kurzweil) I've demo'd, I haven't been able to find sounds which I feel are authentic. The closest I've come to authentic sounds have been via a Sweetwater cd rom library demo for the Kurzweil K-series keyboards, although even some of these, such as BRASS sounds, aren't very good (they all seem to sound like an accordian). The K-series Kurzweils' are very expensive keyboards. Are they worth the price? Can anyone recommend other possibilities, such as samplers or other sound libraries which produce quality sounds? Thanks!

 

[virtual.ray]

I don't own one,but I've heard many good things about the Akai samplers,and they've got one out that isn't too expensive(S2000?).One strong point of Akai(apparently)is that a pretty sizable library of sounds is available for their stuff.Also,EMU has a new,cost effective unit out as well whose name escapes me.Cheers!

 

[Shailat]

I own a kurzweil and it is a very powerfull instrument but if all you need is a sampler then the Kurz is overqualified.

You can look in the markt for a Kurzweil 2000 they aren't to expensive and you can still use them for years to come.

Do you have a computer? if so look into Gigasampler.

Also try out the moudle called Proteus 2000. It has very athentic stuff.

As for libraries check out Peter Sielaczek's "Advanced orchestra" series - about $299 a Cd or for the top of the bunch - Miroslav vitious sample Cd's for $ over double the price per CD.

 

[Paul D]

Thanks for the tips, guys. You both gave me alternatives I will investigate.