Can anyone suggest a good midi synth software? I am trying to avoid the hardware end, unless someone can recommend on that won't break the bank. I need good piano, string, and maybe drum sounds.
I think that a virtual rompler like Native Intrument's Kompakt or IK multimedia's Sampletank 2 should be fine for you.
there are also specific GM modules, like the roland's super canvas , but it's older...
Kompakt IMHO is cheap and have a good palette of high quality sounds
I don't know what your bank is, or what kind of music you play, but Garritan Personal Orchestra will not only give you great strings and a couple of Steinway pianos, but an entire symphony for $250. It's an awesome set, and the support is beyond terrific. Works as a stand-alone or with kontakt, or with any dx or vst compatible app. Check it out:
Also, Sample tank has just come out with Sampletank 2 which also gets good reviews in the "all around" catagory: http://www.ikmultimedia.com/
There was a "group buy" going on the K-v-R board..... sampletank1 for a very low price.... like $89 or something..... you may still be able to get in on it.... that would fit the bill nicely. Not really sure of the details or price.
Cool, thanks for the tips guys. I've tried Sampletank2 free, and it was a mess. I had Sampletank1 but that was a mess also and I found the support to be cocky and not very helpful, instead of offering help they simply kept pushing me to buy sampletank2, and finally came out and said the are not going to offer me any further support for SampleTank 1. It's the type of company I like to avoid.
I've also found SampleTank to be a mess. Basically just plain broken, could not get it to work at all. Crashes, crashes, crashes. Maybe others have better luck with it, but I won't waste another moment on that software.
I have readed in this thread about Garritan Personal Orchestra. Is it good for violins and cellos? I am desesperately searching for a softsynt, Rompler or similar with a good sound of both.