Using sound libraries

[spacemusicman]

I'm not new to computer recording, but I am new to using virtual instruments. Up until now I have always used 'real' synths, but because of room space I am having to use the computer more, so I'm looking for a few answers to some questions as I enter the world of digital instruments.

Right now I am using Cakewalk's Music Creator 5 (I know it's not great, but it's all I need for right now). I've familiarized myself with using virtual instrument software like the Korg Legacy Digital Collection and I am able to play those synths through the Cakewalk program.

However, I am trying to figure out how sound libraries work. Do all of the sounds/waves on the disc upload to the computer and then you play them back like you do a soft or virtual synth? Obviously I want to be able to play the sounds as I do the multi-track recording, but I truly have no clue how sound libraries work.

So, let's say I order a set like 'Alien Skies' or 'Dark Skies' from Zero-G and the discs come, what would I do with them? And also, how would I know they would be compatible with my Cakewalk software? I guess I am mostly confused as to how the sound samples on the discs get 'installed' into the computer for playback and how my Cakewalk recording software would recognize the sounds.

Any help specifically on this or a link to anything that would give me some answers on what I am trying to do would greatly be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[Klagen]

When you order the discs, it will most likely have the softwar itself. im gonna use sampletank as my example, its the only digital instrument station that im famillar. you install the discs, and you will have software installed to play the instruments (thats the usual way with the bigger brands), besides that you will have a VST / AiFF file too. your daw can use those files to open this software INSIDE your Daw, and sync the two together.
does that make sence?

 

[spacemusicman]

Thank you for the answer.

However, what you said still sounds a lot like virtual synths I am already using. I guess I am trying to find out what the difference is between a virtual synth and a sound library in terms of working with the recording software and how they will interface.

Hopefully a few more answers could clarify this, but thanks for getting a reply started!

 

[TimOBrien]

A sound library will either be just a series of .wav files for you to use
or it will sometimes have a play-only sampler (Kontakt play-only, etc)
Depends on the seller and you will have to look at what they're selling.

If you get a disc with just a series of .wav files, you can always use one of the
free vst sampler programs to trigger them. If you're on a PC (you didn't say)
you can use the free Shortcircuit vst sampler http://vemberaudio.se/shortcircuit.php

 

[Klagen]

Thank you for the answer.

However, what you said still sounds a lot like virtual synths I am already using. I guess I am trying to find out what the difference is between a virtual synth and a sound library in terms of working with the recording software and how they will interface.

Hopefully a few more answers could clarify this, but thanks for getting a reply started!

Well, off the top of my head, a VST will be triggered by Midi, and a synth wouldnt...would it? i dont own a synth. but if thats the case, then midi data can be editted after you play too, and that would be a noticeable difference

 

[chris in indy]

Well, off the top of my head, a VST will be triggered by Midi, and a synth wouldnt...would it? i dont own a synth. but if thats the case, then midi data can be editted after you play too, and that would be a noticeable difference

I might be missing your point altogether, but I use virtual synths and hardware synths at the same time. I select the sounds on my hardware synths and trigger them with my midi controller keyboard, recording the audio output into Sonar or P5. I also at the same time use a virtual synth or two within the program. One of my favorites is is Dimension Pro and it's libraries, Rapture being a close second.

I like outboard sound modules because it takes quite a bit of the load off my computer.

 

[kcearl]

Sound libraries are played within samplers not synths...

the are also not as CPU hungry as virtual synths but the trade of is that they need disc space for their libraries..also there is less sound manipulation within the sampler..

sound libraries nowadays are excellent...and many discs come with their own player or companies like NI provide free kontakt players (they also have loads of freebies on their site to start you of)

its best to have a separate disc to install the libraries in and make sure you have enough Ram as this is the memory used when loading samples

as for triggering them with a midi keyboard they are the same as triggering a virtual synth...both are midi based