Virtual Sound Libraries - New to it all

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jlizerbram

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Can someone point me out to a "Virtual Sound Library 101" somewhere? I am just getting my feet wet into Virtual Instruments, and I've heard that this is the way to go if you want to get a true "broadcast quality" recording.

Currently, I use Cakewalk Sonar Home Studio version 6, Interfacing with a Focusrite Sapphire, and using on-board instruments on an older KORG X3 Keyboard workstation. Now, the KORG can pump out some pretty cool instruments, but it was cool for the late 80s! Just looking to update my instruments, and even going into the "orchestral" sounds.

Any pointers appreciated.

-Jeff
 
And sorry about the multiple posts....the website freaked out on me!
 
Hook up a MIDI keyboard. Load up a virtual instrument. Play some notes on the keyboard. The virtual instrument will play those notes using it's sample library (whatever sounds it comes with). Usually, at least in the higher quality virtual instruments, it will have a different sample for each note. Sometimes multiple samples for each note (for velocity, or, "how hard or fast you strike the note").

Some virtual instruments are synthesizers, in which case, there is no sample library. The sounds are generated on-the-fly. Quality virtual instruments will have had the real thing recorded professionally at a good studio.

MOTU Symphonic Orchestra is an example of a good orchestra virtual instrument. Propellerhead's Reason program is pretty good, and the sounds on most of the samples are good.
 
good quality ones will have physical modeling too. say... if u play guitar and you pick a note, then pick it again, because of so many factors, the second time it sounded different. physical modeling just mimics that randomness to make the instrument sound less robotic.
 
Pitseleh said:
good quality ones will have physical modeling too. say... if u play guitar and you pick a note, then pick it again, because of so many factors, the second time it sounded different. physical modeling just mimics that randomness to make the instrument sound less robotic.
Click to expand...

That's true. In most instruments it will probably be called either physical modeling or "humanizing". The one in my drum program (EZDrummer) is actually very good and subtle at making basic MIDI patterns sound realistic. You almost have to listen for it.
 
jlizerbram said:
I am just getting my feet wet into Virtual Instruments, and I've heard that this is the way to go if you want to get a true "broadcast quality" recording.

-Jeff
Click to expand...

Hey Jeff, welcome to soft samplers and VSTIs. They are indeed great tools, but be aware that most sample sets are recorded au natural, and you will mix them the same as if you had recorded it yourself. In other words, don't expect them to instantly sit in the mix any more than if you recorded the real instrument.
 
One other thing to keep in mind when using virtual sounds. Make sure that you either like the sequencer you are using for midi or that you will like the program you wish to buy. To me, this can be as important as the actual sound. So defineatly play around with some demo's as well. If you find something frustrating to use, you may find yourself avoiding it, no matter what it sounds like.
 
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