Your Opinion: The Best Softsynth

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MChamberlin

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I am very interested in making an investment in a softsynth software package but am getting a little overwhelmed by the options. I am wanting a logical interface, compatability with a range of sound samples so the instruments can be expanded and under $500. Any and all opinions would be appreciated. Reason and Project5 have been suggested. I would appreciate some more "real world" opinions.

I've been playing keyboards for over 30 years and am looking forward to diving into this new world of music.

THANKS!!
 
Well, it really depends on what kind of sounds you want. If you want "everything" (like what's in most cheaper keyboard), you'll have to go for a full general midi package. East West Colossus is just that, but it costs more, and you need a host for it (a software package to run the sounds). This host can be a really big sequencer like Cubase (which again costs money) or a simple free one like MiniHost.

There are also cheaper all-in-1 packages like Edirol Hyper Canvas (sounds very cheap) or Steinberg's Hyper Sonic (worth checking out). If you can specify more what you want, there are tons more option. For instance, Edirol Super Quartet is a softsynth package that has several keys sounds (nice pianos, rhodes, whurlitzers etc.), bass sound, drum sounds and guitar sounds. It is not super high end though. There are many better sounding packages out there.

Native Instruments has a very good electrical piano virtual instrument (that's a softsynth) called Elektrik Piano. Their B4 (virtual hammond) is very nice aswell. Less bang for your buck, but better sounding than the Edirol stuff.
 
Reason would definitely fit the bill. Synths (Subtractor, malstrom), Sampler (NNTX), loop player (REX)
 
Here have a play with these free softsynths first ;) really nice moog and Arp2600 , they are pretty decent.

http://glenstegner.com/softsynths.html

Also try these softsynths , pretty nice features and they are free.... go to the VST section for 3 polysynths , 1 awesome monosynth and a really neat effects unit. (Motion 2.8 is really cool)

http://www.cortidesign.com/ugo/

If you like fiddling with these then go invest some cash in a commercial softsynth.

:D
 
cortexx said:
Here have a play with these free softsynths first ;) really nice moog and Arp2600 , they are pretty decent.

http://glenstegner.com/softsynths.html

Also try these softsynths , pretty nice features and they are free.... go to the VST section for 3 polysynths , 1 awesome monosynth and a really neat effects unit. (Motion 2.8 is really cool)

http://www.cortidesign.com/ugo/

If you like fiddling with these then go invest some cash in a commercial softsynth.

:D
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I'll second those (Especially the Stegner Arp2600).

Check out a good sampler like Kontakt.

For some real cool atmospheric pad sounds, do a search for H.G.Fortune synths at http://www.kvraudio.com/
 
Native Instruments has a bundle called Komplete 3, which is pretty much all of their softsynths plus a massive sound library all in one. I have it, as well as colossus and love them both. Komplete is more towards the electric synthy sounds and colossus has more of a realistic feel to it. both are great.
 
I own Reason myself so I'm biased. But for your budget, if you're looking for an all-in-one softsynth solution, Reason is definitely your best bet. Its interface is simple, yet powerful, with samplers, synths, drum machine, loops, etc. And with the new version, it also comes with a mastering suite. To read more of what Reason includes, take a look here.
 
Echelon said:
Native Instruments has a bundle called Komplete 3, which is pretty much all of their softsynths plus a massive sound library all in one. I have it, as well as colossus and love them both. Komplete is more towards the electric synthy sounds and colossus has more of a realistic feel to it. both are great.
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Um, the OP's budget is $300, and Komplete goes for $1300.

I second the suggestion to check out all the free ones and demo what you can get ahold of of the commercial ones.
 
I'd look for Reason on sale and there are lots of softsynths out there for free. Reason has numerous synths and samplers, effects, and refills (sample packages) are inexpensive to enhance your sound banks. For an all in one system, Reason just may fit the bill for the price.
 
ah, i didn't see the budget. Yeah, check out all the demos that you can. I use Reason and it's a pretty damn good program if you know how to use it. It's fairly simple if you want it to be, but it can also get really complicated and you can create some awesome sounds. Good stuff.
 
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