Receptor vs PC vs Expandium - What are you looking for?

[TomDM]

When you began your quest that ended up with your looking at or buying the Receptor, what was it that you were looking for?

I'm fascinated by 'trends' and 'tipping points'. The introduction of the Receptor and now the new announcement of the BEB's Expandium indicates to me that there is a new trend in what performers want to control and use the new sampler capabilities. What is it that YOU want?

I'll withhold my 'wants' for a few messages to as not to taint the direction of the thread. I don't want to prompt people for answers. Im interested in seeing if my goals in seeking out this product jibed with the goals of others.

[Watto]

I was decided on a Nord Stage, but then thought the Receptor had the added advantages of (a) being able to load on almost any VST, including some of my favourites, (b) being much more portable and flexible, and (c) being great for the studio.

In other words, it covers what the Stage could do live, and offers other things too.

[Watto]

By the way, it's pretty funny to see that when you check out Expandium on KVR, the pictures are hosted by museresearch.com...

[cbreeze34]

i found the receptor by googling "hardware vst player". i was looking for something that would let me, in a live situation, use the same plugins i use when recording/producing/writing. something that would be infinitely expandable. i love the idea of being able to download new effects for my guitar, rather than buy effects pedals. in fact, i love having access to effects no one in their right mind would even PUT into an effects pedal. i originally wanted it not to be PC-based, because there are just way too many variables when a PC is involved, but running a modified version of linux was good enough for me. plus i'm a proponent of open-source software, to that put me over the edge. and all the uniwire stuff that is/will be coming around is getting me pretty excited too.

[TomDM]

i found the receptor by googling "hardware vst player". i was looking for something that would let me, in a live situation, use the same plugins i use when recording/producing/writing.

....

I originally wanted it not to be PC-based, because there are just way too many variables when a PC is involved, but running a modified version of linux was good enough for me.

This is very similar to my own reasons. I would put it this way. I was looking for a 'Plug-in Appliance' or a 'Samples Appliance'.

The most appealing thing about the Receptor concept for me was that it could be controlled by buttons and built-in display on the front panel... much like a simple keyboard synth.

I'm looking for a device that any MUSICIAN can use... as apposed to a TECHIE Musician.

I might add that this is also the reason I find the SynFul Sample Library concept so appealing. Their goal is to put the sounds and expressions back into the hands of the performer... letting the intelligence of the engine do the techie work.

www.synful.com

They're not up there in terms of realism with the Vienna Cube; but, I'd be surprised if they weren't in the next few years. In the meantime, it sure is a joy to use.

[Kermit Jagger]

An interesting question.

In my case, it's more why haven't I bought one yet ?

I'm still undecided for many reasons. At the moment, I have a PC in a rack case that runs a trimmed XP, and the plugs are controlled by Brainspawn forte, which itself is a very good system, used by Marillion on tour amongst others. The advantage for me is that the system also runs Gigasampler with samples on a second drive. If I were to buy a Receptor, it would mean using it as a VST player, or start using Kontakt, which is the one bit of Komplete I'm not using because I've spent such a long time on GS that I'm reluctant to learn a new system when the one I'm using does what I need it to and does it well.

Still, a VST only player is an attractive idea, and there is some style in what Muse Research have achieved so far. The unit looks good, it is well integrated, and, a few moans aside in the forum, seems to run quite well. I tend to wait at least six months after initial release before buying, if only to see whether it is bug free or gets the necessary fixes. Here, Receptor has nearly delivered, although Uniwire is not yet fully up and running even though it was announced many months ago.

There are other issues which I are holding me. The compatibility issue is important. If I get a Receptor, I still cannot run many plugs I own, like Korg Legacy among others. This is an important factor because it means Receptor cannot be the unique source for playing my VSTi, which itself slightly negates the reason for buying it. But that point, I could live with because many plugs can run, and I guess I could base future purchase decisions around what runs or doesn't with Receptor. But at the moment, every plug I buy runs on my PC rack.

Secondly, and that is an important issue for me, I really dislike the crossgrade fee. I did once a quick calculation of what I would have to spend to port my plugins to Receptor, and the purchase cost was significantly upped, around $500 in my case. And besides, if I spend money to buy a licence to use software, I should at least be able to use it how I see fit without paying extra for the privilege. I guess somebody with few VSTi could cope better but I'm loathe spending more, particularly since I buy my software in the first place.

Another 'gripe' is the way in which Muse make it difficult to change certains things. For example, it is virtually impossible to put a better processor in the unit. I can understand Muse wanting to control what is used with the machine to ensure it runs as it should and that users do not start messing up the system by changing components here and there, but then why not selling a basic unit with the 2.7 CPU and offer upgrades, a bit like what OpenLabs do. On that front, not being able to change your hard drive unless you buy one from Muse is ludicrous. Considering the purchase cost of a 200Gb drive, plus shipping to the UK with its resulting VAT, this is one expense I refuse to bear when I consider the cost of purchasing a 200Gb drive next door. Of course, with my system, I bought a 250Gb drive, installed it, copied my GS libraries across and that was that. And to finish this point, the cost of components has significantly dropped compared to what it was when Receptor was first released. And yet, it still comes with 256Mb RAM and a 40Gb drive for the same money. Time to upgrade the basic specs perhaps ?

So, I'm still attracted to getting a Receptor one day, but there are many points which I see as not offering any added value to me, although I respect those who do see it. At the moment, my conclusion is that Receptor is a "would be nice to get one" instead of "I need one".