New downloadable soundz formats

[BERFAB]

Yup, looks like Kontakt is way out front. But I, too, would have also voted for Sampletank if there were multiple votes allowed. Kontakt lets you edit and manipulate just about anything you want. But it's a creativity killer because of the complexity. Sampletanks just loads and off you go.

Interestingly, SampleTank is one of the few (only) formats that Kontakt does NOT translate. I know that IK and NI are fierce rivals, but wouldn't both companies benefit from some cross platform translation of their formats? I'd love to be able to take some of ST's samples and mash 'em up in Kontakt and re-load 'em back into Sampletank.

If anyone from IK or NI is reading this, please take note. I know I'm not alone here.

Cheers
-B

[trixie]

I know that IK and NI are fierce rivals, but wouldn't both companies benefit from some cross platform translation of their formats?

Actually, rivalry between IK and NI is just a secondary problem. The thing is that IK keeps the format pretty much under the lid. And no, I'm not an open-source, everything-for-free advocate: I wouldn't have a problem with a closed, proprietary format if there were enough sound developers in play.

Hats off to Sonic Reality for their work but sound development in the hands of a single company will lead us nowhere. The current ST sound library has largely become obsolete and SR alone just cannot keep pace with the rest of the world.

ANY of the options below would really make my day:

- Instead of packing SampleTank with features we can live without, upgrade ST's ridiculous Import feature to include more source formats and better control of parameters imported;
- Make the ST format more popular among sound developers by actually giving them the specification and/or the necessary tools;
- If IK refuses to give away the format/tools, set up a licensing scheme with key sound developers, make the conversions in house and sell the libraries at esoundz. Most of the ExpansionTank libraries were made this way so why not give us a fresh scoop of something from eLab, Big Fish Audio or ModernBeats?

[BERFAB]

I disagree that the ST library is obsolete. Great sounds are great sounds. Sure, there could be some cool additions to keep up with current trends, but pianos, basses, organs, etc. that sound like what they are supposed to sound like will never go out of style.

That said, I'm sure that IK probably has a nice overhaul (ST3?) planned at some point that will move the platform along even further. The step upgrade (free, at that) to 2.5 was a very nice surprise/improvement. Just like Amplitube 2 exceeded everyone's expectations, I'm sure the pros in charge are giving a lot of thought to those details for ST. Unfortunately, release dates are probably a hit or miss proposition, as they have been in the past.

But you are correct that this does not address the larger issue of sound development and the integration of cross-platform tools. Your point about the import feature is well taken, and it will be interesting to see if IK considers this an important development issue.

Personally, I think the IK line is great for two reasons: 1. the sounds are great and very professional, and 2. you can get at the sounds easier than any other product that I know of, leaving a lot more time for creativity. It's so simple, in fact, to use SampleTank and SonikSynth that their manuals are just pamphlets. But they do cover everthing. And it's that simplicity that is the key.

Now, while I understand the need for proprietary formats, I always think back to how taking this to extremes can sink a company too. Sony provides one of the best examples of this. Their product history is an object lesson in attempts to push proprietary technology over accepted formats -- often with disasterous results (BETAMAX!!). One of their most recent foibles was the refusal to use SD chips in their digital camera line, instead opting for the more expensive 'stick' technology. But some may recall a few years back that rather than license the more popular formats, they actually put mini-CDR burners in their cameras, resulting in very ugly, bulky and cumbersome cameras that couldn't be sold. Moral of the story, I think, is that some judicious use of licensing could reap larger rewards later on for all concerned.

Cheers
-B

[trixie]

I disagree that the ST library is obsolete. Great sounds are great sounds.

Sadly, not true in the electronic world. 160db, Vintage Voltage and the hiphop ExpansionTanks just don't cut it any more.

I'm not saying the other libraries containing "real" instruments are unusable (though the Piano Collection could use an overhaul with better sampling).

I'm merely asking for a greater choice in sounds. Sonic Reality alone will never be able to give us what Kontakt users can choose from.