Hello,
This one is primary for the IK Multimedia and SonicReality staff (as I assume they'll know it best) but all others are welcome, too.
I'm considering buying SampleTank 2 XL for its great engine and huge library but I also saw that SonicReality offers many sample libraries for SampleTank. For example, there's a Guitar Collection, Acoustic Drums, Piano Collection and a few others. Now, how do they compare to each other? If I buy ST 2 XL (that's 8 CD!), do I get all the sounds SR offers as separate products? Or is the quality (sample rate, number of samples etc.) better in SR products? An overview or comparison would be great.
Regards,
Brian
Comparing ST 2 XL Content CD's and SonicReality products
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- KVRer
- 3 posts since 5 Oct, 2003
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- Beware the Quoth
- 35449 posts since 4 Sep, 2001 from R'lyeh Oceanic Amusement Park and Funfair
The ST2 library does not include the eROM (ie the 'Collection' stuff) content, or the OmniSynth or SonicSynth content. It does however have new sounds developed for ST2 by Sonic Reality.
The eROMs are more focussed that the ST2 content, and often there are considerably bigger patches, but the quality is comparable across the board. ST2, though, has more features, so the patches might be a bit more sophisticated allows much more
BTW you currently wont get the ST2 synth (which is a vast improvement over ST1) if you buy the eROMs.
The eROMs are more focussed that the ST2 content, and often there are considerably bigger patches, but the quality is comparable across the board. ST2, though, has more features, so the patches might be a bit more sophisticated allows much more
BTW you currently wont get the ST2 synth (which is a vast improvement over ST1) if you buy the eROMs.
An idiot on Set Theory:
"In some cases there is an object called red that contains everything that is red. In much the same way a pot is a plate."
"In some cases there is an object called red that contains everything that is red. In much the same way a pot is a plate."
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- KVRer
- Topic Starter
- 3 posts since 5 Oct, 2003
Well, I plan to buy SampleTank 2 XL anyway. I want to know how the original XL content CD's compare to more specialized SR products because I'd maybe extra buy them. If they're really better. But I doubt it as I assume that eight original CD's offer more sounds and more quality than five "Collection" products (Guitar Collection, Acoustic Drums, Piano Collection, Symphony Strings, Bass Collection - I'm not interested in Synth- or eROM-line).
Any other thoughts?
Any other thoughts?
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- Sonic Reality Head Chef
- 8566 posts since 11 Mar, 2002 from Florida
Actually, Piano Collection, Guitar Collection, Symphony Strings IS the "eROM line", also known as "expansion ROMS" and soon to be known as... drum roll please? Ah, I am not allowed to fully say until it's announced but I can tell you this. If you buy any of the eROMS (ie. Piano Collection, Guitar Collection etc) there will be an update with patches especially made for ST2 (besides it's ST1 patches that it already has that work with ST2). Also, any purchase of eROMS since January qualify for the ST2 LE. However, it's much better to use SampleTank 2 XL.
How does the quality compare? Well, first of all they are different samples. So, getting these collections adds to your overall sound availability in general. I'd say that the pianos in ST2 XL and Piano Collection are on par with each other, just different. If you love pianos then both will be an amazing collection and more variety than you get most other places (especially for the money). The drums are very good in ST2 XL but the Acoustic Drums eROM is killer for acoustic drum kits with realism (and there's a new update for it that allows it to be both Interactive Map and GM map).
Symphony Strings is more focused on ensemble strings and offers a variety of articulations you don't get from ST2 XL. In some ways it is better for strings. Guitar Collection definitely offers a lot more material to take advantage of ST2 XL's killer built-in amp simulation than the ST2 XL set does. If you are into guitars then not only is Guitar Collection a really good one but the new Electric Guitar Capsule and Acoustic Guitar Capsule are also really fantastic and definitely better for guitars than the basic variety of guitars you'll have from the broad ST2 XL collection. In fact, these three guitar libraries constitute a very serious and complete sampled guitar library set and rivals many that would cost a lot more.
Bass Collection and the Bass Guitar Capsule are also like turning ST2 XL into a major bass module. While there are some very good basses in ST2 XL already this allows you to have more variety of particular brands such as Rickenbackers, Fender P and Jazz basses, Hofner Beatle Bass and more.
So, even though the sounds in ST2 XL are very good the eight CD's does cover a wider range of instruments. Some sound better than others too although that is subjective. SR also did some of the programming in ST2 XL as well as contributing some of the samples although really only a small amount relative to the whole package. The eROMS and Capsules are great for getting higher quality more focused collections of instruments that will add to your overall collection. It all depends on what kind of sounds you are looking for the most.
If you have any questions you can also email: dan@sonicreality.com or go visit: www.esoundz.com
How does the quality compare? Well, first of all they are different samples. So, getting these collections adds to your overall sound availability in general. I'd say that the pianos in ST2 XL and Piano Collection are on par with each other, just different. If you love pianos then both will be an amazing collection and more variety than you get most other places (especially for the money). The drums are very good in ST2 XL but the Acoustic Drums eROM is killer for acoustic drum kits with realism (and there's a new update for it that allows it to be both Interactive Map and GM map).
Symphony Strings is more focused on ensemble strings and offers a variety of articulations you don't get from ST2 XL. In some ways it is better for strings. Guitar Collection definitely offers a lot more material to take advantage of ST2 XL's killer built-in amp simulation than the ST2 XL set does. If you are into guitars then not only is Guitar Collection a really good one but the new Electric Guitar Capsule and Acoustic Guitar Capsule are also really fantastic and definitely better for guitars than the basic variety of guitars you'll have from the broad ST2 XL collection. In fact, these three guitar libraries constitute a very serious and complete sampled guitar library set and rivals many that would cost a lot more.
Bass Collection and the Bass Guitar Capsule are also like turning ST2 XL into a major bass module. While there are some very good basses in ST2 XL already this allows you to have more variety of particular brands such as Rickenbackers, Fender P and Jazz basses, Hofner Beatle Bass and more.
So, even though the sounds in ST2 XL are very good the eight CD's does cover a wider range of instruments. Some sound better than others too although that is subjective. SR also did some of the programming in ST2 XL as well as contributing some of the samples although really only a small amount relative to the whole package. The eROMS and Capsules are great for getting higher quality more focused collections of instruments that will add to your overall collection. It all depends on what kind of sounds you are looking for the most.
If you have any questions you can also email: dan@sonicreality.com or go visit: www.esoundz.com
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- KVRer
- Topic Starter
- 3 posts since 5 Oct, 2003
Squids (and whyterabbyt), thanks for your answers. The one from Squid definitely made it clear. Great! I'll go the planned route: ST 2 XL and then I'll really extra buy the named SR products as it seems that they offer more and better sounds. I now see that they indeed are available as eROMS but I first saw the "Sounds Only" version (a special offer at esoundz for $ 59. Great!).
Thanks again.
Brian
Thanks again.
Brian
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- Sonic Reality Head Chef
- 8566 posts since 11 Mar, 2002 from Florida
Oh yeah, that's a good point. Alright I will help out KVRians a little here and devulge a secret. We're re-releasing the "eROM" line with new ST2 presets and a new LE. The prices are all $99. though (and discounted through stores... but not quite as good as $59. I am afraid). Anyone who bought an eROM from esoundz since January 2004 gets the upgrade to the version 2 of it for free. Anyone who owns SampleTank 2 and owns a ver 1 eROM also gets a download of the presets for free. Anyone who purchases ver 2 of any of the eROMS and/or a new eROM (yes, there is even going to be announcement of three brand new eROMS besides the new Capsules... eROMS are ST only) can also have access to the ST2 presets for their other ver 1 eROMS (you see you have to show some kind of purchase/registration of ST2 full or LE in order to get the presets... otherwise how could one use them?).
So, what does all that mean? It means that there is a window of time to take advantage of lower prices on eROM "sound only" versions as long as you have SampleTank 2 to play it (either from another eROM purchase or from getting ST2 XL which is highly recommended anyway for complete flexibility and a ton of sounds). When the "official" re-release of the ver 2 comes out the prices will go up a little. Maybe not a lot though. $10-20? But, still. It adds up especially if you were wanting to get a bunch.
Better to let you guys know this in advance a little. Summer NAMM is coming up if that gives you any indication on what kind of time-frame the old prices will still be around.
So, what does all that mean? It means that there is a window of time to take advantage of lower prices on eROM "sound only" versions as long as you have SampleTank 2 to play it (either from another eROM purchase or from getting ST2 XL which is highly recommended anyway for complete flexibility and a ton of sounds). When the "official" re-release of the ver 2 comes out the prices will go up a little. Maybe not a lot though. $10-20? But, still. It adds up especially if you were wanting to get a bunch.
Better to let you guys know this in advance a little. Summer NAMM is coming up if that gives you any indication on what kind of time-frame the old prices will still be around.
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- KVRist
- 311 posts since 4 Aug, 2003 from Orlando, FL
Why are there E-roms when you have Capsules that are multi-platform? So there will be a Bass Capsule and a Bass e-rom? That just seems confusing. If you are an ST2 owner, what is the difference...just one is multi-platform and one is not?
Pete
Pete
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- KVRian
- 1210 posts since 5 Dec, 2002 from Earth
Squids,
I want to make sure I understand this correctly, the Acoustic Drums eROM for SampleTank will be updated and GM mapped? If so, that's great news, as I use GM-mapping and could really use this. Since I bought my eROM some time ago, does this mean I can download the update file when it is ready with GM mappings and it will work with my current eROM?
Please confirm.
Thanks,
eDrummist
I want to make sure I understand this correctly, the Acoustic Drums eROM for SampleTank will be updated and GM mapped? If so, that's great news, as I use GM-mapping and could really use this. Since I bought my eROM some time ago, does this mean I can download the update file when it is ready with GM mappings and it will work with my current eROM?
Please confirm.
Thanks,
eDrummist
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- KVRer
- 2 posts since 28 Apr, 2004 from new york
Squidz and others,
Last time I posted I mentioned the fantastic quality of ST2XL's ethnic instruments, many of which Squidz apparently + brilliantly helped design.
I need more of these soundz, and fast! Can anyone tell me where to find a large buffet of ethnic instrument sounds in one or two packages? Not just percussion, such as in Yellow Tools' Culture, but strings and winds and etc. Of course, price is a big consideration.
Thanks --
jim
Last time I posted I mentioned the fantastic quality of ST2XL's ethnic instruments, many of which Squidz apparently + brilliantly helped design.
I need more of these soundz, and fast! Can anyone tell me where to find a large buffet of ethnic instrument sounds in one or two packages? Not just percussion, such as in Yellow Tools' Culture, but strings and winds and etc. Of course, price is a big consideration.
Thanks --
jim
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- Sonic Reality Head Chef
- 8566 posts since 11 Mar, 2002 from Florida
Some answers...
First, Pete C, yes they are different types of products. Capsules are multiformat and the "eROMS" (actually going to be called something else because they include also the entire line of IK, AMG etc. as well as SR titles) are just SampleTank 2 libraries/modules via the included ST2 LE.
So, what is the difference? Well, of course, the sounds are different. The Bass Capsule has different Basses than the Bass Collection. Confusing? Sorry about that. You might even consider the Bass Capsule to be a vol. 2 then. But, instead of just making a volume 2 for ST we decided to make the new Basses a multiformat library/ST2 module. It just so happens to be the same price of $99. though so if you owned another sampler besides ST2 it is even better value than most ST libraries. If you don't own any other sample players then it is roughly the same value as any other $99. ST library except that the size of the library when expanded from the UFO can actually be much larger than most single CD libraries (for example the full Studio Drums Capsule expands to 2 gigs when installed with all the options).
Anyway, the bottom line is that Studio Drums Capsule is different material than Acoustic Drums, the Acoustic Guitar Capsule and Electric Guitar Capsule are different than Guitar Collection, Bass Capsule is different than Bass Collection and eventually when we do our strings capsules they will be different from Symphony Strings etc.
The good thing is you have more choices and if by chance you are say a fan of our drums or strings or guitars etc. then you have more things to get to expand your sound collection. Plus the new stuff is even better.
eDrummist, here's the deal on the version 2's of all the eROMS. First of all, we have Acoustic Drums, Bass Collection and Guitar Collection so far updated to ST2 format now. We're waiting on the ST2 LE which we should have in a week or two. Although if someone owns SampleTank 2 XL they can get purchase these libraries and ask for the ST2 format discs. We're getting ready to do something special on www.esoundz.com where we allow a free download of the new ST2 patches for any of the eROMS if you have either purchased ST2 L or XL from esoundz or if you have purchased ANY eROM or Capsule from esoundz since January 2004. Of course, those patches will only work if you have the particular library they work with. So, you can download the Bass Collection v2.0 patches next week but if you don't actually have the Bass Collection it won't work (because the patches link to the samples on that disc).
Additionally, SR has worked out something cool with IK to offer ALL registered SampleTank 2XL and L users who may also own any of the SR version 1 eROMS (Piano Collection, Guitar Coll, Acst Drums, Symphony Strings) will be find these ver 2 ST2 patches in their SampleTank user area for free automatically in a couple of weeks or so. Kind of cool extra value huh?
So for the patch update it's not hard to get the ver. 2 stuff for free except for two libraries which have more involved updated programs & samples. One of them is going to be OmniSynth v2.0 which has updated samples and some other goodies I'll talk about soon. The other is Acoustic Drums eROM which has the GM maps as well as light version kits and more. Both these two updates are too big for downloads so they require us sending out new CDs. Anyone who purchased ANY of these libraries since January 1st 2004 from esoundz will receive the new version sound CDs AND the ST2 LE disc for free automatically. You'll be notified by email when it is available and if you don't hear by say July 15 you can email dan@esoundz.com to have it looked into. We have everything databased though.
But, what if you purchased Acoustic Drums and/or OmniSynth before Jan 1? There are a couple of ways one can get the new versions for next to nothing. If you purchase ANYTHING from www.esoundz.com and we have you on record as purchasing that Acoustic Drums or Omni from us we'll throw the new disc in with your other order. That's fair. But, let's say you don't want to order anything else but would love to have the new sound disc! (but why) We'll probably come up with some inexpensive upgrade price (possibly even an upgrade from ST1 LE to ST2 LE only on esoundz). For that you can email dan@esoundz.com but not until late next week.
Ok, that is for general KVRian knowledge. For eDrummist I actually have a DVD of the Lamb show being put together that we'll send you as promised (being the Kevin Gilbert fan you are) and we might as well throw in the update in that shipment for you as well. We really appreciate some of the things our kind customers have done to help us besides just supporting our efforts by buying our products. Thanks.
First, Pete C, yes they are different types of products. Capsules are multiformat and the "eROMS" (actually going to be called something else because they include also the entire line of IK, AMG etc. as well as SR titles) are just SampleTank 2 libraries/modules via the included ST2 LE.
So, what is the difference? Well, of course, the sounds are different. The Bass Capsule has different Basses than the Bass Collection. Confusing? Sorry about that. You might even consider the Bass Capsule to be a vol. 2 then. But, instead of just making a volume 2 for ST we decided to make the new Basses a multiformat library/ST2 module. It just so happens to be the same price of $99. though so if you owned another sampler besides ST2 it is even better value than most ST libraries. If you don't own any other sample players then it is roughly the same value as any other $99. ST library except that the size of the library when expanded from the UFO can actually be much larger than most single CD libraries (for example the full Studio Drums Capsule expands to 2 gigs when installed with all the options).
Anyway, the bottom line is that Studio Drums Capsule is different material than Acoustic Drums, the Acoustic Guitar Capsule and Electric Guitar Capsule are different than Guitar Collection, Bass Capsule is different than Bass Collection and eventually when we do our strings capsules they will be different from Symphony Strings etc.
The good thing is you have more choices and if by chance you are say a fan of our drums or strings or guitars etc. then you have more things to get to expand your sound collection. Plus the new stuff is even better.
eDrummist, here's the deal on the version 2's of all the eROMS. First of all, we have Acoustic Drums, Bass Collection and Guitar Collection so far updated to ST2 format now. We're waiting on the ST2 LE which we should have in a week or two. Although if someone owns SampleTank 2 XL they can get purchase these libraries and ask for the ST2 format discs. We're getting ready to do something special on www.esoundz.com where we allow a free download of the new ST2 patches for any of the eROMS if you have either purchased ST2 L or XL from esoundz or if you have purchased ANY eROM or Capsule from esoundz since January 2004. Of course, those patches will only work if you have the particular library they work with. So, you can download the Bass Collection v2.0 patches next week but if you don't actually have the Bass Collection it won't work (because the patches link to the samples on that disc).
Additionally, SR has worked out something cool with IK to offer ALL registered SampleTank 2XL and L users who may also own any of the SR version 1 eROMS (Piano Collection, Guitar Coll, Acst Drums, Symphony Strings) will be find these ver 2 ST2 patches in their SampleTank user area for free automatically in a couple of weeks or so. Kind of cool extra value huh?
So for the patch update it's not hard to get the ver. 2 stuff for free except for two libraries which have more involved updated programs & samples. One of them is going to be OmniSynth v2.0 which has updated samples and some other goodies I'll talk about soon. The other is Acoustic Drums eROM which has the GM maps as well as light version kits and more. Both these two updates are too big for downloads so they require us sending out new CDs. Anyone who purchased ANY of these libraries since January 1st 2004 from esoundz will receive the new version sound CDs AND the ST2 LE disc for free automatically. You'll be notified by email when it is available and if you don't hear by say July 15 you can email dan@esoundz.com to have it looked into. We have everything databased though.
But, what if you purchased Acoustic Drums and/or OmniSynth before Jan 1? There are a couple of ways one can get the new versions for next to nothing. If you purchase ANYTHING from www.esoundz.com and we have you on record as purchasing that Acoustic Drums or Omni from us we'll throw the new disc in with your other order. That's fair. But, let's say you don't want to order anything else but would love to have the new sound disc! (but why) We'll probably come up with some inexpensive upgrade price (possibly even an upgrade from ST1 LE to ST2 LE only on esoundz). For that you can email dan@esoundz.com but not until late next week.
Ok, that is for general KVRian knowledge. For eDrummist I actually have a DVD of the Lamb show being put together that we'll send you as promised (being the Kevin Gilbert fan you are) and we might as well throw in the update in that shipment for you as well. We really appreciate some of the things our kind customers have done to help us besides just supporting our efforts by buying our products. Thanks.
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- Sonic Reality Head Chef
- 8566 posts since 11 Mar, 2002 from Florida
World Traveler is great for this and is in Akai format but can be imported into ST2. We are working on some other ethnic libraries too... but not available yet. You can get World Traveler from www.esoundz.com and it really is a great library for the money.jambirn wrote:Squidz and others,
Last time I posted I mentioned the fantastic quality of ST2XL's ethnic instruments, many of which Squidz apparently + brilliantly helped design.
I need more of these soundz, and fast! Can anyone tell me where to find a large buffet of ethnic instrument sounds in one or two packages? Not just percussion, such as in Yellow Tools' Culture, but strings and winds and etc. Of course, price is a big consideration.
Thanks --
jim