Best VST alternative to a Workstation synth?

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You could use Synthmaster w/ some basic Sfz files. Synthmaster now responds to MIDI Bank & program changes... so you can switch sounds super fast. You will have to make the banks & programs on your own. But it also helps that you can modulate almost anything as well.
I read more than post = I listen more than I talk

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Just in case if anyone is interested, as it has been mentioned several times in this thread, AIR Xpand!2 is presently on sale for $1 (yes, one dollar) at Audio Deluxe.

With that said, my favorite workstation synths are IK Multimedia Sampletank 3, AIR Xpand!2 and Korg Wavestation.

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godly wrote:
pdxindy wrote:
godly wrote:I forgot to mention:
It must have low CPU and quick loading for live use.
I don't see Kontakt capable?
low cpu... the Korg stuff... M1 and Wavestation
Yes, it's great but outdated :)
and why bother with acoustic instruments like outdated grandpiano, orchestra instruments and guitar sounds that have been around for ages that command big ass sample libraries for the big selling sample based vst plugins?
Its all a stupid more is better mentality over being creative with basic sounds and effects.
KLC M1 is a workhorse near perfect combination of sound quality, performance and flexibility
for the sample based component in your music.
HW SYNTHS [KORG T2EX - AKAI AX80 - YAMAHA SY77 - ENSONIQ VFX]
HW MODULES [OBi M1000 - ROLAND MKS-50 - ROLAND JV880 - KURZ 1000PX]
SW [CHARLATAN - OBXD - OXE - ELEKTRO - MICROTERA - M1 - SURGE - RMiV]
DAW [ENERGY XT2/1U RACK WINXP / MAUDIO 1010LT PCI]

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Saukar30 wrote:You could use Synthmaster w/ some basic Sfz files. Synthmaster now responds to MIDI Bank & program changes... so you can switch sounds super fast. You will have to make the banks & programs on your own. But it also helps that you can modulate almost anything as well.
That said, i never understood why presets are not PC changeable in most of the vsts.
I mean i can even do it in Synth1. Bank x program x and i have my preset. Very useful.
My sounddesign: Synth1/Ex5/D-50 patches https://goo.gl/zE3pkk
My stuff: W10x64i7 15" laptop, Reaper/Cantabile3+Synth1+Avenger on stage+NordStage2+Samson Graphite 49
Loving new VPS Avenger! Check my skins! https://goo.gl/MBNJHj

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Problem is: most synths don't have:
- a huge library
- import of other libs
- good synth editing functionality
My sounddesign: Synth1/Ex5/D-50 patches https://goo.gl/zE3pkk
My stuff: W10x64i7 15" laptop, Reaper/Cantabile3+Synth1+Avenger on stage+NordStage2+Samson Graphite 49
Loving new VPS Avenger! Check my skins! https://goo.gl/MBNJHj

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I think I'm in love !
Can't wait, I hope it's afforable.
My sounddesign: Synth1/Ex5/D-50 patches https://goo.gl/zE3pkk
My stuff: W10x64i7 15" laptop, Reaper/Cantabile3+Synth1+Avenger on stage+NordStage2+Samson Graphite 49
Loving new VPS Avenger! Check my skins! https://goo.gl/MBNJHj

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godly wrote:Problem is: most synths don't have:
- a huge library
- import of other libs
- good synth editing functionality
NI Kore 2 does just that and is what comes closest to the ultimate workstation for me.

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aMUSEd wrote:
godly wrote:Problem is: most synths don't have:
- a huge library
- import of other libs
- good synth editing functionality
NI Kore 2 does just that and is what comes closest to the ultimate workstation for me.
It's a collection of synths right? Not 1 synth?
Plus: "KORE PRODUCT RANGE DISCONTINUED"
My sounddesign: Synth1/Ex5/D-50 patches https://goo.gl/zE3pkk
My stuff: W10x64i7 15" laptop, Reaper/Cantabile3+Synth1+Avenger on stage+NordStage2+Samson Graphite 49
Loving new VPS Avenger! Check my skins! https://goo.gl/MBNJHj

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godly wrote:
aMUSEd wrote:
godly wrote:Problem is: most synths don't have:
- a huge library
- import of other libs
- good synth editing functionality
NI Kore 2 does just that and is what comes closest to the ultimate workstation for me.
It's a collection of synths right? Not 1 synth?
Plus: "KORE PRODUCT RANGE DISCONTINUED"
No it's one plugin (synth and fx version) that can host other plugins as sound engines and processors

Yes it's discontinued but it's what I use and consider the best workstation plugin ever created - certainly closest to something like Kronos.

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aMUSEd wrote:
godly wrote:
aMUSEd wrote:
godly wrote:Problem is: most synths don't have:
- a huge library
- import of other libs
- good synth editing functionality
NI Kore 2 does just that and is what comes closest to the ultimate workstation for me.
It's a collection of synths right? Not 1 synth?
Plus: "KORE PRODUCT RANGE DISCONTINUED"
No it's one plugin (synth and fx version) that can host other plugins as sound engines and processors

Yes it's discontinued but it's what I use and consider the best workstation plugin ever created - certainly closest to something like Kronos.
Any idea where I can still download it?
My sounddesign: Synth1/Ex5/D-50 patches https://goo.gl/zE3pkk
My stuff: W10x64i7 15" laptop, Reaper/Cantabile3+Synth1+Avenger on stage+NordStage2+Samson Graphite 49
Loving new VPS Avenger! Check my skins! https://goo.gl/MBNJHj

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No but it does occasionally go on sale in the market place - but I wasn't recommending you shoud get it, just saying what I use and what could be seen as a benchmark (and therefore consider it a shame to have been discontinued)

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aMUSEd wrote:No but it does occasionally go on sale in the market place - but I wasn't recommending you shoud get it, just saying what I use and what could be seen as a benchmark (and therefore consider it a shame to have been discontinued)
Ni apparently is trying to make Komplete Kontrol the replacement for that. Being you so used to Kore, what are the main differences you find in each one? (I usually don't like sub-hosts, that's why I don't use any, unless I have to, like with Vienna)
Fernando (FMR)

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I think Xpand2 is certainly a good option... and only $1 as was mentioned. Another option might be Korg's M1 plugin. I know people have complained about it sounding dated, but especially if you can get it on sale for $50 I think it's a good value and still has a lot of mileage.

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Sequent wrote:Another option might be Korg's M1 plugin. I know people have complained about it sounding dated, but especially if you can get it on sale for $50 I think it's a good value and still has a lot of mileage.
People that say any sound source for music creation sounds dated are idiots that are echoing other idiots that have said it. i can include a primitive sound...say, beating a rock with a stick and feed the audio
through modern effects like delays, chorus, phasers, distortion and finally spacial enhancers into my music and, voila! it sounds instantly Modern, not from the stone age. :idea:
HW SYNTHS [KORG T2EX - AKAI AX80 - YAMAHA SY77 - ENSONIQ VFX]
HW MODULES [OBi M1000 - ROLAND MKS-50 - ROLAND JV880 - KURZ 1000PX]
SW [CHARLATAN - OBXD - OXE - ELEKTRO - MICROTERA - M1 - SURGE - RMiV]
DAW [ENERGY XT2/1U RACK WINXP / MAUDIO 1010LT PCI]

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godly wrote:I think I'm in love !
Can't wait, I hope it's afforable.
This one is great :tu:

As far as I know it'll be priced 199 euro which is a very reasonable price because it is like a modern monster workstation/wavetable/sample based synth. The CPU is surprisingly very reasonable even with its 8 layers all used! There is a special layer with Drums (great drum editor as well). The sound is great, no emulation, and the presets are like those in Yamaha/Korg/Roland romplers.

Now, there are other great choices as well, but depends on what you will mainly use, traditional instruments? Like Piano and wind instruments for example or ....

Kontakt (or Komplete) is a great package can cover everything. Halion or Absolute 2 can also be the same as Komplete, while Korg Legacy Collection still a great choice (I love Korg and their VA are my favourites, not so much M1 or wavestation).

There are other great choices even!! Like Explorer 4 by Rob Papen covers a lot of synthesis with thousands of great presets, so if you want just synth based package, this is hard to beat!

Or be like the most of us and keep buying synth from here, drums from there, piano from there .... etc (means never stop spending :hihi: )
Using: Cubase Pro 15, Bitwig 5, Tascam US-4x4HR, MODX6, DM12D, LaunchKey 49, Yamaha guitar(Pacifica 612v) and bass (BB234) and some virtual instruments and synths.

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