Studiophonik update

[pricer]

I'm just wondering what's going on with this product, things have seemed to have gotten a little quiet on this board relating to new products. That normally means you're too busy working on your products, but i was just wondering if you could give out a little more info on this product, likewise with SS2.

Since the release of info on Studiophonik, a lot of band-orientated products have been released or have gone on to sell really well and set the bar pretty high - most notably Electrik Piano, Guitar Rig and BFD/XFL.

How will your product compare to these? FXpansion seem to have hit the ground running with the success of their BFD product, with drums only taking up a chunk of your entire package, do you see Studiophonik as a clear competitor for BFD, will you be supporting the product with updates as large as the XFL, for example. Will the drum setup match that of BFD, with being able to mix mic sources?

The Bass and Guitar VST market isn't as competitive (Trilogy is the only Bass VST i can think of), with mainly amp sims being the only market - Sonic Synth was the first time I recognised that computers can do realistic bass and guitar , but does that make it easier for you putting out a product with slim competition, or does it make it more difficult knowing that if it's a runaway success, that the world and his wife are going to want a cut of the action.

Most people know on this forum of SR's prog following, but are there any other influences your taking in for the sounds of Studiophonik, were there any pieces of kit you specifically requested (say a John Bonham snare - one is currently residing at Sarm West Studios, I have a friend from uni who works there; the Counting Crows were working on a track for the Shrek 2 soundtrack so he got to put together a kit list for them to use - it helps when Trevor Horn is your boss too )

Anyway, from your dedicated to trons (i've heard my tron package arrived btw, though i'm currently 50 miles away at my girlfriend's in Westbury, looking after her cat while she's at work, apparently PG's Realworld studios are just around the corner - i'll have to pop by one of these days, see if they need a teaboy ) I know that Studiophonik is going to have some rare stuff running through its veins.

Anyway, i'd better get back to relaxing - the sun's out and you can see for miles and miles, just lots of green english countryside - with Sandy the Cat and a crate of Stella by my side, i can tell this holiday is going to be nice.

[dgkenney]

I'm just wondering what's going on with this product,

Me too. Now that SS2 is on the approach path, how about turning the radar on SP.

Dan

[Kim Lajoie]

I think there's going to be an even bigger push for Sonik Synth 2 in the coming few weeks - when it actually becomes available for the general public. Perhaps after that dies down a bit we'll start seeing some more discussion about Studiophonik.

Maybe there are a lot of "band-oriented" products already, but Studiophonik is currently unique in that it's an all-in-one plugin. It can be like a "go to" plugin for band-type instruments. It also has a top-class effects system built in (and part of the presets too!), which is a HUGE advantage over the current "samples-only" instruments. Have a think about this - you select a drumkit preset, and it already has tube-modelled compression and eq in the channel strip. You select a guitar, and there's real-time amp simulation. The piano already sounds like it was recorded in a gorgeous room. It's really inspiring - like you pull up any instrument, and you've got your own personal engineer that's automatically set up your channel strip to sound great for you! Of course, you've got full access to the effects section, so you can modify or completely redo the effects on any instrument (and save it back as a preset!).

Studiophonik is probably not a direct competitor to dedicated libraries such as BFD, etc. There are no 40gig drumkits in Studiophonik (you'll see that one later!). However, most of the instruments in Studiophonik are generously sampled - most being dozens on megabytes, and some will be over a hundred megabytes for single instruments. Of course, size is not the same as quality, but that'll give you an idea of where it sits. You'll have to listen to it yourself to decide whether you like the sound or not.

I think the biggest problem for Studiophonik will be that because it's an all-in-one solution, people might think "oh, I've already got drums and piano, so it's not worth it just for the guitars", or something like that. It might not be so attractive if you've already invested in similar sounds. Of course, the capsules are a much better alternative in this case, because each capsule targets a particular type of instrument - so they're better for "filling the gaps". And the capsules have sounds for almost any softsampler, but also come with ST2LE will all the effects goodness I mentioned before...


Mmm can't wait for relaxing. It's almost summer down here in Oz, and semester's almost over... so I'll be having some well-earned relaxing summer holidays soon...

Forever,




Kim.

[Squids]

Here is my opinion on some of what you mentioned. I agree that it is unique in how it is workstation of those type of instruments as opposed to being dedicated to just one type like BFD. In terms of the sound of the drums in Studiophonik it will be very competitive with BFD. But, to be honest, even the Studio Drums Capsule for $99. is very competitive in terms of its sound with other high end drum products like BFD or DFHS or others. Maybe not in terms of certain specs like layered mics you can mix, but in terms of playability from midi and the subjective "How does it sound?" factor. This opinion is shared with others.

I like BFD. I have it. I don't have the XFL (although it is a funny name) I think BFD itself has a certain kind of sound which is shaped very much by the room they used. What it doesn't do for me is a very tight Steely Dan type drum sound or a classic funk drum sound or many other flavors of drums that I like. It seems to me that BFD and DFHS are more suited for heavy rock drumming only. That's just my opinion though but I AM into drums. Of course, sometimes that roomy big rock sound is what you want. But, there are plenty of other drum sounds to have as well.

As Jeez mentioned, one of the benefits of Studiophonik is that it is a more "variety of brands and studio sounds right out of the box" kind of thing. For instance, one of my favorite features of BFD is that you have mixing control over a variety of mics. But, you have no high quality built-in effects as part of the sound. All of that is up to you as an ENGINEER! Since I consider myself an engineer then that product is right up my alley! But, for someone who wants only a little less flexibility to adjust the mic mixing (let's say between direct and overhead or between dry and room) but also wants to call up a patch with some engineering already done to it at a DSP level that you can adjust (such as parametric eq, tube compression, limiting and other tweaks) then Studiophonik delivers a much wider range of sounds right out of the box than any other software drum module on the market today.

But, then that is just speaking of what it does as a drum kit sound module. That's not even getting into tons of electric guitar brands with built-in AmpliTube amp modeling or tons of basses, pianos, B3 Organ, horn sections.... the REST of your band.

As far as the range of brands and patches for all of these instruments you can imagine that it will cover everything from popular requests to esoteric prog stuff. So, tons of people will want a bit of that Motown sound, that Led Zep sound (not just the Ludwig drums mate but we also sampled a double neck Page SG!!!!), the Beatles sounds and so on. There will also be a sound similar to old Police records or Pink Floyd or Genesis, Yes etc. Some sounds are more flexible to be used either for classic rock or something totally modern just depending on how it is "produced" in the module (either by you or by us as programmers).

The unique approach SR and IK have for this line of modules is that the degree of flexible built-in production elements as part of the sound (ie. built-in effects and mixing) but also a full workstation's range of sounds to work with. This means more music can be made right out of the box. Isn't that what matters the most? People want to make music and keep the creative flow going. They also want to get good VFM as well.

Oh by the way, I have a HUGE surprise coming about Sonik Synth 2... and it is not even that the main piano is 150 megs and sounds incredible. Something else that is beyond your expectations and makes the upgrade that much more enticing... but I am saving the surprise for when it is released. It has nothing to do with the price. It has to do with something more that you get with it that was not announced... something good!

[fgrittner]

Are you going to make band presets that package the Police, Beatles, Steely Dan band sounds? That would be a cool way to get into Studiophonik, as hunting for individual sounds is fun but can interrupt the workflow. Clicking a Steely Dan preset would be awesome.

As for drums, I love BFD but I like the XFL drums even more. Nevertheless, Studiphonik interests me. Hopefully you will have it ready for NAMM in early 2005.

[dgkenney]

As far as the range of brands and patches for all of these instruments you can imagine that it will cover everything from popular requests to esoteric prog stuff. So, tons of people will want a bit of that Motown sound, that Led Zep sound (not just the Ludwig drums mate but we also sampled a double neck Page SG!!!!), the Beatles sounds and so on. There will also be a sound similar to old Police records or Pink Floyd or Genesis, Yes etc. Some sounds are more flexible to be used either for classic rock or something totally modern just depending on how it is "produced" in the module (either by you or by us as programmers).

How did you know those are exactly the sounds I wanted?
Seriously, I am very excited about SP and I am sure it will live up to the SR/IK quality. Now that you mentioned a "surprise" with SS2 I may have to change my mind and get it also. Actually, I was starting to soften and was going to pick it up anyway. At the (unmentioned ) upgrade price it is worth it just for the samples.

Dan

[Squids]

There is so much value in Sonik Synth 2 that it is an undeniable deal like no other. It really pushes the envelope (npi).

Studiophonik does too and yes we'll have some combis that are band oriented presets. Some will be multi-timbral set ups that are like an instant Beatles with a Hofner Beatle Bass, a Ringo Ludwig kit, a vintage organ or piano, a mellotron flute pitched down (like Strawberry Fields) and a Ricky electric (I'll pull out my "Beatles Gear" book and make some presets based on that!). The same for other bands. The Police would be good because we have the Stewart Copeland signature Tama snare in the collection as well as OCTABONS and a Tama kit. Then you can take any of the clean electrics and strat getting Andy Summers sounds running it through the engine's fx. A good bass and you're there. We can have a Floyd preset with Roto Toms, Echoes piano, organ, Strat and a P-Bass. That will be fun!

Studiophonik is going to be so cool. I can't wait until it is done. Between that and Sonik Synth 2 I've just replaced my entire band with the ultimate flexible band with more sonic variety than anything has had before. It is such a luxury for a producer to have these too. If I think back when I was doing sessions and working on song demos or budget albums or scores these two would have really helped! I am hoping that after they are done I will be able to work on music faster myself to tell you the truth. I am inspired to get back to doing more songwriting again, especially with the help of these power toolboxes.

[Bassballjg]

Squids,

Trawling for clues, but an actually serious question. If I my motive for upgrading to ST2XL from ST2LE with SS1 include gaining the ability to import my own samples, would this SS2 surprise of yours warrant my postponing that and doing SS2 first instead?

[Squids]

Squids,

Trawling for clues, but an actually serious question. If I my motive for upgrading to ST2XL from ST2LE with SS1 include gaining the ability to import my own samples, would this SS2 surprise of yours warrant my postponing that and doing SS2 first instead?

Tough question, impossible to answer (starting to sound like Yoda here). I will at least tell you that part of the surprise has to do with material that is included that people are not expecting. That's all. Does it mean you guys will want it more? I think so. But, it doesn't take the place of what ST2 can do with import and things like that so... if that helps.

[Sicklecell666]

Are you going to make band presets that package the Police, Beatles

Who do I have to kill to get a 'Ghost in the machine' combi?

[Bassballjg]

Squids,

Trawling for clues, but an actually serious question. If I my motive for upgrading to ST2XL from ST2LE with SS1 include gaining the ability to import my own samples, would this SS2 surprise of yours warrant my postponing that and doing SS2 first instead?

Tough question, impossible to answer (starting to sound like Yoda here). I will at least tell you that part of the surprise has to do with material that is included that people are not expecting. That's all. Does it mean you guys will want it more? I think so. But, it doesn't take the place of what ST2 can do with import and things like that so... if that helps.

No worries, done deal. I bought ST2XL today, sadly at the probable cost of the tron collection. And I am still 100% on board for SS2 anyway. A 150 meg piano is a ball-buster for my current computer (512 meg), but anything that makes this even better is still all good. I remain an SR/IK believer and am looking forward to really programming ST2 vs the limits of LE. That is what this is about to me, having the ultimate synth engine for sample-based synthesis, so the whole SS2 concept is where I am at.

Of course, if not what I asked about, my next choices for the SS2 wish list would be expansion via new SR banks (already hinted at as a possibility, I seem to recall) and or maybe some fragments of 'tron esoterica. Forgive me, I am a chronic speculator given a hint or two. So yes, I do want it more, and totally trust you and your team to be in sync with my synthesis and sound tastes.

[dprvulov]

Dear Squids,

I has alway been a glad user of Sonic Synth 1 and that`s why I am a big fan of Sonic Reality.

I am very interested in Studiophonik, but there is one thing I am a little concerned about: "playing realism".

An example: When you hear the mp3-demo of the vienna horizon saxophone, then it primarily does not sound very special. BUT: When you turn ON the legato tool, then WHOHOWHOOOOOO..... AMAZING!!!! What a realism in the transition between samples! Unbelievable! Its like someone is really playing a sax!
It blows your mind away!

So, to close the circle of my initial question: Is there any chance that Studiophonik will have something comparable that will enhance the "feeling of realistically played instruments"? I know, its nice to have all the basic samples from mucho cool instruments, guitars etc - worksation-like. But it would be even cooler to have at least 1-2 instruments from each section which one can play like it is "live", and not so "MIDI-ish".


If STUDIOPHONIK would have sth like that, than I would buy it, whatever it would cost.

Best regards

[Kim Lajoie]

Just before Squids gets in here...

StudioPhonik is based on the SampleTank2 engine, which has STRETCH. I'm too busy to go into details (I'm sure Squids will fill in the details)... but basically... Yes. It'll be good. But different. But good.

Gotta go...

Forever,




Kim.

[dprvulov]

thx Jeez for your reply, but I think STRETCH is not the answer to my question.

Stretch is a special playback- algorithm for single samples, but it does not have anything to do with triggering or insertion of special legato- or transition-samples. The legato tool or performance tool from gigastudio is sth very special that makes *phrases* sound extremely natural, not *samples*.

However, this little gadget is a small program running between the sampler and its output, so why sth similar could not be programmed for SampleTank (STUDIOPHONIK) as well?

very best regards

[Kim Lajoie]

Ah ok. I misunderstood.

As far as I know, there are no plans for Studiophonik to include this type of sample-switching... but then again, I only know what I've been told...

Forever,




Kim.