Some stupid questions

[Squids]

Don't forget that there is a 3-pack for Studio Drums, Eclectic and Groove where the third ends up being half price. Then it is worth it if you are on the fence about one of the three.

Studio Drums is my personal favorite out of the three. There are two levels of SR products in my opinion. Ones that are great if that is what you are looking for and ones that are a MUST because they are just super rare and special. Studio Drums fits into that category. It's exceptional. The other two are excellent libraries but they just give good variety and bang for the buck while Studio Drums is more jaw dropping with what it has to offer for the money. Seriously, I've had many people tell us that they like it over BFD and DFH that cost several times the amount (and we even have more drum stuff coming out that is in the same price range as those).

Another MUST is Sonik Synth 2. I "could" say that every product we make is a "must" but then you wouldn't believe me. Most product it really depends on the person more and what their needs are. But, I have to say that Sonik Synth 2 is something everyone needs. We thought maybe Sonic Synth 1 was this way but it was missing some key things for certain people such as larger instruments in certain categories, editability and an even wider selection (even though to this day I don't know if anyone else has made a software rompler with as much variety as Sonic Synth 1 really). But, Sonik Synth 2 goes way beyond comparing to something else and trying to "match up" (say to hardware). It is unique as a package and to me it is one of the ultimate tools to have. I am so proud of it as a musical source. I feel very confident in recommending it to anyone here as a must have regardless of what level musician you are, regardless of what style or whether you are the type to use presets or make your own sounds. You can do BOTH with Sonik Synth 2 and the years of compiling PRIMO source material has REALLY paid off big time! I cannot believe even for my own musical purposes what I have sound-wise integrated into one instrument. It's over the top and far exceeds what the first one did (and most people really liked the first one too!). So, you can tell with it being nearly complete at this point that I am very excited about it.

Must haves: Sonik Synth 2, Studio Drum Capsule, Acoustic Guitar Capsule, Electric Guitar Capsule. These are some of our best works to date. Everything else is still great and fits the bill but if you are interested in any of the above then they are NOT TO MISS! Seriously. Please try at least one and see if you agree with what I am saying. Studiophonik which is coming is another one not to miss. There are also a few surprises coming really soon as well.

[Caleb]

Squids - I'll tell you what will be a must have from Sonic Reality when it comes out.

Brass and Woodwind Capsule.



Now start working!

You didn't mention Symphonic Strings Expansion Tank as a must have. I'm surprised as I thought that along with the Studio Drums were the two MEGA expansion products that you've done for ST.

In any case - it's just a matter (as always) of working out how I want to purchase these things. With you guys - that's part of the decision process as there are often advantages to making purchases in certain combinations and from certain sources.

Purchasing Studio Drums now might not be the best option for me. Perhaps I should wait until I make my ST L purchase etc. etc..

But Studio Drums is a guaranteed for me. If you want drums, then buy them from Mr Drums. Makes sense really.

Caleb

[Squids]

Yeah, Symphony Strings has certainly been a top seller. It may be the best selling Expansion Tank out of the whole series actually. It's excellent value because string libraries tend to be expensive. But, I guess what I meant about "must have" was that there isn't another library that really does what it does. There ARE some really great string libraries out there. Maybe not for the same price exactly but... I think Symphony Strings is GOOD to have but if you already had say the Miroslav library or Vienna then Symphony Strings isn't a "must have" but a "nice to have" because it's different. However, no matter WHAT guitar libraries you may have for sure you do NOT have anything like Acoustic & Electric Gtr capsules. The same thing for drums. I don't care if you have DFHXFLPDQ 2 XL deluxe special edition g'hist! You don't have the sound and performance of Studio Drum Capsule unless you have it.

So, that's what I meant. But, that's just my opinion. Each person thinks differently about the products in terms of "must have it". If you factor in price then it's different because we always try to give a little more bang for the buck to make it worth it but the ones I mentioned as "must haves" are worth having for practically any price (I mean, within the realm of what sound libraries cost in the market anyway).

I am working on a horns. Maybe you'll see something soon.

[Caleb]

Hmmmm - now you're intriguing me with the guitar capsules Squids.

Actually I was always looking at the accoustic guitars capsule. But what is it about both and particularly the electric guitar that make them such a stand out?

Does it teach you how to program guitar parts in your midi editor at the same time or something? I'm definitely in if that's the case. I find guitar parts a nightmare to program, both rythm and lead.

Caleb

[Kim Lajoie]

Studio Drums is my first priority.

Ecclectic might come later as I could really use some brush kits.

The Eclectic Drums Capsule doesn't have brush kits. It's full of weird electronic and experimental drums and percussion.

On the upside, I think the Studio Drums Capsule has a few brush kits. I'm not 100% sure though.

Forever,




Kim.

[Caleb]

The Eclectic Drums Capsule doesn't have brush kits. It's full of weird electronic and experimental drums and percussion.

Perhaps but I'm just getting my info from the maestro.

Eclectic Drums- how is it eclectic? It's got a wide variety of different flavored drum kits. There is less focus on acoustic realism though and more variance in produced/processed kits, electronic kits, big slamming room kits, brush kits, wacked out fx kits... eclectic because it is a very diverse drum kit collection

Caleb

[Kim Lajoie]

Perhaps but I'm just getting my info from the maestro.

Thanks for that. My mistake.

Forever,




Kim.

[Arglebargle]

Symphony Strings looks pretty cool. I'm new to composing and I haven't really settled on a genre (maybe that's a good thing!). I have an extensive background in classical music, and I'd love to be able to compose a soundtrack-type piece or something, but I lack the skill.

Still, it seems to be a good deal for the price. I mean, that Vienna symphony library is what, like 5 grand or something? Yikes.

[Squids]

Vienna really is fantastic. I have it. But, you're right. It's not cheap. Also, it takes up a lot of hard drive space for some things that you may never use (such as every glissando step from one note to the next... but FIXED timing so...).

With Symphony Strings v2.0 we used the Stretch engine so actually you can do glissandos at ANY speed and you don't have to learn any funky keyswitching technique to do it. Just mess around with the pitch bender, pitch envelope or portamento. Then the low price just gives it unbeatable value.

I think what we're going to do regarding new Expansion Tanks and new Sonik Capsules is make a "Solo Strings" Expansion Tank to go along with the "Symphony Strings" Expansion Tank title (which is only ensembles btw). Then for the universal format Capsule line we could do just a straight up "Strings Capsule" that had both Ensemble and Solo Strings in one HOWEVER (like we did with the guitar capsules) it could containt DIFFERENT material than the Expansion Tanks so that users of Symphony Strings and/or Solo Strings ETs can get the Strings Capsule as a sort of SEQUEL for getting MORE SR string sounds. I have a lot of great ensemble strings that haven't even been released yet that I'd people to be able to have for their music. They're not done yet though but we may have them in not too long.

The other Expansion Tank we're working on is a Horn Section title. It's for pop and classical but mostly pop... kind of like a mini Chicago/EWF library. Not licks though, all playable stuff. The reason I mention it is because I am taking requests because I want to make you guys happy. So, is there something in a Solo Strings or a Horn Section library that you really want for your SampleTank? If so, let us know and we can see if we can include it.

[Caleb]

So, is there something in a Solo Strings or a Horn Section library that you really want for your SampleTank? If so, let us know and we can see if we can include it.

Everything and then some more.
If your solo strings is going to have the full gammut, I'm there.

Folk-style fiddles
Violas
Cellos
Violins
Double-Basses

All utilising STRETCH of course for maximum playability.

And I'm in like Flynn!

With the horns - you name it - I want it.

Trombones, Tubas, trumpets (muted and otherwise), cornets, baritones, eb horns, french horns, euphoniums, bugles is there a horn I don't want?

Solos and ensembles that are well looped and smooth and ready to put in any brassy number I choose.

Again - in like Flynn with a cherry on top!

So do you think it will be ready by tomorrow?

Just call me Veruca.

And after all that put me down for the Strings Capsule too.

Caleb

[kfraser]

In a horn tank, I'd love to see a good sax section, alto, tenor and particularily a good baritone sax.

[Squids]

Daddy I want an Oompaloompa NOW!

Yeah, those are good suggestions guys. We have some of that stuff on there. It's a bit more toward the pop side of things though. Some nice mutes in there (miles ).

[Caleb]

It's a bit more toward the pop side of things though. Some nice mutes in there (miles ).

You know you'll keep saying that and I'll keep hoping that I can force them into a classical setting.

When will I ever learn?



Caleb

[Squids]

We're also working on classical brass though but in a separate produc that may not be out as quickly as the horns... or it may! You never know! Of course when it is closer I will tell you guys officially but in the meantime I noticed that Pricer had a few comments about wanting "Low Horns". I don't know if he means Euphoniums, Tubas and French Horns or if he means Baritone Saxes or what. But, again, if you guys have any requests for brass please let us know that's all. There are also a couple of other brass surprises for ST2 that may be coming in collaboration with another developer.

[Caleb]

For some reason I always place saxophones with the woodwinds in my mind. Maybe it's because they are reed instruments along with bassoons, clarinet and oboes.

What's their official status - woodwinds or brass?

Caleb