Hardware or Software sampling?

[Sascha Franck]

I'm wondering why using the filter made so much more of a difference on the G5 than on my Macbook. Perhaps it's again optimized even more for the IntelMacs.

However, assuming I've got sufficient RAM amounts and the appropriate sample libraries, I' sure I could write a really large orchestral arrangement on the Macbook only, with quite some power for post processing left.

Btw, jupiter8, while I will agree that an AMD *should* be a good deal faster, there's no sampler being as optimized as the EXS to run with it. In my experience, Kontakt is using up quite some more CPU cycles on all recent Macs. And (see my test results) the EXS has been greatly optimized at the same time.

Modern Windows machines however should be capable to run more disk-streaming stuff than whatever Mac. Audio performance on all of the latter still seems to be rather mediocre (way better than pre-Intel, but still lousy, compared to any halfway properly configured PC). That's also why getting all possible amounts of RAM seems to be a good idea on Macs (too bad my Macbook only supports up to 2GB).

[MotorMind]

pfff.. hardware.. X-( pfff..

software is much more convenient - i bought a boss sp505 - never used it..

I use my SP505 a lot. Most of my tracks have the Boss SP505 in them in some fashion or the other. I love chopping up samples and then fiddling with he quaint micro-editing sequencer to get all kinds of quirky rhythms. The fact that it often messes up the chopping part only adds to the fun. You can often find me sitting on the couch in the dark, making all those pad-lights make groovy patterns! Who needs drugs when you have that

I do need to empty it after every song, since the internal memory is wack. I lately ordered an Akai MPC-1000 which is hopefully at least as much fun, but I doubt I will give the ol' SP505 a rest soon. It just has that sound that I love - gritty and lo-fi, without being obviously so.

Could I do the same stuff with software samplers? Of course. Would it be as much fun? I doubt it... at least for me it wouldn't.

[cooldrums456]

Hello,

I am looking into establishing a sampling system for my music composition. Debating whether to go with an Akai S6000 or stick with a software sampler.

I will be using a sampler for triggering all sorts of sounds for an ambient world music style. I don't need hard disk streaming for using super large orchestral libraries. Many of the samples will be self created and manipulated in a variety of creative ways.

So really the question is this: Has software sampling been reliable enough to use without too many hang-ups or should I look into an Akai S6000 that has a proven reliable OS?

I just see so many issues with every upgrade in the software world that it appears that tools such as Kontakt and Gigastudio are more of a headache than a reliable tool.
Upgrade your sequencer, then your sampler version X has problems. Upgrade sampler x and then it doesn't run on your current sequencer version x.


Here is my DAW computer system:
Cubase SX 3
Asus A8V Deluxe with AMD X2 dual core chip
2GB Corsair RAM
RME Digiface Hammerfall sound card

Thanks and look forward to your interesting experiences!

Considering you will be creating your own samples, I would suggest the hardware route.

Cheers.