KVR Audio

EnGee · Post by **EnGee** » Thu Mar 24, 2016 11:30 pm

T-CM11 wrote:
EnGee wrote: Not exactly! It is a VSTi/Standalone Rompler that has many presets, but the presets can be edited fully if you have the specific instruments the presets belong to.
Analog Lab is not a rompler, it uses the synth engines of the Arturia plugins - and not fixed samples (=rompler).
It's a preset plugin with limited editability.

Yes, you are right. It is not a rompler, although for me, it has the same function as a rompler. It is based on synths engines and not on samples, that when you change the type of a preset, it loads that engine (some delay and lag occurs unfortunately). Anyway, it is like a collection of Arturia's synths presets. Some presets are very good ones. I don't use it a lot really, but there are tabs for Multi mode (layer/split) and Live mode. It is really better to demo it as it is not for everyone taste.

keyman_sam · Post by **keyman_sam** » Thu Mar 24, 2016 11:53 pm

The reality is there's really no alternative to a workstation from the big 3. Anyone who's owned a workstation can tell you that. You can get great sounds out of a lot of these VST synths, but as a package/UI/usability you're stuck with buying a workstation.

There's nothing in the software world that lets you audition and load sounds as quick as you can in hardware, and the hardware sounds are actually pretty hi quality. As a WHOLE package the workstation can't be beat.

All that being said, I prefer the VSTs with the compromise on loading times/user interaction,etc. I got rid of all but my trusty old Fantom S and I'm not looking back.

JonSolo · Post by **JonSolo** » Fri Mar 25, 2016 1:08 am

Look I own a Korg Kronos so I win and you all should just shuddup.

Fleer · Post by **Fleer** » Fri Mar 25, 2016 3:56 am

thejonsolo wrote:Look I own a Korg Kronos so I win and you all should just shuddup.

X

jdoo · Post by **jdoo** » Fri Mar 25, 2016 3:56 am

"This all aimed for live use. Quick loading, low cpu."

For live, on stage ease of use - it's hard to beat a workstation. Hauling a laptop to gigs, dinking around with securing it, being prepared for system crashes (which arent a matter of if... but when), etc. It's the unspoken word about soft synths. They just are not on the same playing field, if you're playing clubs, parties, small venues. So ease of use? Hardware. Get an Integra-7 and plug it into an Axiom Pro. Boom -- Instant live performer. Want a simpler package? Pick up a FA-06 and be done. 8 second boot times.. 2000 patches, a rompler, and real synth built-in.

That said... I had a lot of success with MainStage, keyboard controllers and a Macbook over the past few years. On OSX - you can't beat MainStage IMO.. when you count in the included synths. Adding to that though -- UVI Falcon, and the u-he soft synths are incredible. For the PC? Back to... it will be flakey.. prone to freezing up at the wrong time.

Live use with PC/ Soft Synths can be a challenge. Doable... but have a backup ready.

godly · Post by **godly** » Fri Mar 25, 2016 9:00 am

jdoo wrote:"This all aimed for live use. Quick loading, low cpu."

For live, on stage ease of use - it's hard to beat a workstation. Hauling a laptop to gigs, dinking around with securing it, being prepared for system crashes (which arent a matter of if... but when), etc. It's the unspoken word about soft synths. They just are not on the same playing field, if you're playing clubs, parties, small venues. So ease of use? Hardware. Get an Integra-7 and plug it into an Axiom Pro. Boom -- Instant live performer. Want a simpler package? Pick up a FA-06 and be done. 8 second boot times.. 2000 patches, a rompler, and real synth built-in.

That said... I had a lot of success with MainStage, keyboard controllers and a Macbook over the past few years. On OSX - you can't beat MainStage IMO.. when you count in the included synths. Adding to that though -- UVI Falcon, and the u-he soft synths are incredible. For the PC? Back to... it will be flakey.. prone to freezing up at the wrong time. Live use with PC/ Soft Synths can be a challenge. Doable... but have a backup ready.

Intresting points.
I'm for over 3 years on stage now with softsynths on PC.
Mainly Synth1, I love it. Reaper. And some extra rompler vst such as Purity. But would love so more sound spectrum.

What I love about soft synths:

I can create sounds on any pc at home and sync it with my live pc.
Presets are reusable: I've been creating sounds for over 20 yrs now and so tired that everytime I have to say goodbye to a beloved hard synth, I have to give my patch heritage with it. And can start over all again. Frustrating and painful.
Lightweight and portable
Only need a 3kg usb keyboard and love it that I can switch keyboards on the fly !
I can have additional software such as DMX controllers for lights, smoke,..., showing video, running a decent sequencer DAW
It all makes more sense when I show some pictures

http://www.thexperience.be

And NO I'M NOT GAY BECAUSE I USE A KEYTAR !!!! WHAHAHAHAHAHA

And that's about it what I don't like about hardsynths. Mainly also that they weigh so heavy.
20+ kilo pffffffffffff Car in car out, Stage on stage off. I don't have roadies (yet) LOL.
I've been using racks also, have a big Gator case on wheels. Trust me it's a titans work everytime.
I own a Nord Stage2 now, I love it because it has great key action, many controllers, and very lightweight. Nothing can beat that (I don't understand why no Synth builder sees that?)
I even have all my stuff in 1 softbag !!! (nord stage2 + graphite49 + pc + soundcard + pedals = 1 bag)

But true, hard synths are very reliable. And fast (but my alienware W10 boots at 4 sec

)
I already had some soft and pc issues on stage. (last week it started with a boot error screen yyyaaaajjkkssss)

It stays a though decision for me.

I'd love to have a Mainstage clone !!! All the other VST hosts are not ok in my opinion.
Please IK media, create this for the PC crowd. We urgently need it, check the many demands all over google!)
IK media: I tried Sampletank, but got to many preset problems and not finding the library, so I gave up. Seems decent sounds dough... But price a bit high for me.

PS: yes I edited the first post. I'm talking about a modern rompler with nice layers and soundscapes. For example Kronos. Can be Roland or Yamaha also as example...

bedjka · Post by **bedjka** » Fri Mar 25, 2016 10:42 am

"Hypersonic 2" would be the fastest to load, you should try it (no demos available anywhere) to see if it sounds good enough for you.

Otherwise if you have a powerfull enough pc, Xpand 2 is the best
option.
Plenty of demos in this case,
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=P ... WcVih6wrGg

jdoo · Post by **jdoo** » Fri Mar 25, 2016 12:29 pm

You are already hauling both a hardware and software synth (along with your PC), so you're aware of the PITA a PC can be. Interesting pics! Almost looks like you are playing with an orchestra some of the time, and with a Rock band at other times. Koolio.

You're basic question then seems to be... what PC-based software synths would folks recommend, as you want to disconnect and leave your Nord Stage 2 behind? My two cents... add UVI Falcon, Korg Legacy, u-he zebra, which would cover most all the bases. If the weight of your Nord is the problem, you might still consider trading it for something lighter, or a rack mounted (Integra which was mentioned before) addition to your current setup.

godly wrote:....

And that's about it what I don't like about hardsynths. Mainly also that they weigh so heavy.
20+ kilo pffffffffffff Car in car out, Stage on stage off. I don't have roadies (yet) LOL.
I've been using racks also, have a big Gator case on wheels. Trust me it's a titans work everytime.
I own a Nord Stage2 now, I love it because it has great key action, many controllers, and very lightweight. Nothing can beat that (I don't understand why no Synth builder sees that?)
I even have all my stuff in 1 softbag !!! (nord stage2 + graphite49 + pc + soundcard + pedals = 1 bag)

But true, hard synths are very reliable. And fast (but my alienware W10 boots at 4 sec )
I already had some soft and pc issues on stage. (last week it started with a boot error screen yyyaaaajjkkssss)

It stays a though decision for me.

I'd love to have a Mainstage clone !!! All the other VST hosts are not ok in my opinion.
Please IK media, create this for the PC crowd. We urgently need it, check the many demands all over google!)
IK media: I tried Sampletank, but got to many preset problems and not finding the library, so I gave up. Seems decent sounds dough... But price a bit high for me.
...

fluffy_little_something · Fri Mar 25, 2016 4:51 pm

Damn, just wasted 1.3 GB of my monthly traffic only to find out Xpand2 requires installing the Pace protection software, I have read so many negative things about

At least it asked during installation if I wanted to install it, so I said no and the installation was aborted...

chilly7 · Post by **chilly7** » Fri Mar 25, 2016 7:25 pm

I am not aware of any singel plugin can do awry thing what hardwear so called warcstation can do but because of modularity of computer nature you can creat by your self what you want and exclude what you do not want unlike in hardwear synth where ususly awrything preselected for you and you cannot change.

If you have 12 core Mac Pro and good and big monitor.
And nice midi controller.
And MSB select DAC.
And good studio monitors with subwoofer or headphones like Sennheizers HD 800S or STAX SR 009 or Senheizers He 1.

Star with DAW.

Then see what instruments you want.
Then see what effects you want.

And so on.

P.s. Because usualy all in 1 things are not the best.

cocoazenith · Post by **cocoazenith** » Wed Apr 06, 2016 12:08 pm

IMHO UVI Workstation with some expansions would do the trick or
a good laptop with SSD, Kontakt 5 and some expansions for that.

Or you could get something like Fantom/Motif rack. They weigh as much as a laptop...

evilantal · Post by **evilantal** » Wed Apr 06, 2016 12:33 pm

godly wrote:I'd love to have a Mainstage clone !!! All the other VST hosts are not ok in my opinion.

Check out brainspawn forte if you haven't already.
'Been gigging with it in a rockband context since 2006 and it's been rock solid and flexible.

godly · Post by **godly** » Wed Apr 06, 2016 12:47 pm

evilantal wrote:
godly wrote:I'd love to have a Mainstage clone !!! All the other VST hosts are not ok in my opinion.
Check out brainspawn forte if you haven't already.
'Been gigging with it in a rockband context since 2006 and it's been rock solid and flexible.

forte is by far not a mainstage clone

godly · Post by **godly** » Wed Oct 19, 2016 12:01 pm

keyman_sam wrote:The reality is there's really no alternative to a workstation from the big 3. Anyone who's owned a workstation can tell you that. You can get great sounds out of a lot of these VST synths, but as a package/UI/usability you're stuck with buying a workstation.

There's nothing in the software world that lets you audition and load sounds as quick as you can in hardware, and the hardware sounds are actually pretty hi quality. As a WHOLE package the workstation can't be beat.

All that being said, I prefer the VSTs with the compromise on loading times/user interaction,etc. I got rid of all but my trusty old Fantom S and I'm not looking back.

Hey Keyman,
What combination are you using on stage?
Are you on PC?

I've been working with Intone and cantabile. But now I'm back on reaper even as workstation setup.
It works, I love reaper, but it's not flawless.
I wish there was some Mainstage software for PC.

godly · Post by **godly** » Thu Nov 03, 2016 10:18 pm

Hm, I've tried Nexus 2,
It's not bad but it's only a rompler without much synth functionality.
Is there some affordable hybrid that has synth and rompler functions?
I see UVI falcon is also very nice. Does it have a huge library?

Best VST alternative to a Workstation synth?